Fact or Fiction: Aaron Rodgers Will Play Again This Season
The hope is growing, even if only slightly.
New York Jets' quarterback Aaron Rodgers ruptured his Achilles tendon in Week 1, and he has yet to rule out the idea of playing again this season. In fact, his consistently positive talk has Jets' fans dreaming of a return in time for the NFL Playoffs.
Not only is it improbable, but such a quick recovery would be an historic event. Only running back Cam Akers was able to return within fewer than six months of suffering an Achilles tear.
With the hope of replicating Akers's achievement, and reducing recovery time, Rodgers underwent the same surgical procedure only two days after suffering the injury.
One month removed from surgery, Rodgers attended the Jets' Week 6 win over Philadelphia and was not using crutches during his latest MetLife Stadium visit. Further fanning the flames of a potential quicker-than-usual comeback, the injured field general participated in a pregame catch on the turf.
Although it's far from a Broadway Joe-style guarantee, here are three reasons why Rodgers could shock us all and play again this season.
Surgical Advances
Dr. Neal ElAttrache is an industry leader that has operated on the likes of both Rodgers and the late Kobe Bryant. The Los Angeles-based surgeon reportedly equipped the 39-year-old quarterback's Achilles with a "speed bridge."
"Dr. Neal ElAttrache did kind of a newer, innovative surgery," said Rodgers during an October 17 appearance on The Pat McAfee Show. "I asked him if we could push it. If we could push it beyond the normal protocols. Cam Akers had the same surgery. He was able to come back in about five months."
Rodgers has seemed focused on finding ways to speed up the recovery process from the start.
"I've wanted to do things quicker, and smart, but quicker," said the Super Bowl XLV MVP.
Thus far, the situation appears to be unfolding to Rodgers's liking.
"Obviously, we're ahead of schedule. There's a lot of factors to that. There's the way I've attacked the rehab. There's the surgery that Dr. ElAttrache did. Kind of around-the-clock approach that I've had," said Rodgers.
Willpower
Checking in with McAfee only two days after surgery, Rodgers pushed all his chips into the center of the table.
"I think what I'd like to say is give me the doubts, give me the timetables, give me all the things that you think can, should or will happen because all I need is that one little extra percent of inspiration. Give me your doubts, give me your prognostications and then watch what I do," said Rodgers.
One month later, Rodgers is rolling through rehab with something to prove.
"Aaron is definitely one of those individuals that is fueled by doubt. If you doubt him, it only makes him stronger because he has this, ‘Oh, you are telling me I can’t do something? Then I am going to show you I can," said Jets' head coach Robert Saleh on Monday. "He is going to prove you wrong. He has a tremendous drive and a tremendous mindset to him. I think he gets stronger with doubters when people doubt him."
Two days after the Jets evened their record at 3-3 heading into a bye week, Rodgers re-iterated his commitment to the rehab process.
"I believe in the power of intention. I believe in the power of your mind, willpower. This entire time, I've kind of said this is what I'd like to do rehab-wise," said Rodgers.
If there's a will, maybe there's a way.
Freakazoid Behavior
The Jets want Rodgers around, and the quarterback has already progressed to the point where he can be physically present on gameday.
"It’s always good having him around," said quarterback Zach Wilson, who has become a Rodgers protégé of sorts.
Rodgers's willingness to mentor Wilson and his rehab approach aren't exactly standard practice around the NFL.
"Just so people understand, when a player goes on IR, most of the time they are kind of off on their own. Usually, the older they are with regards to their time in the League, they’re more liberal in terms of going out there and getting the rehab they feel like they need, because they know their bodies better than anybody," said Saleh.
"His superpower is his presence. Him being around this building, being around his teammates, being around the locker room, his positive attitude, his thoughts of manifestation and all of that, I think it is powerful. So obviously, as a coach, I selfishly want him here every single day."
Following the aforementioned October 15 pregame festivities, Rodgers wore a headset while remaining on the sideline for the duration of the victory.
"For him to be on the sideline standing the entire time, he’s a freakazoid," said Saleh.
The freakazoid's return to the sideline was certainly a milestone on the road to recovery.
"There's markers. You saw me walk without crutches and throw on the field. Another marker is gonna be jogging. Then, another marker is going through a pregame workout, probably, and get on the practice field. All these are gonna take time," said Rodgers.
By the time Rodgers is ready, the Jets may be playing for something. Just the idea of a potential early return can only have a positive effect of the team's collective mindset.
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