Jets' Aaron Rodgers marks Return to Practice Field

 It was a sight that not too many thought they would see this calendar year. Aaron Rodgers was back on the practice field in a practice jersey and helmet, having rejoined his teammates in practice for the first time in 79 days.

According to reports, Rodgers has been cleared for functional football activity, like throwing, but is not cleared yet for contact. It has been only 11 weeks since Rodgers tore his Achilles Tendon -- an injury that typically requires an athlete sit out an entire season.

Jets Head Coach Robert Saleh said there is no timetable for Rodgers return.

The Jets have 21 days to activate Rodgers should he clear all hurdles in this miraculous comeback.  If he is activated, it would likely line up with the Jets Christmas Eve match-up with the Washington Commanders, a date that Rodgers has publicly stated he would target.

Said Saleh: ""I think he's sacrificed so much already for the organization and himself and his teammates, and he's doing it again. I think it is a testament to who he is as a human."

Rodgers has been steadfast on trying to make some sort of comeback this season, praising the doctors for their work with a speed bridge that is in Rodger's right calf. However on Tuesday via the Pat McAfee show, Rodgers kinda put some cold water on the proceedings stating that his return would be based on two factors: his health, and the Jets playoff chances.

THE OUTLOOK:

The Jets are 4-7, and are on the cusp of being mathematically eliminated from playoff contention. Theoretically, they are already out of it having lost four straight games -- all in conference -- including divisional games to Buffalo and Miami the past two weeks.

As great of a story it would be, both sides can ill afford further injury or risk re-injuring the Achilles in advance of the 2024 season.