- Rodgers torn Achilles in his fourth snap of the season.
- The Jets are 0-3 when Rodgers hasn’t played
- This is typically a season-ending injury.
New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers, post-Achilles surgery, is progressing faster than standard recovery timelines suggest, igniting hope for a possible comeback this season.
Rodgers Eyes Return In 2023
Aaron Rodgers, quarterback for the New York Jets, made headlines as he reported an accelerated recovery just three weeks after surgery for a torn Achilles tendon. With an optimistic outlook and bypassing the conventional six-week boot post-op, Rodgers transitioned to wearing regular shoes within 13 days. He attributes his rapid recovery to his strong mindset, consistent prayers, and unwavering belief in achieving the extraordinary. “There’s nothing normal about how I’m attacking this rehab,” Rodgers emphasized during his recent appearance on “The Pat McAfee Show.”
But it’s not just the Achilles injury Rodgers is combatting. He disclosed an additional challenge—a deltoid issue in his ankle, which necessitates an ankle brace. The origins of this secondary injury are not specified, but it’s believed to be connected to his Achilles setback.
Against odds, Rodgers made a surprising appearance at MetLife Stadium during a recent game against the Kansas City Chiefs. Seen moving briskly on crutches, his presence astounded many. He intends to further his rehab in California before permanently relocating to New Jersey post the Jets’ Week 7 bye. Rodgers, ever hopeful, commented on his return this season: “I’d like us to be alive and winning for that even being in the conversation.”
The standard recuperation time after such an injury usually extends between six to nine months. However, Rodgers is optimistic about a potential four to five-month recovery, hinting at a possible return by mid-January.
“I’m 39 years old, the oldest player in the league. A lot of people struggle to recover from this. Yet, I’ve been charting my own course, setting my own recovery standards,” Rodgers stated. His ambitious goal is to soon walk without crutches. The surgical technique employed—a minimally invasive SpeedBridge repair—permits him to initiate movement swiftly, aiming to redefine the standard recovery time associated with such injuries.
Rodgers also addressed the team’s recent challenges, emphasizing the vital importance of unity. His message to the Jets, especially after two consecutive losses, revolved around the significance of team solidarity. However, he expressed disappointment that details of his heartfelt speech leaked, underscoring the importance of discretion and tighter internal communication.
“We need to learn as an organization that some things should remain confidential. We need to tighten our ship,” Rodgers concluded.
Betting Implications
Seeing Rodgers return in 2023 from a torn Achilles would be nothing short of a medical miracle. He isn’t the only one to have suffered this injury; others include Ravens running back JK Dobbins, who also sustained the injury early in the 2023 campaign.
Undoubtedly, the injury has hindered the Jets’ championship aspirations. At one point, their odds to win the Super Bowl were as low as +1600, placing them among the top ten favorites. Now, BetMGM has them at +15000, which are the seventh-highest odds. If you believe that Rodgers can achieve the unprecedented and return from this injury, then those odds might appeal to you. However, it seems unlikely we’ll see him suit up in 2023.
