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The playoff doors of this season have closed for the New York Jets. However, the doors for Aaron Rodgers’ comeback haven’t. A few days ago, coach Robert Saleh abruptly refused to speak on A-Rod’s welcoming date, but now he is back with a clear plan.

In an interview this week, Aaron Rodgers informed that he will be returning but in the next season, after his Achilles surgery. Furthermore, he also pointed out some major factors that need to be addressed to make his 100% healthy comeback, showing his willingness to play in his 40s. Soon after this, coach Saleh responded by unveiling his thoughts on Rodgers’ situation.

Robert Saleh wants Aaron Rodgers to prepare well

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In the latest Jets’ press conference before Friday’s practice, coach Robert Saleh talked about his preparation, plans, and the comeback of Aaron Rodgers. The Jets are set to face the Washington Commanders on Sunday, December 24, at MetLife Stadium. This is the same game where Rodgers initially hinted at coming back to play. However, as the days passed, a clearer picture of the four-time MVP emerged, indicating he won’t be returning this year. Nevertheless, he provided a recent update about hoping to play for more years in the league in the future.

Amidst these scenes, when coach Saleh was asked about the QB not coming back, his willingness to play for the Jets for more years, the team’s excitement with the news, and Garrett Wilson’s return in his prime, the 44-year-old responded, “For everyone, Aaron obviously is a special talent. It’s the reason why he already got a gold jacket and a bus waiting for him in Canton.”

He continued emphasizing the strong connection between Rodgers and the team, highlighting the hard work they put in during offseason activities and training camp to develop their offensive strategy. He mentioned a positive glimpse of Wilson and Rodgers’ connection during a pregame season against the Giants.

Read more: Enigmatic Aaron Rodgers Reveals 4 More Processes to Speed Up Jets Return Following Achilles Tear Incident

Saleh expressed his excitement about having Rodgers back and acknowledged the need to protect him better on the field to ensure the team’s success. Saleh said, “We’ve got to do a better job of finding a way to make sure that he stays upright and if we can do that. We’re going to be a special group.

But why can’t Rodgers come back this time, especially when videos of his practice session keep surprising fans?

These are the reasons why Aaron Rodgers can’t come back this time!

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As Mark Schlereth stated, the news of Aaron Rodgers’ comeback is a farce, and not possible at this time, especially from a management perspective. Recovery from an Achilles injury requires a significant amount of time, even though Rodgers has used a speed bridge to accelerate his rehab. In a Tuesday episode of the Pat McAfee show, the star QB mentioned that he is not currently 100% healthy and still needs a few weeks to reach that full percentage, pending approval from the medical team.

USA Today via Reuters

Furthermore, he informed that he “has been participating in individual and 7-on-7 drills while also taking snaps from under center and jogging, but hasn’t yet done 11-on-11 team drills.” He also mentioned the need to “converse and work out with team reps, evaluate how his body responds, track his body movements, and make a personal and team call.” Besides this, as the Jets are now out of playoff contention, there is no point for him to come back for the rest of the games and injure himself further.

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Therefore, Rodgers has finally decided to make the 2024 season his return time, as he could see “a bright future ahead of him.”

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