“Been a Long 77 Days”: Aaron Rodgers Gets Real on NY Jets Return, Posts Picture

There has been a breakthrough at the Jets camp recently. After a long 77 days, Aaron Rodgers is back on the field once again. The Jets’ QB is at the very end of the recovery process following his Achilles surgery, exceeding all expectations. And he took part in his first practice session since the surgery. Rodgers even posted a picture of himself watching the team’s practice on Thursday.

No QB in NFL history has returned to play before the 5-month mark. But Rodgers is just over 2.5 months from his surgery and has been teasing his year-end comeback for a long time. But will that happen in the end? Head coach Robert Saleh has the answer.

Moment of the season: Aaron Rodgers begins practice

Rodgers has broken the best-case time scenario for an Achilles tendon repair. According to medical journals, the fastest a person can expect to walk is in about three months or 12 weeks. But Rodgers was back with the team within 10 weeks. With a first-level clearance from the doctors, he also participated in light practice. The 4x NFL MVP took part in dropbacks, QB drills, and even jogged around in between practices. Although, the team didn’t include the QB for 11-on-11 drills.

Amid everything, the QB took time to get a picture of himself in a red quarterback jersey. He posted it on his Instagram story with a caption: “Been a long 77 days. Good to be back on the field with the guys.” The Jets have reposted a screenshot of the story in their X (formerly, Twitter) handle.

But before anyone gets too excited over the news, Robert Saleh has a reality check. There’s a clock that’s been ticking backward, and both parties need to come to a mutual decision before time runs out.

Robert Saleh spills the beans on A-Rod comeback saga

Following the practice session, HC Robert Saleh shared an update on the QB’s return. According to him, the team is still “so far away” from making the ultimate decision. He lauded Rodgers’ fitness for the improbably quick recovery but also revealed that a squad inclusion wasn’t happening anytime soon. According to him, the veteran was only cleared for “functional football activity“, and not for physical/contact drills. It was just “a progression in his rehab” in Saleh’s eyes.

And there isn’t a lot of time either. According to the NFL rules, the Jets only have time till December 20 to decide Rodgers’ future. Crossing that will sideline Rodgers for the rest of the season by default. Interestingly, that is exactly 4 days before the Commanders match, the fixture Rodgers has been eyeing for some time.

Read More: Injury Sparks Inquiry: Aaron Rodgers’ Spooky Fast Achilles Recovery Shines Light on His Unconventional Medical Preferences

Doctors’ current clearance only allows Rodgers to go through a selected set of practices, which will intensify with every passing week. But will it reach the absolute within the next 20 days to clear the all-time great for the year’s last game? Only the QB and his doctors can find out the answer. As fans, the best we can do is hope.

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