The NFL season’s biggest injury update was already out in the first-week match between the Jets and the Bills when Aaron Rodgers tore his Achilles tendon. The injury needed immediate surgery, and the rehab requirements pushed him out of the 2023 season – or at least that’s what was thought to be the case. Rodgers’ recent antics are indicating things differently, as the quarterback has both voiced and penned down his comeback thoughts on two respective days.

Rodgers was present in California during Saturday’s Breeder’s Cup and an NBCS Sports reporter got a chance to interview him. The New York Jets QB talked about one thing being instrumental in his recovery process. But most importantly, he teased a potential comeback idea on a particular match day.

Can we expect Aaron Rodgers back on the field this year?

Rodgers was decked up in a maroon suit and black goggles, relaxing and cheering for his favorite rider. After a few questions regarding the Breeder’s Cup and his bets, the reporter asked A-Rod about the possibility of him making a comeback this year. Rodgers gave a clear signal about his current health.

“I’m feeling good, I do rehab every single day. This is part of my rehab, walking down to the betting window over here to grab some food or drink, which my trainers will be happy with that. I’m trying to put my leg up as much as I can. I’ve got my dad’s shoes on, my rockers, so I can walk without any pain”, Rodgers revealed that his dad’s shoes have been helping him walk without any pain.

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Rodgers then said he wanted to be back by the year-end, “But it’s a process. Step by step, day by day. There’s some great days, some rough days. But the goal for me is to come back this year. It’s got to be, otherwise, I think it’d be a lot of rehab and pain. We’ll see what happens.” However, this was not the first time he hinted at his coveted comeback. The day before, he seemingly marked his calendar for a certain match and shared two photos of it.

Is this the date Rodgers comes back?

On November 3, Rodgers uploaded a photo of a wrist watch which was captured on the 28th day of the month. He circled the date as well as the number 12 on the dial. Interestingly, he also shared a screenshot of the NFL Week 17’s schedule, particularly marking the ‘Thu, 12/28’ match between the Jets and the Browns.

Marking a random day on a watch and calendar the day before clarifying his plan to return by this year, it is probably not a random day after all. Rodgers potentially eyes the Jets’s last matchup of the year as his comeback game, to end the year on a high note.

But can the team prepare a favorable battleground for the Super Bowl XLV winner? The Jets are facing a rather disappointing 4-3 in the season and still have 8 more matches to play before reaching the Brown’s game. They have to win the majority – ideally, all – of these matches to have a chance in the playoffs, as the Dolphins and the Bills are already looking to cement their first and second spots in the AFC East. Rodgers, however, said he is proud of Zach Wilson and will count on him to carry the team through.

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