“There’s a Lot of Factors”: Resurgent Aaron Rodgers Lays Down the Markers for His Gridiron Comeback

Aaron Rodgers made football headlines when he crashed to the ground in the match against the Bills. And then he made headlines again with the speed of his recovery. However, even more heads were turned toward the legend when prior to the surprise win against the Philadelphia Eagles, Rodgers was seen on the field throwing the ball and walking without crutches. And now amid speculations concerning his full-blown return to the field, A-Rod has dropped another major update.

Will we see him before the playoffs? Or if Zach Wilson manages to carry his team through to the playoffs, will we see the 4x NFL MVP at play? On the latest episode of The Pat McAfee Show, A-Rod spilled the beans about his rehab process.

Aaron Rodgers lays down markers to track his progress

Tuesdays are really special for A-Rod fans and football fans, in general. That’s when we get to know about Rodgers’ recovery updates exclusively on Pat McAfee’s show. And while last week a video of him walking into the New York Jets locker room without crutches made news, it also increased the anticipation among the fans regarding this week’s update.

So, what did the Jets QB have to say about his recovery process? As always, he refused to put a timeline to his recovery but said that he was definitely ahead of schedule. “Obviously we’re ahead of schedule but there’s a lot of factors”, said A-Rod who is currently at rehab in California.

He also laid down certain markers that he had to cross before he returned fully to the gridiron. He has already ticked off the walking-without-crutches marker. Next on the list is jogging and then participating in a pre-game workout.

Read More: Shannon Sharpe Shares “Non-Contact” Concern as Millions of Fans Pray for Travis Kelce’s Speedy Recovery

The final makers would be increasing his single leg strength, being able to do heel raises and perform explosive movements. The footballer also mentioned how other factors like diet also play a crucial role in this recovery. Despite the lack of a definite answer for the recovery timeline, let us look at the possible return of Rodgers.

Will Aaron Rodgers be back before the playoffs?

NBA legend Kobe Bryant took 8 months to return to the hardwood court after he tore his Achilles in 2013. Another NBA player, Kevin Durant took 18 months. However, the fastest to recover from this injury is the Minnesota Vikings RB Cam Akers who took just 5 months to recover.

Considering the fact that Rodgers said, “We’re ahead of schedule”, if he keeps this pace, one might expect to see A-Rod on the field in February, just before the playoffs; given the team makes it into one.

A-Rod’s injury also reignited the turf wars and the allegations that artificial turfs increase the risk of injury to players. Two weeks ago, during the Vikings vs. Chiefs match, Chiefs TE Travis Kelce also hurt his ankle on the field due to a non-contact injury.

During the game against Jacksonville Jaguars, Buffalo Bills’ CB Taron Johnson also hurt his knee due to the artificial turf. Will the NFL finally listen to the demands of its players and take steps to ensure player safety? And what do you think of possible recovery of Aaron Rodgers? Share your views in the comments below!

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