Aaron Rodgers officially returns to practice, listed as limited on Wednesday’s report

Aaron Rodgers is officially back at practice. What seemed impossible after the season opener is now a reality. Rodgers stepped foot on the practice field throwing a football for the first time since tearing his Achilles on September 11, just 79 days ago, a timeline that is unprecedented for this type of injury.

The Jets opened the 21-day practice window Wednesday to activate Rodgers from injured reserve. Rodgers was listed as a limited participant in practice. He is going to be extremely limited in practice to minimize the injury risk. Rodgers has yet to be cleared for contact.

Just seeing him on the practice field is an incredible accomplishment. Whether or not he actually plays in a game again this season remains to be seen. Opening the practice window doesn’t necessarily guarantee Rodgers will play again. The Jets will take the window and make a decision at the end whether Rodgers will be activated. The Jets have until December 20 to move Rodgers back to the 53-man roster or he will remain on injured reserve for the rest of the season.

If Rodgers does return to game action, the earliest would likely be December 24 against the Washington Commanders. The Jets have two games following Washington: December 28 at Cleveland and January 7 at New England.

Time will tell what Rodgers’ future in 2023 will bring. Regardless, it has been a remarkable recovery. This is just the latest step in his rehab, a step many never thought possible.

.@AaronRodgers12 spinnin’ it pic.twitter.com/kyu00tUIis

— New York Jets (@nyjets) November 29, 2023

In addition to Rodgers, the Jets also saw offensive tackle Mekhi Becton, cornerback Michael Carter II, offensive lineman Wes Schweitzer and special-teams ace Justin Hardee return to practice. Becton missed Week 12 against the Miami Dolphins with an ankle injury, Carter has missed the last two games with a hamstring injury and Schweizter (calf) and Hardee (hamstring) were on injured and had their respective practice windows also opened. All were limited Wednesday.

A pair of running backs appeared on Wednesday’s report. Israel Abanikanda missed practice with an illenss while Breece Hall was limited with a hamstring injury. Hall will be someone to monitor throughout the week.

Will McDonald (shoulder) and Billy Turner (finger) were limited Wednesday; Sam Eguavoen (hip) and Kenny Yeboah (hamstring) were full participants. Yeboah remains on injured reserve. The Jets have until December 6 to activate him.

#Jets injury report: Aaron Rodgers, whose 21-day window opened today, officially listed as a “limited” participant. Remarkable that he’s now appearing on practice reports. The other news: Breece Hall shows up with a hamstring injury. Justin Hardee and Wes Schweitzer also had… pic.twitter.com/fwe8rxVXr6

— Rich Cimini (@RichCimini) November 29, 2023