NY Jets’ Aaron Rodgers targeting specific game for 2023 return

Even with the team’s playoff hopes slipping away, the NY Jets’ quarterback is still targeting a 2023 return.

Aaron Rodgers is reportedly aiming to return this season regardless of the New York Jets’ playoff chances.

According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the future Hall-of-Famer is aiming for a return on December 24 against the Washington Commanders and could begin practicing as soon as this week.

From @NFLGameDay: The Aaron Rodgers watch is on. pic.twitter.com/59uFtH4FQg

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 26, 2023

“There is a chance that Aaron Rodgers, still trying to recover from that torn Achilles, practices this week. That has been his hope. Jets coaches were unclear if it was actually going to happen. I would say more likely next week. But his return to practice, at least, is coming,” said Rapoport.

“As one source said, he just needs to bring us the doctor’s note; in other words, he needs to show that he is not doing damage to himself by being out there. If he can protect himself, he will practice and potentially will play.”

The NFL Network insider also said that “everyone is expected back” next season for the Jets, in reference to the coaching staff and front office. Rapoport adds that this means Rodgers’s return would give the “offense a jump on next season.”

The current situation surrounding Rodgers and the Jets is very interesting.

On one hand, it makes sense for why Rodgers would want to come back this season. The quarterback is seemingly dead set on proving the typical recovery timeline wrong. Furthermore, he may want to instill hope for 2024 by helping the offense finish the season strong.

However, Rodgers coming back in a meaningless season could be disastrous. With a depleted offensive line and limited weapons, Rodgers could be at risk of taking big hits while not being 100 percent. A reinjury could significantly affect the Jets’ 2024 season.

Considering the current circumstances surrounding the Jets, it would be wise for the team to shut down their quarterback. There is no actual benefit to risking Rodgers’s health for a team not in playoff contention, regardless of what Rodgers wants.

If the quarterback gets his way, though, the Jets are putting their hope for next season in dire straits. And if Rodgers gets hurt again, the organization will be in a situation that is far worse than anything they have dealt with this season.

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