Aaron Rodgers indicates he won’t play for Jets this season

New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who captivated the sports world for three months by attempting to come back from Achilles surgery faster than any other player in NFL history NFL, indicated Tuesday that he would not play again this season.

But Rodgers plans to play in 2024 and beyond.

An optimistic Rodgers, appearing on “The Pat McAfee Show,” said a return to action would have been “an absolute no-brainer” for a playoff game. But the Jets (5-9) were eliminated from the playoffs on Sunday, cementing Rodgers' decision.

“If I was 100 percent today, I would definitely push to play,” he said. “But the fact is, that’s not the case.”

Rodgers, who underwent surgery Sept. 13, said it was still “unrealistic to think that I would be 100 percent capable of being medically cleared at any point during the regular season.” But the four-time MVP was willing to play and take the risk if the Jets still had a chance in the playoffs.

Rodgers' 21-day practice window ends Wednesday. If the Jets don't activate him, that means the 40-year-old quarterback will remain on injured reserve for the final three weeks.

The only reason the Jets would activate Rodgers would be to allow him to continue practicing, but that seems unlikely as he would take up a spot on the 53-man roster.

If the Jets had kept their faint playoff hopes alive with a win Sunday against the Miami Dolphins, Rodgers said he would have tried 11-on-11 practice reps this week to test his surgically repaired Achilles tendon. Even then, he should have “checked all the boxes” before receiving medical clearance. His goal was to return for the Jets' game Sunday against the Washington Commanders.

“There is always a fear of rupture if we go too quickly,” he said on Tuesday. “But it allows me to…I'm not going to slow down my rehab. I'm going to continue to tackle it every day, but now, with no timetable to come back, obviously we can be as smart as we can.” need to be.”

The Jets have publicly refused to cast negative criticism on Rodgers' comeback attempt, as unlikely as it seems. Coach Robert Saleh said Monday that Rodgers “wants to play, let's not confuse that one.” Saleh also said the Jets wouldn't consider playing him unless Rodgers gets medical clearance.

Rodgers, perhaps knowing he would not be exonerated, essentially sat back.

As for the future, Rodgers confirmed he wants to play beyond 2024, something he strongly suggested during training camp. He said his plan is to play at least two seasons for the Jets, who acquired him in an April trade with the Green Bay Packers. His first season lasted just four games before the injury, which sent the Jets into a tailspin.

“I feel like this year is kind of a wasted year now that I've only played a few snaps and haven't been able to go out there and prove what I'm capable of and see what we're about capable as a team,” he said.

“I feel like I can play for years and be effective into my 40s, which is crazy. I thought I'd probably be sitting on the couch somewhere at 40, but now I want to be a starter at 40. I I want to be a starter at 41. I want to see what I can get out of this body.

Rodgers turned his weekly appearance with McAfee into a pep talk for the organization and its frustrated fan base, outlining a positive outlook for 2024. He praised Saleh, general manager Joe Douglas and offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett, all of whom are under fire. because of the team's difficulties. It was their eighth consecutive losing season and 13th consecutive year out of the playoffs.

Rodgers wields considerable influence within the organization, so his endorsements will carry weight with owner Woody Johnson.

“I believe in the leadership we have here,” Rodgers said. “I believe in our guys. I think it's not a situation where we have to rebuild. We have to reload a little bit, and there will definitely be some tough decisions, but I like the pieces we have in place. “

Rodgers praised Douglas for “great drafts and a great roster.” He called Saleh a “fantastic coach”, noting that injuries played a role in the disappointing year. Rodgers said he believed in Hackett despite a historically bad year on offense.

“I think the offense he runs is quarterback-friendly,” Rodgers said. “Obviously it was focused on me, my abilities and what I do well.”