The Jets may still find a returning Aaron Rodgers in their stockings in December — even if they remain out of playoff contention.
That did not originally appear to be the plan for the four-time MVP as he tries to hurry back from a torn Achilles tendon suffered four offensive plays into the Jets’ season opener.
But it may have changed, as Fox’s Jay Glazer reported Thursday that the 39-year-old Rodgers may try to play again this season no matter where the Jets sit in the standings.
“I was told originally, ‘Look if they are out of playoff contention then Aaron is probably not going to try and come back,’” Glazer said on Fox’s Thanksgiving pregame show. “Well, that changed this past week. I think Aaron, even if they’re out of it, still wants to show he was able to come back faster from that Achilles tear, faster than pretty much any quarterback ever.”
Rodgers said Tuesday during his appearance on “The Pat McAfee Show” that he’d “love to be trending towards practicing by my birthday,” which is Dec. 2.
If Rodgers is able to play again this season, it would be one of the more remarkable injury comebacks at three months — while also factoring in his age.
Running back Cam Akers has the quickest return from an Achilles tear, as he was back taking carries for the Rams five and a half months after the injury.
Whether Rodgers will have anything to play for should he return could come down to the Jets’ Black Friday game against the Dolphins.
Gang Green is 4-6, losers of three straight and in the midst of quarterback change.
Tim Boyle will start under center this week after the Jets benched Zach Wilson during the second half of Sunday’s 32-6 loss to the Bills in which they scored their first touchdown since beating the Giants on Oct. 29.
At best, Rodgers putting on a Jets uniform this season will give fans something to tune in for and potentially ease concerns for next season, even if the team is out of playoff contention.