The Jets are running it back with Aaron Rodgers, a decision that became clear as their 2023 season went off the rails without the four-time MVP.
Rolling into the season with a 40-year-old quarterback coming off a torn Achilles is a risk, but the Jets didn't come this far to let the Rodgers experiment fall by the wayside. Plus, their other options were limited.
Rather than starting over again, the Jets beefed up a broken offensive line in hopes of protecting Rodgers. Can the former Packers star now deliver on his promise to bring winning football to New York?
Here's a look back at Rodgers' recovery from his Achilles tear and how close he came to returning in 2023.
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Aaron Rodgers recovery timeline
Sept. 11 - Rodgers suffers torn Achilles
An offseason of hope for the Jets gave way to devastation in Week 1 last season when Rodgers tore his Achilles' heel just four snaps into a game against the Bills. Rodgers stood up after a sack by Leonard Floyd but quickly sat back down and appeared to know exactly what was wrong.
A torn Achilles was confirmed the following day, moving Zach Wilson back into the starting role for New York
Sept. 13 - Rodgers undergoes surgery, vows to keep playing
Rodgers underwent surgery quickly, and he did so by design. The Jets QB said in his first comments since the injury that he "shall rise again," a vow to continue his career despite being nearly 40, and he revealed the next day that he wasn't ruling himself out for the season just yet.
Nov. 19 - Report indicates Rodgers targeting Christmas Eve return
As Rodgers continued to give signals he was working toward a 2023 return, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported that Dec. 24 against the Commanders was the quarterback's target date for a return. A return, if possible at all, was contingent on the Jets remaining in playoff contention.
Nov. 29 - Rodgers cleared to return to practice
Rodgers was cleared to practice on Nov. 29, less than three months removed from the injury. While he didn't participate fully in practice, cameras captured Rodgers throwing the ball to teammates as he left the door open for a possible return.
Dec. 20 - Rodgers activated from IR despite no plans to play in 2023
Rodgers was activated from injured reserve on Dec. 20, but his hope of returning was gone by that point as the Jets faded from contention. Jets coach Robert Saleh said Rodgers was activated so he could continue practicing with the team ahead of 2024.
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May 20 - Rodgers participates in OTAs without restrictions
Rodgers made his full-time return to practice in May when OTAs kicked off for New York. He participated without restrictions and got through the offseason sessions unscathed.
Sept. 9 - Rodgers set to make his first appearance since injury
Rodgers was held out of the preseason as the Jets looked to protect him from injury, so the 40-year-old is set to make his first appearance on "Monday Night Football" against the 49ers. The matchup comes almost exactly one year after the injury that sent shockwaves throughout the NFL.
Floyd, who sacked Rodgers on the play that resulted in a torn Achilles, is now on the 49ers. Rodgers' return to the MetLife Stadium turf will come on "Thursday Night Football" against the Patriots in Week 3.
Aaron Rodgers injury history
Despite age and injury concerns entering 2024, Rodgers has been remarkably durable during his NFL career. His only notable injuries before last year's torn Achilles were a pair of broken collarbones, with the then-Packers star missing a chunk of the 2013 and 2017 seasons due to fractures.
Rodgers also missed a game in 2021 after testing positive for COVID-19, a result that sparked a memorable saga about his vaccination status.
Rodgers' track record of health might be one reason he was so quick to commit to continuing his career after the devastating Achilles tear. Sure, Rodgers is older than any other active quarterback, but his body doesn't appear to be broken down just yet.
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