Aaron Rodgers wants to return, but the NY Jets likely won’t let him…
The NY Jets have until Wednesday to activate quarterback Aaron Rodgers from the injured reserve and add him to their 53-man roster. If he is not activated by Wednesday, Rodgers will revert to the season-ending IR and be declared out for the remainder of the year
Rodgers and the Jets have both made it clear that he only planned to return from his torn Achilles if the Jets were still alive in the playoff race. Following Sunday’s blowout loss to the Miami Dolphins, the Jets were officially eliminated from playoff contention
That should put to bed any thought of Rodgers potentially returning, right? Not so fast
Jets lead trainer Robert Saleh told columnists on Monday that Rodgers “needs to play” against the Washington Administrators on Christmas Eve. This was, obviously, the game that Rodgers had been focusing as a return date from the start.
Saleh’s words line up with a report from NFL Organization’s Ian Rapoport prior in the day. According to Rapoport, “several very high-ranking members of the Jets front office do not want Rodgers on the field,” despite the fact that Rodgers is expected to work hard to return.
Rodgers needs to play, however the Planes are pushing back.
It’s easy to understand the perspectives of both sides here. Rodgers is a competitor. He wants to complete his historic return and prove his doubters wrong. He wants the months of grueling rehab to have meant something.
As for the Jets, they see no reason to risk possible re-injury to their star quarterback. The entire 2024 season — and the future of this regime — is dependent on the health and performance of Rodgers. Why risk jeopardizing that?
Ultimately, the Jets have the final say on whether or not Rodgers returns. While Rodgers undoubtedly has plenty of influence in the team’s decision-making process, Rapoport’s report suggests the Jets are prepared to put their foot down in this situation.
Now, don’t be surprised if Rodgers is still activated to the 53-man roster. The Jets could always activate him and leave him as a game-day inactive for the remainder of the season. Perhaps that’s the compromise the two sides agree to.