The Green Bay Packers traded Aaron Rodgers to the New York Jets, ushering in a new era for both teams. The Packers were moving forward with a young roster led by Jordan Love, their first-round pick in 2020. The Jets, on the other hand, added several of Rodgers’ friends to their roster to supplement their young core of players.
The trade included a first-round pick swap in the 2023 NFL Draft, a second-round pick in 2023, and a conditional second-round pick in 2024. If Rodgers plays 65% of the Jets’ offensive snaps this season, the conditional second-round pick will be upgraded to a first-round pick.
Rodgers’ season, of course, lasted only four offensive snaps. Rodgers tore his Achilles tendon in New York’s first game against the Buffalo Bills, effectively ending his 2023 NFL season.
Aaron Rodgers could return to the New York Jets this season.
Did it, or didn’t it? Rodgers has been adamant about his ability to return this season, though he backed off a little this week, saying it would depend on the Jets’ playoff chances. They are currently 4-7 and have benched Zach Wilson in favor of Tim Boyle.
In other words, even if Rodgers is physically capable of returning, he is unlikely to do so. To begin with, no player has ever recovered from a torn Achilles so quickly. Second, if the Jets are mathematically eliminated from the playoffs, which is likely, there is no reason for a 40-year-old coming back from a torn Achilles to risk a setback.
Packers and NFL fans react to Aaron Rodgers’ return to New York Jets practice.
Having said that, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported today that the Jets have activated Rodgers from injured reserve.
They have 21 days to either activate him or place him on injured reserve. Rodgers, on the other hand, can return to practice with the team because he has been designated for return. This is the development that both Packers fans and other NFL fans found amusing:
Rodgers’ ability to return to practice 79 days after tearing his Achilles is truly remarkable. There is, however, a significant difference between practice and a game. He is not permitted to wear a red jersey in Week 18.
If the Jets believe they have a legitimate shot at being a contender with Rodgers in 2024, they should keep him off the field, no matter how badly he wants to get back on it.
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