Jets QB Aaron Rodgers on the field throwing passes ahead of Eagles game

On Sunday, just over a month removed from surgery on his Achilles, New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers threw passes on the field pre-game. The Jets are hosting the undefeated Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday and though they won’t have Rodgers under center, the veteran’s progress was a very welcome sight at MetLife Stadium.

Without crutches or boot, the former Packers star was able to saunter around and toss the football. Rodgers is working toward making a return during the 2023 season, which seemed like a far-fetched idea when he went down on the fourth play of his debut for New York.

.@AaronRodgers12 out here throwing the football pregame.

Incredible. 💚 pic.twitter.com/IphWfh8yWR

— NFL (@NFL) October 15, 2023

The Jets have had a tough time without Rodgers on the field so far this year. They’ve lost three of five games but won the last one in Week 5 31-21 against the Denver Broncos. Though the legendary QB can’t play, he can help out from the sideline. The veteran dons a helmet to stay in the loop with the New York offense, led by Zach Wilson. He plans to continue to show up for the Jets’ home games this season as he rehabs his leg.

Rodgers planning comeback

Whether he fully returns to play in 2023 or in 2024, Rodgers is definitely planning to play in the NFL again – and for the Jets.

“I’ve known about this rehab,’ Rodgers said after the injury. “I’ve had friends who have done it and fellow competitors that I know who have done it, come back from it. I think what I’d like to say is give me the doubts. Give me the doubts… the timetables. Give me all the things that you think can, should or will happen. Because all I need is that one little extra percent of inspiration. That’s all I need. So, give me your doubts, give me your prognostications. And then watch what I do.”

Jets OL Alijah Vera-Tucker also suffers torn Achilles

Jets head coach Robert Saleh announced on Monday that offensive lineman Alijah Vera-Tucker is out for the year after suffering a torn Achilles last Sunday against the Broncos. 

This is the second year in a row that the former USC has had his season cut short due to injury. In 2022, Vera-Tucker tore his triceps muscle, also in the month of October, knocking him out for the rest of the year.

Now, the versatile tackle will join Rodgers in the arduous recovery process with the hopes of returning for the 2024 season in full health. The former Packers QB is hoping to recover even sooner than that.