Jets Aaron Rodgers reportedly ready to return for Jets’ pre-Christmas game against Commanders

The 2023 NFL season has been tough for both the New York Jets and Aaron Rodgers. The quarterback has been out of the field after tearing his Achilles, and Gang Green has been losing consecutive games. Before the Week 14 win against the Houston Texans, the Jets had been winless since securing a near 13-10 victory over the New York Giants.

The Jets QB room has been a mess following Rodgers’ injury. The team has been banking on Zach Wilson before benching him to let Tim Boyle start. Later, they waived Boyle and signed Brett Rypien. However, amid the struggling picture of the offensive side, Gang Green’s fans might be happy to see Rodgers in action in the upcoming games.

Rodgers set to return against Commanders

Amidst earlier speculations indicating the Jets’ ambitions for Aaron Rodgers’ comeback by the season’s close, the signal-caller himself hinted at a conditional return tied to the team’s position in the playoff race.

However, the team’s recent win has significantly bolstered this prospect, as Gang Green is positioned with a 5-8 record and still vying for a coveted spot in the Wild Card round.

A recent report from TMZ says, A-Rod is expected to receive medical clearance for gameplay before the December 24th showdown against the Washington Commanders.

“N.Y. Jets fans may have an early Christmas present under the tree…a healthy Aaron Rodgers, who our sources tell us is expected to be cleared medically for game action before Gang Green’s December 24th contest against the Commanders”, the report said.

If this timeline holds, it would mark a return after 91 days since his sidelining due to an Achilles injury suffered during a game against the Buffalo Bills on September 11. However, ultimate participation remains contingent on the coaches and team executives’ decision, hinging on his fitness and readiness for competitive action.

“Then, it’ll be up to the coaches and team execs to decide whether the 4x NFL MVP plays. We’re told barring an unexpected setback, Rodgers will be given the all-clear before the Week 16 game against the NFC East team at MetLife Stadium in Jersey”, the statement said.

Throughout the last few weeks, the four-time MVP had been rehabbing from his season-opening injury. The Jets recently opened his 21-day practice wing. His impending return has been a hot discussion lately, with expectations that the QB will provide clarity during his scheduled appearance on the Pat McAfee Show, a platform he often utilizes to address speculations and updates regarding his status.

Aaron Rodgers calls out Jets over Zach Wilson report

A recent report of The Athletic painted a tumultuous picture for Zach Wilson and his position as the Jets’ starting QB. The report on the team’s attempts to reinstate the young star following lackluster performances by others stirred controversy. The source alleged Wilson’s indifference towards returning as QB1.

Aaron Rodgers was the first to voice strong words in favor of his backup QB. During his recent appearance on The Pat McAfee Show on Tuesday, the former Green Bay Packers star boasted personal interactions with the young QB while lauding him as an “amazing young man.”

The former Green Bay Packers QB denounced the report as a calculated attack, labeling it a “character assassination” that unfairly tarnished Wilson’s reputation. The four-time MVP raised questions about the credibility of the sources and the intentions behind such damaging narratives.

“I will say this, when you have sources, right, and that’s always an interesting thing — first of all, you can go down a whole rabbit hole with actual sources, made up sources. Why is someone willing to be a source? What are they gaining out of that? On and on and on, but when you use sources, and whether intentional or unintentional, try to assassinate someone’s character, like that report does for Zach, I have a real hard time with that.”

After getting vocal support from A-Rod, Wilson also reiterated his commitment to the team by emphasizing his dedication to stepping onto the field whenever the opportunity arose.

“I love the guys in this locker room and I would do anything. I think any time you have an opportunity to step on this field, you need to take advantage of it”

Even Jets head coach Robert Saleh joined the chorus of support for Wilson, dismissing the report and reaffirming Wilson’s active involvement and commitment to the team.

Before his temporary benching earlier in the season, Zach’s performance displayed flashes of promise amid a mixed bag of results. He completed 59.2 percent of his passes while recording 1,944 yards along with six touchdowns, and seven interceptions.