NY Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers has been put through the proverbial wringer this season and is dealing with multiple different injuries as the team prepares for its Week 9 matchup with the Houston Texans on Thursday Night Football.
It's been a difficult year for Rodgers, who is not only on pace for his worst statistical season as a starting quarterback in the NFL but is also feeling the effects of some hard hits he's taken over the last few weeks.
Rodgers is beaten up, which is why he's turned to his favorite alternative science for a solution, this time courtesy of one of his Jets teammates. The four-time MVP told reporters on Tuesday that he's feeling a lot healthier this week ahead of Thursday's game.
The root of Rodgers' newfound health? A drink Rodgers referred to as the "fountain of youth." In reality, it's just a mix of cayenne pepper and water recommended to him by Jets punter Thomas Morstead, someone who knows a thing or two about longevity in the NFL.
"[Thomas Morstead] gave me a little 'fountain of youth.' He said he's been taking it for a while -— all legal, of course. [Maybe] that's why I've been feeling a little bit better."Aaron Rodgers
Aaron Rodgers is trying to help heal his injuries with a magical elixir
Rodgers is currently dealing with injuries to both knees, his ankle, and his hamstring, all issues he was nursing in Sunday's Week 7 loss to the New England Patriots. Perhaps that's part of the reason Rodgers' lack of mobility has become even more apparent in recent weeks.
Patriots defensive lineman Davon Godchaux even took pity on Rodgers after the game, insisting that the future Hall of Fame quarterback "didn't look the same" and that it was hard to "see him go out that way."
Rodgers acknowledged Godchaux's comments on Tuesday, even agreeing with them before insisting that he feels much better this week. That magical drink better have rapid healing powers with the Jets facing a short week ahead of the Texans game.
Interim head coach Jeff Ulbrich admitted that Rodgers clearly isn't 100 percent right now, although he pushed back when asked if the team was considering resting their starting quarterback until he gets healthy. That doesn't appear to be in consideration at the moment.
The Jets will continue to roll with Rodgers despite his increasing ailments and clear on-field limitations. Ultimately, they don't really have much of a choice, especially with their backs firmly against the wall at 2-6.
As the Jets fight to keep their season alive, Rodgers' latest miracle cure may be as much about boosting spirits as it is about easing his aches. Maybe a pinch of extra spice is exactly what the Jets need to reignite a team plagued by dysfunction. It's worth a shot.