Aaron Rodgers hints at returning from injury in 'a few weeks'

How soon can Aaron Rodgers actually return? Well, if you ask the NY Jets, the sooner the better.

Fresh off an embarrassing 27-6 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers on Monday Night Football in Week 9, Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers was seen meeting with Chargers star safety Derwin James after the game.

James greeted Rodgers with a friendly, "When you coming back, man?" Rodgers responded with an optimistic, "Give me a few weeks."

James initially looked surprised by Rodgers' response, although he then told the four-time MVP that he saw him throwing on the field before the game. This is, of course, in reference to the 50+ yard bombs Rodgers was chucking prior to Monday's game against the Chargers.

Rodgers was spotted on the field taking three-step drops and pushing off, seemingly with full strength, throwing 50-yard passes to the end zone. He looked completely normal.

When do the NY Jets expect Aaron Rodgers to return from injury?

Now, Rodgers' bold prediction of "a few weeks" for a return date might be a little optimistic. The future Hall of Fame quarterback underwent surgery to repair a torn Achilles a little over seven weeks ago.

Rodgers has admitted that he's still a ways away from actually returning to the field for a live football game, but the progress he's made to this point can't be overstated. He's well ahead of schedule in his recovery.

That's good news for a Jets team that can't seem to figure out anything on offense right now. Zach Wilson continues to struggle. The offensive line is an injury-riddled mess. Their skill position players aren't exactly helping, and neither is the offensive play-calling.

Rodgers doesn't fix all of that, but it certainly wouldn't hurt to have one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time under center instead of, well, Zach Wilson.

Wilson attempted 49 passes in Monday's dreadful loss. The Jets scored just six points, failing to find the end zone against the worst-ranked pass defense in football. That indicates there's a QB problem in New York — as most probably already know.

Rodgers doesn't solve the Jets' offensive line woes. He doesn't magically fix their offensive scheme. But he does elevate everyone around him and, in turn, improve the team's offensive performance.

Rodgers recently hinted at a possible return date of Dec. 28 on social media. That would see him return to the field for the team's Week 17 matchup with the Cleveland Browns on Thursday Night Football.

Of course, the Jets need to be in contention for Rodgers to consider returning. After Monday night's loss to the Chargers, it's unclear if Wilson will be able to keep the offense afloat long enough for a Rodgers return to be feasible.

Aaron Rodgers is intent on playing again this season, and while his "few weeks" comment might be a little far-fetched, it seems foolish to doubt him at this point. The man is determined.