Aaron Rodgers return could provide emotional boost to NY Jets

A little over a week after undergoing surgery to repair his torn Achilles, NY Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers is back with the team ahead of their Week 4 matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs.

NFL insider Jordan Schultz reported this weekend that Rodgers was at the Jets team facility on Saturday and even attended a meeting with his teammates and coaches. Rodgers is expected to be at the Jets' game on Sunday night.

ESPN's Rich Cimini reported a few days ago that Rodgers intended to be at the game but that his attendance would hinge on his doctors clearing him to fly across the country. Typically, it's not advised to travel long distances this soon after a major surgery.

Rodgers, however, was determined to reunite with his teammates and coaches as soon as possible. His return could provide a significant emotional boost to a Jets team that's certainly in need of one right now.

Aaron Rodgers' presence should benefit the NY Jets

Rodgers' return alone won't fix a Jets offense that ranks dead-last in the NFL in scoring and total yards. It won't aid a pass rush that has underachieved through three weeks. Rodgers can't make Zach Wilson a competent quarterback, either.

Still, it's hard to overstate the emotional and psychological value of having Rodgers back with the team. That's especially true when it comes to Wilson.

Rodgers was a crucial voice in Wilson's ear all summer. When Wilson was forced into action, he did so without Rodgers in his corner. This isn't to suggest that all of Wilson's struggles have been due to the absence of Rodgers, but it certainly couldn't have helped.

At the very least, Rodgers' return should provide a sizable emotional boost to the entire locker room. That's important heading into an incredibly difficult matchup against the Chiefs tonight.

It will mark the Jets' first appearance on Sunday Night Football in over a decade, and while the unfortunate reality is that we won't get to see the highly-anticipated showdown between Rodgers and Patrick Mahomes, at least the Jets will have their QB1 in the building.

Aaron Rodgers may be on the shelf, but he's still all-in on the Jets. That much has not changed.