NY Jets beat reporter expects Aaron Rodgers to return before playoffs

NY Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers is attempting to pull off the impossible and return this season despite suffering a torn Achilles a little over a month ago.

Rodgers has made it clear that he intends to play again this season. The four-time MVP has yet to set a target return date, but the assumption has been that, if he does return at all, it likely won't be until the playoffs in January.

But is it possible that Rodgers could return even sooner? SNY's Connor Hughes seems to believe so.

Hughes said on Thursday that he believes Rodgers will return before the postseason. That would mean Rodgers would miss just 3-4 months because of the torn Achilles — an unprecedented feat in the sports world.

"No one wants to put a timetable on it. I will. I think [Aaron Rodgers] returns for the final month of the regular season."

- Connor Hughes

When could the NY Jets see Aaron Rodgers return from injury?

Current Minnesota Vikings running back Cam Akers made headlines in 2021 when he returned from a torn Achilles just six months after the injury occurred. To date, that's been the quickest turnaround we've seen from that injury.

Rodgers is attempting to do something that's never been done before. While it's fair and expected to be hesitant, Rodgers has already proven to be well ahead of schedule in his recovery.

The 39-year-old was already walking without crutches less than a month after surgery. He was seen throwing on the field prior to the Jets' Week 6 game against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday. He then stood on the sideline as an extra coach of sorts for the entirety of the game.

That's not normal for someone who underwent surgery to repair a torn Achilles just over a month ago. In fact, it's downright unprecedented.

Of course, standing on the sideline and tossing a ball around aren't the same as actually playing in a grueling NFL game. Rodgers has admitted himself that he still has to clear a number of hurdles before he can even think about a return.

The positive signs are there, though. And even if Rodgers ultimately doesn't return this season, just the thought that it's a possibility is enough to spark optimism within the organization.

Jets players believe if they are in playoff contention at the end of the season, that one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history could return to help lead them to the promised land. That belief can go a long way.

Only time will tell if Rodgers can complete the most miraculous injury recovery in sports history. For now, however, there is optimism surrounding the Jets organization. Rodgers believes it's possible, and who's going to doubt him?