NY Jets QB Aaron Rodgers says he's ahead of schedule in injury rehab

NY Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers made his regularly scheduled appearance on The Pat McAfee Show on Tuesday, and he reiterated his plan to play again this season despite suffering a torn Achilles less than a month ago.

Rodgers told McAfee that he's "ahead of normal protocols" and that he's made significant progress in his rehab since undergoing surgery two weeks ago. The plan is still for Rodgers to return at some point this season.

Of course, Rodgers did say that there needs to be a reason for him to return. If the Jets are out of the playoff race, it's unlikely that the four-time MVP will push to play again in a meaningless game.

Rodgers told McAfee that the Jets need to be "alive and winning" for a return to even be in consideration. Still, the fact that he believes it's even an option is remarkable in and of itself.

NY Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers is still holding out hope for a return this season

It would be completely unprecedented for Rodgers to even return in time for the Super Bowl, let alone before that. A postseason return would see Rodgers miss a little over four months with a torn Achilles. Such a recovery timetable has never been seen before in the NFL.

The closest is probably former Los Angeles Rams running back Cam Akers, who returned roughly six months after tearing his Achilles before the start of the 2021 season. Nonetheless, Rodgers is determined to make it a reality.

"Sometimes miracles are just doing things that people never thought were possible. There are a lot of odds stacked against me but just because something has never been done doesn't mean it's not possible."

- Aaron Rodgers

For it to matter, however, the Jets need to start winning games. Following a thrilling overtime victory over the Buffalo Bills in Week 1, the Jets have lost three straight. There are reasons to be optimistic, though, after the team's performance in Week 4.

Zach Wilson put together the best game of his NFL career. The Jets' defense forced what should have been three interceptions of Patrick Mahomes. They nearly pulled off one of the most improbable upsets in franchise history.

If Wilson can continue to hold the fort down and the Jets win some games, there's a possibility that Rodgers could return in time for a postseason run. It's an unprecedented ask, sure, but Rodgers isn't backing down from the longshot odds.

Aaron Rodgers is ahead of schedule and believes he will be able to return this season. Who's going to doubt him?