New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers is expected to cleared before the team’s game against the Washington Commanders on Dec. 24, according to TMZ.
“N.Y. Jets fans may have an early Christmas present under the tree…a healthy Aaron Rodgers, who our sources tell us is expected to be cleared medically for game action before Gang Green’s December 24 contest against the Commanders!” TMZ reported.
“Then, it’ll be up to the coaches and team execs to decide whether the 4x NFL MVP plays.
“We’re told barring an unexpected setback, Rodgers will be given the all-clear before the week 16 game against the NFC East team at MetLife Stadium in Jersey.”
It was reported earlier this month by NFL insider Ian Rapoport that Rodgers is unlikely to play this season after he ruptured his Achilles in Week 1.
From @NFLGameDay: #Jets QB Aaron Rodgers is considered a long-shot to play this season; Meanwhile, Bailey Zappe gets the start for the #Patriots. pic.twitter.com/yhL0vpg5lF
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 3, 2023
Rodgers only played a handful of snaps for the Jets before going down with the injury, and the team has been forced to play former No. 2 overall pick Zach Wilson in the majority of the time Rodgers has been out. New York has also turned to Tim Boyle and Trevor Siemian at quarterback, but neither veteran had much success.
If the Jets are not in playoff contention, Rodgers is not expected to be cleared by the team, according to Rapoport.
If the #Jets are out of the playoffs, Rodgers is not expected to be cleared, sources say. But there is also this: https://t.co/u5ArYnWoHq pic.twitter.com/SoLG1Xv42N
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 3, 2023
New York could make a playoff push by the team’s matchup with the Commanders, as Wilson led the Jets to a 30-6 victory on Sunday against the Houston Texans.
That improved New York to 5-8 on the season, and the team is just two games back of the No. 7 seed in the AFC.
Still, New York is technically the No. 14 seed in the AFC entering the Monday Night Football matchups in Week 14.
The Jets are on the road in Week 15 to take on the Miami Dolphins, who enter their Week 14 matchup on Monday night with the top spot in the AFC East.
The Dolphins will be a tough team for the Jets to beat, and a loss could end the team’s chances of truly competing for a playoff spot. It’ll be interesting to see if Rodgers is cleared for the Washington game if the team loses in Week 15.
A four-time league MVP, Rodgers is one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL. Last season, he threw for 3,695 yards and 26 touchdowns with the Green Bay Packers. He failed to complete his lone pass attempt for New York this season.
