Aaron Rodgers Injury Update: Jets Star QB Seen Throwing Ball, Walking on Field Without Crutches

Just over a month after undergoing surgery to repair a torn Achilles tendon, New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers surprised observers by participating in a brief throwing session during the pregame warmups before his team's matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles at MetLife Stadium on Sunday.

Rodgers, 39, who sustained the injury during the season opener on September 11, arrived at the stadium without crutches, according to ESPN.

Approximately two hours before kickoff, he took to the field, engaging in light throws with a Jets staff member and later tossing a few passes to star cornerback Sauce Gardner, who was sidelined due to a concussion.

During this impromptu throwing session, the four-time MVP remained stationary but demonstrated remarkable resilience by putting weight on his surgically repaired left Achilles.

He was positioned about 15 yards away from his target.

Despite his active involvement, Rodgers watched the game from the Jets' sideline while wearing a headset.

Having injured players in the bench area during games is somewhat unusual due to safety considerations.

Aaron Rodgers Injury Update: Jets QB Plans to Return This Season

A few days following his injury, Aaron Rodgers hinted at his intention to make a comeback during a Jets playoff run while appearing on The Pat McAfee Show, where he quoted Kevin Garnett, saying, "I think as Kevin Garnett said, anything's possible."

A report by Sunday Night Football on NBC, dated October 1, indicated that Rodgers is indeed aiming to return this season, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel noted.

Rodgers expressed confidence in his accelerated rehabilitation progress, stating, "It's pretty obvious I'm well ahead of my normal protocols when it comes to rehab for this kind of thing."

He alluded to his proactive approach, working closely with medical experts and deviating from standard protocols to determine his own timetable.

Achilles tendon injuries typically require several months to a year to fully heal, and Rodgers, at 39, stands as the oldest player in the league, which presents a unique set of challenges.

However, the potential for a relatively swift return is exemplified by running back Cam Akers, formerly with the Los Angeles Rams and now with the Minnesota Vikings.

Akers tore his Achilles tendon in the lead-up to training camp in 2021 but remarkably returned to play in Week 18, which was a little under six months after sustaining the injury.

Aaron Rodgers Reportedly the 'Active Voice' on Headset During Jets' Win Over Eagles

Despite his injury, Aaron Rodgers actively contributed to the New York Jets' 20-14 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles, per Bleachers Report.

He served as an "active voice," offering suggestions to the coaching staff throughout the game. Rodgers was visible on the sidelines during the match, donning a headset and without crutches.

The Jets initially anticipated that Rodgers would assume a quasi-coaching role when they acquired him in April, describing him as "a coach that can still play football."

He had also worn a headset during the team's first three preseason games, even calling plays during one of them.

In Sunday's game, Rodgers provided input yet again, although it was not rookie quarterback Zach Wilson who executed the pivotal plays.

The Jets trailed the Eagles for most of the game, only securing victory in the final two minutes when safety Tony Adams intercepted a Jalen Hurts pass and running back Breece Hall crossed the goal line.

With the team now standing at a 3-3 record for the season, there's growing anticipation of Rodgers' continued presence on the sideline as the Jets prepare to face the New York Giants on October 22 in a bid to secure a winning record.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Bert Hoover

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