Aaron Rodgers is reunited with the Jets, and he’s feeling pretty good about it.
The 39-year-old quarterback, out since a Week 1 Achilles tear, practiced with Gang Green on Wednesday as the team opened up the 21-day window for him and he showed some emotion in an Instagram Story following his time back on the field.
Rodgers posted a picture of himself on the Florham Park, N.J., field with a caption that read: “Been a long 77 days. Good to be back on the field with the guys.”
Before even completing a pass, Rodgers went down with the Achilles injury during “Monday Night Football” against the Bills, and it was originally thought the tear would completely end his Jets season.
But Rodgers, during his recovery post-surgery, has teased a potential return and has even been seen throwing a football on the sideline before games.
Head coach Robert Saleh told reporters Wednesday that the Jets opened up the return window to allow Rodgers to throw to receivers instead of making passes to staffers on a different field.
“This is more progression in his rehab,” Saleh said. “If we get to that 21-day window and he’s feeling great, we’ll have that discussion then, but right now, it’s just a matter of him progressing in his rehab.”
If the Jets do not activate Rodgers within the 21-day period, he will not be able to play again this season.
The team also has the option to activate him and just not have him play in a game.
Either way, Saleh reaffirmed to reporters that any move to allow Rodgers back onto the field will not be detrimental to his overall healing process.
“I promise, Aaron is not going to do anything that puts himself in harm’s way,” Saleh said. “If he is not healthy to play, Aaron is very, very smart. That’s not something he’s going to put himself at risk for.”