Even at 5-8 and their playoff hopes hanging by a thread, the Jets have yet to completely rule out the possibility of quarterback Aaron Rodgers returning to game action this season, perhaps as early as Christmas Eve against the Washington Commanders.
Head coach Robert Saleh met with the media before Wednesday’s practice and was asked about that possibility and what the Jets could do with Rodgers. Saleh didn’t exactly give a straight answer. “If that bridge comes to us, we’ll cross it,” Saleh said.
The first stop on that potential bridge comes in just one week. The Jets have to decide by next Wednesday, December 20 whether to activate Rodgers from injured reserve. That is the last day of Rodgers’ 21-day practice window the Jets opened November 29. Saleh said he doesn’t know if the Jets will activate Rodgers.
Rodgers has consistently said the Jets’ playoff chances would play a factor in whether he’ll return sooner. The Jets can be eliminated from the playoffs this week with a loss plus other results.
Rodgers has been off and on practicing since returning to the practice field two weeks ago. That’s been the latest step in his rehabilitation. The next step would be to ramp up Rodgers’ activity in practice. Saleh wasn’t sure if that will happen this week as the Jets prepare for the Miami Dolphins.
“I’m not sure,” Saleh said. “I know he’s ramping up every day, but as far as getting reps in practice and all that stuff, as far as I’m concerned, it’s all the same.”
If the Jets beat the Dolphins Sunday, maybe Rodgers has more incentive to return. If they lose, the Jets have to decide if they want to keep Rodgers on the 53-man roster just to let him practice despite being out of the playoffs. If he is not activated, he cannot practice as he would remain on injured reserve.
