TV cameras captured Rodgers sharing with Los
Angeles Chargers safety Derwin James on Monday that he hopes to
be back "in a few weeks."
"Obviously, that was said with a little tongue-in-cheek there,"
Rodgers told McAfee. "It'd be nice to be able to be back in a
couple weeks. That's probably not anywhere near a realistic
timeline."
Rodgers, who turns 40 on Dec. 2, was transparent in previous
projections that the Jets must still be in contention for the
playoffs for him to take the risk of returning at less than full
strength.
Rodgers is ahead of schedule using the traditional recovery
scale. He is not wearing a full boot or using crutches and is
walking without a noticeable limp. Before the game on Monday, he
whipped passes more than 50 yards.
The unique surgical procedure calls for landmarks ahead before
Rodgers can play in a game. Jets coach Robert Saleh and Rodgers
both said Tuesday that the quarterback would need to practice
before he plays in a game.
Saleh said the Jets (4-4) are sticking with Zach Wilson at QB
despite calls for changes after a 27-6 loss to the Chargers on
Monday.
"Yes, (Wilson) has a lot of things that he needs to improve on
-- and I know he understands that -- but at the same time, this
is collective," Saleh said.
If Rodgers returns within six weeks, he likely would be back at
practice before his birthday. The Jets play the Atlanta Falcons
on Dec. 3, then host the Houston Texans before a visit to the
current AFC East leader, the Miami Dolphins, on Dec. 17. If
Rodgers gets back the next week, it would be for a home game
against the Washington Commanders on Dec. 24.
--Field Level Media
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