New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers’ recovery from an Achilles tear has occurred at a seemingly miraculous pace.
As the QB is set to return to practice soon, Stephen A. Smith strongly believes it is not a good idea for Rodgers to play this season.
Stephen A. Smith Believes Aaron Rodgers Should Not Play This Season
The Jets officially designated Rodgers to return from injured reserve on Nov. 29, opening a three-week window during which he’ll either need to be placed on New York’s active roster or be forced to stick on the injured list for the rest of the season.
Rodgers had surgery two days after the injury in Week 1 and reportedly had a “speed bridge” procedure designed to speed up the rehab process.
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A return from an Achilles injury usually takes 8-12 months, and the fastest recovery the NFL has seen is running back Cam Akers, who had surgery and came back in fewer than six months.
In mid-November, Rodgers threw cold water on a report that he could return in December. Now, Rodgers will return in December or not at all.
Some believe the return of Rodgers would not be worth it, especially given how poorly the Jets’ season is going. Even if Rodgers did return, the chances of the Jets making the playoffs are so slim that it would not seem worth the risk.
Smith agrees with this sentiment and passionately argued his point on Friday.
“They’re 4-7. You’re playing for nothing, what are we doing?” Smith said. “Stay your ass home. Go on The Pat McAfee Show every Tuesday. Kick your feet up, relax, watch the game. You make one wrong move, it’s your Achilles, and something else can happen, and for what? What purpose does it serve? It’s a stupid thing to do. Sit your ass home.”
The 4-7 Jets are currently ranked 15th in the AFC, well out of the NFL playoff picture.
Smith believes Rodgers should not go back out there just to prove he can.
“I just think it’s stupid,” Smith said. “He’s a Super Bowl champion, he’s a sure-fire Hall of Famer, he’s one of the greatest quarterbacks to have ever lived … ‘Oh my god, I came back for a meaningless regular season game after an Achilles injury.’ Really?”
It remains unclear whether the Jets intend to let Rodgers play again this year, especially if they continue to fall out of playoff contention. But, Rodgers has been adamant that his return this season is possible.
“This isn’t so much getting ready to play as it is a progression in (Rodgers’) rehab,” head coach Robert Saleh said on Wednesday. “For Aaron, what he will be doing in practice is no different than what he’d be doing on Field 3 as you guys all watch with regards to certain drills and individual [workouts].
“Instead of throwing with staff members, he’s throwing with teammates, so there’s no added risk to it. There’s certain things that he’s been cleared for that we’re going to allow him to do.”
Rodgers has been cleared for “functional football activity,” per Saleh, but not to “fully play football.”
When asked if the team expects to activate Rodgers before his 21 days are up, Saleh said it’s too early to say.
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