Jets coach Robert Saleh describes Aaron Rodgers’ rehabilitation as…

With his 21-day window closing next week, Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers is taking additional steps to return to the field.

Rodgers has participated in 7-on-7 and solo drills during his rehabilitation. The next phase in his rehabilitation will be to engage in 11-on-11 drills. “He pushed it a little bit yesterday,” Rodgers stated, according to Saleh. “He went under center, and he’s jogging from drill to drill in his running boots.” I mean, everything appears normal to me, but it’s incredible.

“Credit to him, especially in this day and age where a hangnail can affect a game week, but this dude is grinding to try to get himself back, it just shows how much he cares, and I have an appreciation for him.” Rodgers tore his Achilles four offensive plays into his debut against the Bills on Sept. 11.

Rodgers had surgery two days later, which included a “SpeedBridge” treatment to expedite the regular recuperation process from the injury. Rodgers chose the “SpeedBridge,” which inserted an internal support on the Achilles tendon, because he always wanted to recover from an Achilles injury faster than any other athlete before him.

Rodgers’ practice window opened on Nov. 29, when he was cleared for some, but not all, football activities. Rodgers has until December 20 to be added to the 53-man roster, otherwise he will revert to injured reserve and miss the rest of the season. Rodgers apparently always planned to return on December 24, when the Jets visit the Commanders.

However, he told reporters earlier this month that he would need to be confident in his ability to protect himself before returning. Rodgers would also need doctors to clear him, and the Jets would need to be in the hunt for the playoffs for that to happen. Rodgers stated that returning to the field would not “make a ton of sense” if the Jets had no chance of making the playoffs. According to ESPN’s Football Power Index, the Jets (5-8) currently have a 0.2% chance of making the playoffs and are 13th in the AFC standings with four games remaining.

“He’s special,” said wide receiver Garrett Wilson of Rodgers. “I’m not surprised because he set his mind to focusing on his recuperation. To reach to this point, he has done everything correctly.

“Seeing him out there and the progress he’s made in such a short time is definitely impressive.” He’s unique, and with his attitude and approach to treatment, he’ll be back on the field soon.

“It’s crazy.”