The New York Jets dream is officially dead. Maybe it really died four plays into the season, but officially it happened Tuesday, when Aaron Rodgers finally succumbed to the reality of his Achilles injury: He will not be returning this season.
Rodgers undoubtedly made remarkable progress from an injury that is regarded as season-ending. He was already back on the practice field within three months of surgery. But ultimately the Jets couldn’t tread water in the playoff race long enough for him to actually return this season. The Jets were eliminated from playoff contention Sunday in a 30-0 loss to the Miami Dolphinsthough they really didn’t have a shot anyway.
Tuesday, Rodgers said on “The Pat McAfee Show” that “if I was 100 percent today, I’d be pushing to play. But the fact is, I’m not.”
Rodgers always said he’d return if the Jets remained in playoff contention, but when he spoke to reporters a few weeks ago, he said any return would be with the understanding that he wasn’t 100 percent healed from his injury. That’s why he always went with the stipulation that the team needed to have something to play for. His goal was to play against the Washington Commanders in Week 16, on Sunday. The deadline to activate Rodgers off injured reserve would have been Wednesday, ahead of that Washington game.
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Now, Rodgers is instead turning his attention to rehab.
“There’s always a fear about re-rupture if you’re going too fast,” he said Tuesday. “But this allows me to — I’m not going to slow my rehab down. I’m going to keep attacking it every single day, but now, without a timetable to come back, obviously, we can be as smart as we need to be.”
Rodgers called this year a “lost year” since he played only a couple of snaps. That’s why he made clear his intention is to play not only in 2024, but beyond that.
“I feel like I can play more years and I can be effective into my 40s, which is crazy,” he said.
The news that Rodgers’ season is over has implications for this season and next, especially in the context of some of the things he said.
Let’s look at both:
Implications: This season
There are three parts to what it means for the rest of 2023:
1. There will be no more song and dance, no more speculation about if/when Rodgers might return to the field. There will be no more Sunday reports about his progress. Jets coach Robert Saleh might even get through at least one news conference now without being asked about Rodgers (OK, maybe not).
2. An ugly Jets offense might get even uglier. Zach Wilson seems unlikely to play this week, which would mean Trevor Siemian will start at least one game. Siemian has been brutal in spot duty over the past few weeks, completing less than 50 percent of his passes (19 of 39) for 176 yards, zero touchdowns and two interceptions. Per TruMedia, his off-target percentage (28.2 percent) is the worst of 56 quarterbacks with at least 35 pass attempts. Don’t be surprised if Brett Rypien (18 of 38, zero touchdowns, one interception in two games with the Rams) replaces him at some point.
3. Now that Rodgers is out of the picture, these last three games will be about evaluating talent on offense — especially the young players — to figure out what they have and who might play a bigger role in 2024. Garrett Wilson, Breece Hall and Tyler Conklin are already locked into key roles. This should be an opportunity for rookies like running back Israel Abanikandawide receiver Xavier Gipson and (if healthy) wide receiver Jason Brownlee to prove themselves. Tight end Jeremy Ruckert should start to get more looks on offense. And if rookie Carter Warren gets healthy, he should get an opportunity to prove he can be a starting-caliber offensive tackle.
As for Zach Wilson: Whether he plays this season or not, the writing’s on the wall for his Jets career. Expect him to be traded. And if he comes back for any of these final three games, Wilson will be auditioning for the other 31 teams.
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Implications: Next season
The most notable thing Rodgers did Tuesday (outside of admitting he won’t be returning this year) was endorse three Jets figureheads who have caught a lot of heat for a lost 2023 season: general manager Joe Douglas, head coach Robert Saleh and offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett.
Rodgers reiterated that he “believes in the leadership we have here.” He lauded Douglas for “great drafts” and for building a “great roster.” He called Saleh a “fantastic” coach and pointed out that injuries played a role in this losing season. As for Hackett, Rodgers’ close friend: He still believes in him, too.
“I think the offense that he runs is quarterback-friendly,” Rodgers said. “Obviously, it was geared around me and my abilities and what I do well.”
Jets owner Woody Johnson values Rodgers’ opinion, so those words are notable. They are a big reason why the Jets are still operating as if everyone will return in 2024. Maybe that will change if these next three weeks are as big of a disaster as last week’s Dolphins loss, but for now it seems that trio is safe.
So that turns the focus instead toward the 2024 offseason and what Douglas and Rodgers need to do to get the franchise back on track. Rodgers indicated he’ll be heavily involved in the offseason decision-making process, pointing out that he and Douglas “have a great relationship” and that they talk weekly.
“We’re always in communication,” Rodgers said. “It’s a good line of communication between Robert and Joe and myself and I’m always trying to help out with chemistry and character stuff. We need guys in here who are about the right stuff.”
Rodgers indicated he will embrace his role as a “recruiter” when it comes to free agents and other available players.
“I think it’d be pretty similar to various parts in my career where I’m a pretty decent recruiter, so if they have a certain person they want, making sure I’m in the loop to have the right conversations with that free agent,” Rodgers said. “I enjoy those conversations.”
Douglas did his best to bring in free agents Rodgers wanted to play with last offseason, signing wide receiver Allen Lazardrunning back Dalvin Cookwide receiver Randall Cobboffensive tackle Billy Turner and even backup quarterback Tim Boyle. None has worked out so far. The Jets also pursued wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. and defensive end Calais Campbellthough those recruitments weren’t successful.
There are some notable players with Rodgers ties who could be available either via free agency or in trades. That includes current or former Packers like running back AJ Dillonoffensive lineman Jon Runyan and tight end Robert Tonyan (Bears), as well as wide receiver Davante Adams (Raiders) and offensive tackle David Bakhtiariwho could be trade targets. Impending free agent running back J.K. Dobbins rehabbed with Rodgers in California, while Beckham (Ravens) will be a free agent again, too.
“Joe and I have a great relationship,” Rodgers said. “The lines of communication are always wide open.”
(Photo: Sarah Stier / Getty Images)
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