The New York Jets didn’t just unveil revised uniforms on Monday. They also officially welcomed Aaron Rodgers into the fold, with the star quarterback report for the beginning volunteer training in Florham Park, New Jersey.
Rodgers, 40, had already returned to the practice field following his 2023 Achilles tear at the end of last season, but he was never activated for a game following his Week 1 injury. As a veteran, he is not required to participate in the voluntary portion of the Jets’ current offseason program, so his presence suggests that rehab is in fact progressing toward full availability in 2024.
His appearance Monday comes just a day after the former NFL MVP was spotted working out in California and about seven months after undergoing surgery for a torn Achilles. These injuries typically required between seven and 12 months of rehabilitation before a return to the field, but Rodgers attempted to make an unprecedented comeback in late 2023.
The first phase of the Jets’ offseason program primarily consists of team meetings, strength and conditioning and physical rehabilitation. On-field practices are not expected to begin until May, when teams will be allowed to hold minicamps and organized team activities.
Rodgers said earlier this offseason that he hoped to play several more seasons, even though he only took four snaps in 2023. He will enter at least his second year in New York with a new insurance plan, with the Former New York Giants veteran Tyrod Taylor ready to open the offseason as the No. 2. Taylor would be in line to split or dominate first-team practice reps in case Rodgers isn’t ready.
