Doctors voice concerns about Jets' Aaron Rodgers playing again this season

Doctors repeatedly shared concerns throughout the fall regarding New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers attempting to return to the playing field this season after he went down with a torn Achilles on Sept. 11. 

That trend continued into the final month of the year after it was learned Rodgers could try to start for the 4-7 Jets as soon as Dec. 17.

"It would be safer and give the best possible chance of 100% recovery if he waits closer to five months," orthopedic surgeon Dr. Steven Neufeld said about Rodgers during a chat with Rich Cimini of ESPN. Neufeld added that "there's a risk that the tendon will stretch if not completely healed, causing permanent weakness."

Three-time Super Bowl champion and current NFL analyst Mark Schlereth underwent 29 surgeries during his career and recently explained that Rodgers, who turns 40 years old on Saturday, could suffer a serious injury to a different part of his body because he won't "realize" he's "protecting" the Achilles so early after the initial setback. 

While speaking about a different subject, clinical and sports psychologist Dr. John Murray told ESPN's Josh Weinfuss that "the idea of reinjuring themselves" is often a "real significant factor" for "about a quarter of injured players." 

"I would hope to god that the Jets' offensive line is the best of any offensive line that's ever been," Neufeld said about Rodgers playing again before next summer. "They need to protect that quarterback more than anybody they've had to protect."

Per Cimini and StatMuse, the Jets had allowed the third-most sacks (47) in the NFL this season as of Friday. 

Also on Friday, oddschecker listed the Jets as two-point underdogs for Sunday's home game against the 5-6 Atlanta Falcons. A New York loss at MetLife Stadium could, and maybe should, change Rodgers' plans, but he'll nevertheless enter the weekend hoping his potential return can provide a spark for a club that went 0-4 in November.