Insider has theory about Jets' Aaron Rodgers maybe returning this season

NFL insider Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk shared an interesting theory regarding how New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers may be able to make an unexpected return to the playing field this season. 

"Specifically, some in the medical community wonder whether Rodgers actually suffered a full tear of the Achilles, or whether it was just a partial tear," Florio explained in a piece published Monday. 

Rodgers suffered a left Achilles tear early into the regular-season opener on Sept. 11. The future Hall of Famer, who turns 40 in December, underwent surgery later that week. NFL Network insiders Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero mentioned on Sept. 16 that Rodgers had a "speed bridge" placed on the Achilles that "opens up the possibility of an earlier return." 

For an article published on Oct. 3, ESPN's Rich Cimini noted that it typically "takes three to four months for the tendon to heal completely" before somebody such as Rodgers can "ramp up his rehab." However, the four-time NFL Most Valuable Player showed Sunday afternoon he can already toss some passes on both feet, and head coach Robert Saleh said shortly after the Jets defeated the Philadelphia Eagles 20-14 to improve to 3-3 that Rodgers is "absolutely dominating rehab" and "really wants to get back this year." 

Florio compared Rodgers to late New York Knicks legend Willis Reed, who inspired that team to an NBA Finals victory in 1970 when he famously returned from a serious injury ahead of schedule. 

"What better way to grow a legend than to make an unlikely return from a serious injury seem even more unlikely?" Florio added about Rodgers. 

Florio also pointed out that Rodgers could address the nature of his Achilles tear during his scheduled "The Pat McAfee Show" appearance on Tuesday. What Rodgers reveals or doesn't reveal during that interview may say plenty about the actual state of his Achilles roughly one month after he went under the knife.