New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) on the field after the game against the Houston Texans at MetLife Stadium on Sunday. Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

Jets' Aaron Rodgers addresses report on potential return date

Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers spoke during a Tuesday appearance on "The Pat McAfee Show" about a report that claimed he could return to New York's lineup for the Christmas Eve home game against the Washington Commanders. 

"I’m not sure about some of these reports," Rodgers said on Tuesday, according to Al Iannazzone of Newsday. "There’s loose lips everywhere. I’m not going to let that sink my ship though." 

Jets head coach Robert Saleh told reporters Monday he didn't "have any knowledge" about the TMZ Sports story that said Rodgers "will be given the all-clear before the Week 16 game" against Washington. Meanwhile, Rodgers' latest "The Pat McAfee Show" spot occurred one week after he ripped individuals within the Jets allegedly responsible for "a bunch of leaks" during his tenure with the organization that began this past spring. 

As noted by Wilton Jackson of Sports Illustrated, Rodgers added on Tuesday he's participating in additional midweek practice drills as he approaches an important deadline. The Jets have until Dec. 20 to activate the 40-year-old or decide to keep him on injured reserve through the remainder of the season. 

"I’m getting better, improving," Rodgers explained. "There's still some things that I have to do to be cleared. I’m not sure where that report's coming from. There’s been a lot of interesting reporting of our team lately." 

As of late Tuesday afternoon, the ESPN Football Power Index gave the 5-8 Jets a 0.3% chance to make the playoffs. At that same time, oddschecker listed Gang Green as an 8.5-point road underdog for this coming Sunday's game at the 9-4 Miami Dolphins. 

One would think the Jets are a loss at Hard Rock Stadium away from shutting Rodgers down until springtime workouts begin, but he may push to play versus the Commanders regardless of what happens this weekend.  

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