Former Jets QB has theory about potential Aaron Rodgers return

Former New York Jets quarterback and current "The NFL Today" analyst Boomer Esiason has a theory regarding why signal-caller Aaron Rodgers and others within the organization continue to tease that Rodgers could play again this season. 

"I think they’re playing games with the team, trying to keep the team engaged thinking he’s coming back," Esiason said about the situation during Wednesday's edition of the WFAN "Boomer and Gio" program, per Ryan Chichester of Audacy. "Maybe that’s the reason for all of this." 

Before the Jets fell to 4-4 via a 27-6 home loss to the Los Angeles Chargers on Monday night, multiple New York players spoke openly about what Rodgers trying to make a remarkable comeback this season means to those inside the locker room. 

The future Hall of Famer who suffered a torn Achilles in Week 1 hinted shortly after Monday's game he was "a few weeks" away from playing, but Rodgers then admitted during a Tuesday appearance on "The Pat McAfee Show" that is "probably not anywhere near a realistic timeline." 

According to Rich Cimini of ESPN, Rodgers indicated on Tuesday he could be ready to go for the Christmas Eve game against the Washington Commanders assuming the Jets are in the playoff hunt at that time. 

"He says one thing, and two days later, they gotta come back and clean it up because he’s making all these declarative statements about his ankle and his Achilles," Esiason complained about Rodgers. 

Jets head coach Robert Saleh confirmed Tuesday he is sticking with the struggling Zach Wilson as the team's starting quarterback. Saleh insisted on Wednesday nobody is forcing him to play Wilson over career backup Tim Boyle or practice squad option Trevor Siemian, and Esiason believes Rodgers could be "influencing the decision." 

Wilson and Rodgers grew close over the spring and summer months. 

"The options aren’t much better," Esiason added about Boyle and Siemian, per Chichester. "I’m just telling you. I know we know [what Zach Wilson is]. But we’re not in that building. We’re not over there. We’re not in that building at practice."

The Jets next play at the 4-5 Las Vegas Raiders this coming Sunday night. As of Wednesday afternoon, oddschecker listed the Jets as one-point favorites for that game.