Jets QB Aaron Rodgers addresses talk of early return from injury

New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers isn't shy about wanting to return ahead of schedule from what was thought last month to be a season-ending injury, but he is also pumping the brakes regarding such talk.

According to Josh Alper of Pro Football Talk, Rodgers said during his Tuesday appearance on "The Pat McAfee Show" that everyone involved should "just cool our jets a little bit" as it pertains to the 39-year-old playing again this season. 

Rodgers went down with some sort of an Achilles tear in Week 1 and underwent a type of surgery that allowed him to walk without crutches and throw some passes at MetLife Stadium ahead of New York's 20-14 win over the Philadelphia Eagles this past Sunday. As recently as Tuesday morning, Jets head coach Robert Saleh made it known he is "leaving the door open" for Rodgers to return and "would bet on (Rodgers), not against him." 

Meanwhile, Rodgers suggested on Tuesday that he still has a ways to go before he and the Jets can begin serious talks about his playing status.

"They’re just markers," Rodgers added about his recovery. "You saw me walk without crutches and throw on the field. Another marker’s gonna be jogging. And then another marker’s gonna be going through a pregame workout, probably, and get on a practice field. All of these are gonna take time. There’s critical markers I have to hit." 

The Jets entered their Week 7 bye at 3-3 even though third-year pro Zach Wilson has left much to be desired with his play since Rodgers' setback. According to ESPN stats, Wilson ended Week 6 ranked 29th in the NFL among qualified players with a 37.4 adjusted QBR and a 60.4% completion percentage on the season. He's thrown four touchdown passes and five interceptions over six contests. 

Rodgers insisted Tuesday there's no definitive timetable for a potential return to action. If Wilson doesn't produce better numbers beginning with the Week 8 matchup against the New York Giants on Oct. 29, Rodgers rushing back to play before next September may not make much sense for the future Hall of Famer or the Jets.