Report reveals when Aaron Rodgers is expected to be medically cleared

The New York Jets kept a glimmer of postseason hope alive with their surprising win over the Houston Texans on Sunday, and it may not be much longer before their star quarterback is available to help.

Aaron Rodgers is expected to be medically cleared to play prior to the Jets’ Dec. 24 game against the Washington Commanders, according to a report from TMZ. At that point, it will be up to Rodgers and the team to decide whether the 39-year-old should play again this season.

The Jets have until Dec. 20 to activate Rodgers after they opened his 21-day practice window earlier this month. Rodgers has said for months that his goal is to play again in 2023, but he has acknowledged that New York would have to be in playoff contention in order to justify it.

Zach Wilson reclaimed his starting job on Sunday and led the Jets to a 30-6 win over Houston. New York improved to 5-8 with the victory.

Rodgers tore his Achilles on Sept. 11. The surgery he had was the same so-called “speed bridge” procedure that running back Cam Akers had prior to the 2021 season. Akers, who was with the Los Angeles Rams at the time, was cleared to play five months later.

If Rodgers winds up playing on Dec. 24, that would be y far the quickest recovery time ever for an NFL player with a torn Achilles. Given the Jets’ record and current playoff position, it still seems unlikely.