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Watch: Aaron Rodgers throws pregame of Eagles-Jets
New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Danielle Parhizkaran/NorthJersey.com / USA TODAY NETWORK / USA TODAY NETWORK

Watch: Aaron Rodgers throws pregame of Eagles-Jets

Perhaps Aaron Rodgers returning this season isn't so far-fetched after all.

As Bleacher Report noted, it's only been 34 days since he tore his Achilles. Rodgers suffered his injury in the season opener on Sept. 11 after only one pass attempt.

On Sept. 16, NFL insiders Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero reported Rodgers is aiming for a "playoff return ... after undergoing an innovative surgery ... designed to accelerate the normal rehabilitation process from such an injury."

In his absence, the team turned back to third-year pro Zach Wilson. The second overall pick of the 2021 NFL Draft has started the past four games and is 91-of-149 (61.1 percent) for 911 yards, four touchdowns and five interceptions on the season, playing his best the past two weeks.

Even with his improvement, the Jets would be better off with Rodgers at quarterback.

The defense, which was predicted to be among the best in the league, has only been okay, ranking 14th in points allowed (21 points per game) and 22nd in total defense (352.6 yards allowed per game). 

The Jets (2-3) host the Eagles (5-0) in Week 6. Philadelphia is a 6.5-point favorite. If Rodgers is going to do the unthinkable and return this season, it will start with New York doing the unexpected, which includes a win against the Eagles.

Eric Smithling

Eric Smithling is a writer based in New Orleans, LA, whose byline also appears on Athlon Sports. He has been with Yardbarker since September 2022, primarily covering the NFL and college football, but also the NBA, WNBA, men’s and women’s college basketball, NHL, tennis and golf. He holds a film studies degree from the University of New Orleans

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