Reporters update Aaron Rodgers' recovery from torn Achilles

So much was made about New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers skipping the club's two-day mandatory minicamp last week that some may have forgotten he is still recovering from the torn Achilles he suffered on Sept. 11, 2023.

Jets reporter Rich Cimini of ESPN offered an update on Rodgers' health for a piece published Monday.

"From all indications, he met every challenge as he continued his recovery from an Achilles tear," Cimini explained. "Rodgers wasn't limited in practice, which bodes well for training camp. The arm strength was still there, and he made every throw. What we didn't see -- and what we won't know until the season starts -- is whether he has lost some mobility because of his injury."

Rodgers reportedly was a regular at voluntary workouts throughout the spring, but that doesn't erase the fact that the future Hall of Famer who turns 41 years old this December is coming off an injury known to shorten the careers of veteran athletes. In May, Rodgers acknowledged that he still needed to work on "the mental part" of serving as a QB1 after he essentially missed the entire 2023 season.

"Can he quick-slide in the pocket to avoid a hard-charging pass-rusher? Can he follow through naturally on his surgically repaired left foot/heel or will he become a back-foot thrower? Rodgers said the only way to recapture his feel and reflexes will be through repetitions in game-like conditions," Cimini added.

Liz Loza of ESPN suggested that Rodgers' ability to "sail the ball downfield" shouldn't be impacted by his injury since he tore his left Achilles tendon rather than the one associated with the leg "he steps back on when he throws." Zack Rosenblatt of The Athletic hinted on Monday he was encouraged by what he saw from Rodgers ahead of minicamp.

"Rodgers looked like Rodgers on the practice field," Rosenblatt said. "More importantly, he got through the spring unscathed."

Rodgers dealt with multiple calf issues after he officially joined the Jets via a trade from the Green Bay Packers in April 2023. It's unclear if those setbacks had anything to do with Rodgers tearing his Achilles four offensive snaps into the season.

Jets players seemingly understand that Super Bowl expectations will hover over the organization for the second consecutive summer because of Rodgers' presence. As of Monday afternoon, DraftKings Sportsbook listed the Jets tied for sixth among the betting favorites at +1100 odds to represent the AFC in Super Bowl LIX.