Report: Aaron Rodgers 'not expected to be cleared' if NY Jets out of playoff contention

The New York Jets have patiently been awaiting the return of quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who suffered a torn Achilles in Week 1 in September.

And ever since he went down with the injury, the New York’s goal has been clear: Hang around the playoff picture just in time for the four-time NFL MVP to hopefully make a December return. Rodgers took one giant step towards making a return a reality this week, returning to practice just 11 weeks removed from surgery. Rodgers’ 21-day window is officially open, meaning Rodgers has exactly three weeks to practice with the team before the Jets have to make a decision whether to add him back to the 53-man roster or shut him down for the remainder of the season.

There’s just one small problem for the Jets that could undo a possible Rodgers return, and that’s their placement in the AFC playoff picture. New York is among the four worst teams in the conference and two games out of the seventh and final playoff spot. Given their reality, a Rodgers return may not be in the cards.

Aaron Rodgers return up in the air as Jets continue to struggle

According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, while Rodgers loosely targeted the Dec. 24 Week 16 home game against the Washington Commanders (4-8) for a possible return, it’s unlikely he will play this season if the Jets are out of playoff contention by then. Rapoport added another scenario where the Jets activate Rodgers to the 53-man roster, but he serves as the emergency third quarterback.

“There is a chance that Rodgers is activated this season, putting him back on the 53-man roster, sources say. But even then, if the team is out of it, he wouldn’t play,” Rapoport wrote Sunday. “He may, for instance, be the third QB only to be used in emergency, helping him stay connected and involved. The Jets have not used an emergency QB this season.”

The Jets can help themselves out in a big way in Week 13 Sunday if they can knock off the Atlanta Falcons (5-6) at home. A win would put New York one game closer to .500 and increase their chances of the 40-year-old coming back later this month. A loss would be detrimental and may signal the end of the road for hope of a Rodgers return.

No pressure, Tim Boyle and co.