Aaron Rodgers opened eyes on Sunday by going through light dropbacks and throwing the ball on the field at MetLife Stadium, and he told the Pat McAfee Show that things are certainly progressing, but there is a long way to go.
“That felt great, honestly,” Rodgers said. “Last week was a tough week of rehab, but we adjusted some things with the shoes and my insoles, and later in the week, I started to really progress back onto what I was doing a few days before that.
“It just felt normal…just feel like I was part of it.”
Rodgers still wants to try and make a return this season, which would be a remarkable recovery after tearing his Achilles in Week 1, but other circumstances would have to unfold as well, like the Jets still being in the race.
“Now I’m able to take some legitimate dropbacks, put some legitimate weight onto it, transfer my weight and get onto my front foot…we’re just progressing,” Rodgers said. “It’s really good. There’s still a long way to go, and a lot of things have to happen. Obviously, we have to still be alive. But God, I love the vibe on our team.”
Of course, even if the Jets are still in striking distance of the playoffs, it won’t matter for Rodgers unless he continues to progress and clears the necessary hurdles to be cleared for contact.
“I need to be able to move, otherwise why the hell would I come back?” Rodgers said. “I need to be able to play from under center, and get to an outside zone handoff, and get to a keeper, and be able to move in the pocket. Otherwise I'm not doing ourselves, our team, myself, my career, any favors.
“I need to be able to move and so a lot needs to happen before then. I'm not even jogging. I'm just taking some nice dropbacks.”