Rodgers: Return depends on health, Jets' playoff chances

Aaron Rodgers says his potential return from a torn Achilles will come down to his health and New York Jets' playoff odds.

"It's always been first, 'Am I healthy?' And then, 'Are we alive, are we in it, are we playing good enough to make a run, can I step in and protect myself and play at the level that I feel like I'm capable of playing?'" Rodgers said Tuesday on "The Pat McAfee Show."

Rodgers, who suffered the injury on Sept. 11, has reportedly been targeting Dec. 2 for his return to practice. The veteran has shown progress in his recovery by throwing a football during warmups ahead of recent Jets games.

"There's a natural progression here to the rehab," Rodgers added. "That's going to involve actually getting back onto the field to start to do some things that are more football related."

However, the 39-year-old said he can't yet make a decision on his comeback as he lacks "the ability to play at this point."

After a 4-3 start, the Jets have lost four in a row and fallen out of the AFC's playoff picture. With tiebreakers factored in, the 4-7 franchise is currently second-last in the conference's wild-card race.

The Week 16 matchup against the Washington Commanders on Dec. 24 is reportedly the most likely date for Rodgers to return if he does make another appearance this season.