Report: Rodgers expected to be cleared to play in Week 16
New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers is likely to be medically cleared for next week's game against the Washington Commanders, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter.
While Rodgers could receive clearance from the Achilles injury he suffered in the season opener, the star passer isn't guaranteed to be in the lineup for the Week 16 matchup.
Rodgers and the team will discuss whether or not he ultimately returns to action. Much of the decision could come down to the result of Sunday's divisional game against the Miami Dolphins and if the Jets have a chance at making the postseason, per Schefter.
New York must activate Rodgers from injured reserve before Wednesday if he wants to take another snap this season. The Jets opened his 21-day practice window on Nov. 29. He could also be activated this week but remain a spectator, per Schefter.
The four-time MVP passer understands that he won't be fully healthy until after the season but is willing to play if the Jets are in the playoff hunt. Rodgers said it wouldn't "make a ton of sense" for him to return if the team is mathematically eliminated from the postseason.
The Jets could be eliminated with a loss to the Dolphins on Sunday and a win by either the Cleveland Browns, Houston Texans, or Buffalo Bills.
Head coach Robert Saleh said that the 40-year-old Rodgers looked "normal" during the team's practice on Friday.