Rodgers not ready to return, expects to play past 2024

It doesn't sound like Aaron Rodgers will make another on-field appearance in 2023 despite a heroic attempt to return from a torn Achilles.

The New York Jets' quarterback didn't definitively say he won't be back this season, but Rodgers, who had his 21-day practice window opened on Nov. 29, said Tuesday that he wasn't near 100% ahead of Wednesday's deadline to activate him off injured reserve.

"If I was 100% today, I'd definitely be pushing to play. But the fact is, I'm not," Rodgers said on the "Pat McAfee Show," according to Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer. "I've been working hard to get closer ... I'm still 14 weeks tomorrow from my surgery and being medically cleared as 100% healed is not realistic at 14 weeks."

It was previously reported that Rodgers was likely to be medically cleared this week, but his return to the lineup was still uncertain. The veteran signal-caller embarked on an unprecedented and aggressive rehab in hopes of returning from an Achilles tear suffered in Week 1.

Rodgers stated that his return would depend on his health and the Jets' postseason chances. New York was eliminated from playoff contention on Sunday.

While the 40-year-old's first season away from Green Bay was spoiled by injury, Rodgers believes 2024 won't be the end of his Jets tenure.

"When I came here, I got a renewed passion and love for the game and everything has been amazing here," Rodgers explained. "I wanted at least two years, and I feel like this year is kinda a lost year now that I only played a couple snaps."

He continued: "I don't think next year will be my last year. ... I feel like I can play more years and I can be effective."

The four-time league MVP says he believes in the Jets' leadership brass and that the team's future is "very bright," according to ESPN's Rich Cimini.

"The night is always darkest before the dawn and we're going to rise again," Rodgers added.

Rodgers is under contract with the Jets through 2025, per Spotrac.