Rodgers: Achilles 'feels good' ahead of training camp
New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers is eager to return to the field after an Achilles injury wiped out all but four plays of his 2023 season.
"My Achilles feels good, you know. I felt really good at the end of last year," Rodgers said Saturday at the American Century Championship golf tournament, per NBC Sports. "Then, you know, there's always that kind of plateau part. It's just about getting back into it. I felt good all spring."
Rodgers confirmed a report from earlier this offseason that indicated the four-time MVP skipped the Jets' mandatory minicamp to take a pre-planned trip to Egypt.
"Had a beautiful trip to Egypt," Rodgers said. "This is like the last marker. Summer's over on Sunday."
Both Rodgers and pass-rusher Haason Reddick missed the mandatory minicamp with what the team described as "unexcused absences." Head coach Robert Saleh downplayed suggestions of controversy with the star quarterback, who attended a majority of the team's voluntary OTA workouts prior to minicamp.
The Jets relied on its talented defense and leaned on Zach Wilson for most of the 2023 campaign, but the league's longest active playoff drought was extended to 13 seasons.
New York has made several moves this offseason to shore up the offensive line in front of Rodgers. Veterans Tyron Smith and Morgan Moses were brought in to help protect the franchise quarterback ahead of his second year, while wideout Mike Williams was acquired to provide another target in the passing game alongside star receiver Garrett Wilson.
The 10-time Pro Bowler also teased a possible reunion with former Green Bay Packers teammate Davante Adams this week.
Rodgers is set to embark on his 20th NFL campaign when the Jets return to practice on July 24.