New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers was on the sidelines Sunday sans crutches and tossing a pigskin around, conjuring hope that perhaps the season really isn’t over for the four-time NFL MVP after a Week 1 Achilles tear.
Following the Jets’ dramatic win over the Eagles last Sunday, Saleh called Rodgers a “freakazoid” considering he was able to walk around and stand the entire game five weeks removed from the injury.
Joining NFL Network’s Good Morning Football on Tuesday, Saleh said he wouldn’t close the door on Rodgers returning this season, noting the QB’s desire to prove everyone wrong.
Saleh mentioned, “I am always wondering, ‘Is this what he is supposed to be doing?’ I have coached Richard Sherman following his Achilles injury, and I have friends with similar injuries. According to them, what he’s doing is astonishing. The fact that he’s already walking, I wouldn’t be surprised by anything he does. He strongly believes in the power of manifestation; your thoughts determine who you are and what you become. He is pushing himself to recover faster than expected.”
He is unquestionably driven by doubt. The more doubt he faces, the more motivated he becomes. He is on a mission. From my brief time with him, I’ve learned that when he sets his mind on proving something, he won’t rest until he’s done it. While many may doubt him, I certainly don’t. We’re keeping opportunities open for him and it’s truly impressive to witness the intensity of his efforts and hard work.
It seems outlandish to consider Rodgers returning so quickly from an injury that takes most a year to recover from fully. However, after an innovative surgery provided hope that he could come back for a potential postseason run, Rodgers now seems out to beat even that projection.
When questioned about the likelihood of Rodgers making a comeback, Saleh responded, “It’s anyone’s guess, mine included.” He continued, “As I’ve mentioned before, we’re not closing any doors for him. Despite all odds and expert opinions saying an Achilles injury of this nature would be impossible to bounce back from, I wouldn’t discount him. His determination seems to grow with every doubt cast on his ability. If I were a betting man — which I can’t be due to company policy — my money would be on him, not against him.”
The double-edged sword for Saleh is that for any Rodgers return to matter, he needs to get enough positive play from Zach Wilson to continue to stack wins. If Wilson leads the Jets to the precipice of the postseason, would Gang Green swap him out for a 39-year-old quarterback coming off an Achilles injury who hasn’t played in months (particularly, if the offensive line issues persist)?
