Aaron Rodgers Is Targeting Return For Playoffs After ‘Innovative’ Achilles Injury Surgery

Aaron Rodgers season might not be over after all.

According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero, The New York Jets quarterback is reportedly “targeting an improbable playoff return” after tearing his achilles in Week 1 against the Buffalo Bills.

Per that report:

“Sources say renowned orthopedic surgeon Dr. Neal ElAttrache and his team performed a procedure to place an internal brace—called an Achilles ‘speed bridge’—on Rodgers’ fully torn left Achilles, which he ruptured just four snaps into Monday’s game against the Buffalo Bills. While there are no guarantees, the speed bridge protects the repair and opens up the possibility of an earlier return, sources say.”

The new surgery process is fairly new and is designed to have an athlete “fully recovered” in four months. The new medical breakthrough also gives Rodgers an outside chance to be ready to return in mid-January, which is right around the time the NFL playoffs start.. if the Jets qualify.

While Rodgers has high hopes for a quick return, there are plenty of caveats. Per the report:

The speed bridge does not guarantee a quicker return, though it is said to enhance the strength of the repair and guard it against stretching, sources say. So much depends on how Rodgers’ rehab goes and how his body responds as he turns 40 in December. If there is no reason to push the return — i.e. the Jets are not in the playoffs — then this would be moot.

For now, the Jets will roll with Wilson under center and so far have not reached out to any veterans with interest to bring them in.

The Jets will travel to Dallas to face the Cowboys in Week 2.