Aaron Rodgers, just over four weeks post-surgery to mend his left Achilles, seen in pregame warmups without crutches, engaging in a five-minute passing session. Photo by Dustin Satloff/Getty Images.
Just a month after his successful Achilles tendon surgery, New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers pleasantly surprised everyone when he threw for five minutes during pregame warmups before facing the Philadelphia Eagles at MetLife Stadium.
Post-Surgery Performance in Pregame Warmups
Rodgers, aged 39, sustained an injury on September 11 during the season opener but managed to show up at the stadium without crutches. About two hours before the game, he was seen throwing passes to a Jets staff member and even to star cornerback Sauce Gardner, who was sidelined due to a concussion.
Although Rodgers remained stationary while throwing, he put weight on his surgically repaired left Achilles and was about 15 yards away from his target.
Unexpected Presence at the Game
During the game, Rodgers watched from the Jets’ sideline, wearing a headset, which is unusual for injured players due to safety concerns.
Jets coach Robert Saleh praised Rodgers’ remarkable recovery rate, saying, “He’s a freakazoid for standing on the sideline the whole time.”
Rodgers’ Original Rehab Plans
Rodgers unexpectedly attended the game, deviating from his initial plan to conduct his rehab in California and come back after the Week 7 bye. This was his second game since the injury, and he had previously attended an October 1 home game using crutches. It’s uncertain whether he will stay in New Jersey or return to California.
Surgical Technique and Recovery Methods
Rodgers has expressed his “goal” to defy the odds and play again this season. He underwent surgery on September 13 in Los Angeles, with Dr. Neal ElAttrache using a “speed bridge” technique, which has gained popularity in recent years for Achilles repairs, known for promoting quicker healing.
Challenges of Playing Again This Season
In his rehabilitation, Rodgers is utilizing blood flow restriction, a technique that allows him to build muscle with low-load exercise. Typically, experts say it takes about three months for the Achilles tendon to heal, at which point the athlete can transition to a more intensive rehab plan. To play again this season, Rodgers’ recovery period would need to be under four months, which would be unprecedented for an NFL player.
This report used information from ESPN.
