Aaron Rodgers reveals 'goal' for rest of 2023 season after injury

Initially, it was believed that Rodgers had sustained an injury in Week 1 that would prematurely end his season.

On October 1, 2023, in East Rutherford, New Jersey, Aaron Rodgers, wearing jersey number 8 for the New York Jets, observed the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at MetLife Stadium, as captured by Dustin Satloff/Getty Images. 

Aaron Rodgers faced what initially appeared to be a season-ending Achilles injury during his debut for the New York Jets in September. The setback cast a shadow of doubt over his return to the field. 

However, there's a glimmer of hope for Jets fans, thanks to a surprising turn of events reported by NBC's Melissa Stark just before the team's game against the Kansas City Chiefs. Rodgers, who was thought to be sidelined indefinitely, had received medical clearance to travel and made an unexpected appearance at the team's hotel in a show of support. Only the Jets' head coach, Robert Saleh, was aware of Rodgers' arrival. 

Aaron Rodgers looks to pass against the Buffalo Bills at MetLife Stadium on Sept. 11, 2023 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) 

During the broadcast, Stark revealed Rodgers' intentions: "He aimed to reassure the team, urging them to stay composed and not be distracted, emphasizing that they were only three games into the season. He plans to fly back to California this week to get his stitches removed and continue an aggressive rehab regimen, dedicating over five hours a day to his recovery efforts." 

Furthermore, Rodgers expressed his desire to rejoin the team permanently after their Week 7 bye, and he remains committed to the goal of playing again this season. 

  

Rodgers' presence at MetLife Stadium marked his return to the venue for the first time since the injury. In a previous interview on "The Pat McAfee Show," he had refrained from setting a specific timeline for his recovery, prioritizing his overall well-being. 

  

"I don't want to get caught up in the timeline," Rodgers emphasized. "My main priority is to restore my well-being, addressing both my mental and physical health. I am fully dedicated to rehabilitating myself to a point where I can return to the football field. When this injury happened, there were doubts and questions about whether it was the end of the road. But I don't believe that's the case. I don't feel done. So, I will do everything necessary to position myself for a comeback, and we'll determine the timing from there." 

Aaron Rodgers, #8 of the New York Jets, in action against the Buffalo Bills at MetLife Stadium on Sept. 11, 2023 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Jim McIsaac/Getty Images))