New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers was walking unaided – without his crutches – less than three weeks after surgery on his torn Achilles.
In an episode of the Jets’ All-Access series released on Thursday, the 39-year-old was seen walking with crutches in hand but not in use. The footage was taken before the Jets hosted the Kansas City Chiefs on October 1.
‘Let me just do it,’ Rodgers says in the footage. ‘Show them I can walk,’ he added as he limped towards his locker to everyone’s surprise.
Rodgers is then seen interacting with teammates and staff members.
‘Come on? Surprised?’ Rodgers joked with a colleague.
Aaron Rodgers walking unaided before the New York Jets faced the Kansas City Chiefs
Rodgers suffered an Achilles tear early on opening night against the Buffalo Bills
It was widely reported on September 12 that Rodgers will miss the rest of the 2023 season
After some handshakes with teammates, Rodgers puts on a different pair of shoes and walks empty-handed in a circle. ‘It helps me walk though,’ Rodgers said. ‘That’s all that matters right?’
The Jets acquired the four-time NFL MVP and Super Bowl winner this past offseason. Unfortunately, Rodgers suffered a season-ending injury in his first quarter as a Jet.
Following their opening game against the Buffalo Bills, Rodgers revealed that he had torn his Achilles. While the rehabilitation process for this injury usually takes at least six months, Rodgers appeared to be walking fine just 20 days after sustaining it.
On October 3, Rodgers told ESPN’s Pat McAfee that his rehab has been different compared to normal practices.
‘There’s nothing normal about how I’m attacking this rehab,’ Rodgers said. ‘There is common practices about six weeks in a boot, and I was in a shoe in like 13 days. Again, this is just my mindset.’
With the Rodgers experiment on hold, the Jets have been juggling roles after the opening night setback. The Jets are currently 2-3 this season, sitting third in the AFC East. On the bright side, their newly-minted star may return to the field sooner than expected.
