Aaron Rodgers provided a welcome sight to the New York Jets by taking the field for offseason team activities. The 40-year-old quarterback has impressed coaches in his return from a torn Achilles.
According to SNY’s Connor Hughes, a “surgical” Rodgers completed 13 of 15 passes with three touchdowns during Tuesday’s practice. Jets defensive coordinator Jeff Ulrbrich said the four-time MVP hasn’t missed a beat on the gridiron.
“I don’t see a loss of velocity on the ball. I don’t see a lack of movement,” Ulbrich said, via Yahoo Sports’ Jori Epstein. “It’s amazing. He’s found some source of the Fountain of Youth. He’s got something figured out.”
Ulbrich wasn’t the only one delighted to see Rodgers in action. Offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett called it “great” to have Rodgers back on the field.
“He’s a true professional. He’s the leader of our team,” Hackett said, via SNY. “It’s fun to have him out there and watch him throw the ball around to those guys and coach them up.”
Hackett also commended the veteran for staying in strong shape and starting offseason workouts without any rust following a major season-ending surgery.
“He does a great job taking care of his body,” Hackett said. “That’s something that he works on a lot, and you see it going out there and executing today.”
While Rodgers didn’t make an improbable return last season, he looks fully on track for another Monday Night Football matchup in Week 1. Head coach Robert Saleh told reporters Tuesday that Rodgers is “doing everything” without any limitations as he prepares for a 2024 comeback.
“He has no restrictions and he looks good,” Saleh said, per the Associated Press. “The arm talent is obviously still there. It’s really just reacclimating to everything.”
Rodgers lasted just four plays before going down on New York’s opening drive in his team debut. The Jets will look to snap a 13-year playoff drought behind the returning star passer.