Oct 15, 2023; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) looks on during the second half against the Philadelphia Eagles at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
NFL: Philadelphia Eagles at New York Jets
NEW YORK — A doctor is offering insight into Aaron Rodgers recovery.
When Rodgers went down just four plays into the season, New York Jets fan believed they had seen the last of the four-time MVP for the season.
But apparently not.
This past Sunday, the Jets quarterback was throwing passes on the MetLife turf just five weeks after undergoing surgery.
Dr. Bonnie Chien, an orthopedic surgeon at NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia University is now providing a possible time line for Rodgers.
“The idea is that they put stitches, or strong sutures, through the Achilles tendon, and then they drill a hole in the heel bone, in the back, where the Achilles inserts into the heel bone. And then you basically anchor the Achilles within your bone,” Chien said.
“The idea, or the way they advertise the implant, is that it can help you potentially speed up your recovery because instead of having tendon to tendon heal to itself, you have an interface between the tendon and the bone.”
As far as a return to the field, Chien stated it is “possible” that an athlete could return to the field in a four- to five-month timeframe.
“I think it’s recognized that in professional sports setting, the rehabilitation and the therapy is much more intense. I think four to five months can be a reasonable amount of time that they return.”
If that hat timeline was indeed correct it would mean Rodgers would have a legit shot to return before the end of the regular season.
Speaking Tuesday, on “The Pat McAfee Show,” Rodgers said he was “ahead of schedule.”
“There’s just markers. You saw me walk without crutches and throw on the field. Another marker is going to be jogging, and another marker is going to be going through a pregame workout, probably, and getting on the practice field. “Obviously, we’re ahead of schedule.”
