On Monday, alongside the revealing of their updated uniforms, the New York Jets had another significant event as star quarterback Aaron Rodgers officially rejoined the team for the start of voluntary workouts in Florham Park, New Jersey.

Rodgers, at 40 years old, had previously returned to practice towards the end of the last season following his Achilles injury in 2023’s Week 1. However, he never saw game action after the injury.  As a seasoned veteran, Rodgers isn’t obligated to attend the voluntary phase of the Jets’ offseason program, making his presence indicative of positive progress in his rehabilitation toward full availability for the 2024 season.

This appearance coincides with Rodgers being spotted training in California just the day before, marking roughly seven months since he underwent surgery for the Achilles tear. Typically, such injuries necessitate between seven to twelve months of rehabilitation before a return to playing, but Rodgers attempted an extraordinary comeback towards the end of the previous season.

Jets’ Offseason Progress: Rodgers Ready to Return with Taylor as Backup

The initial phase of the Jets’ offseason program mainly consists of team meetings, strength and conditioning sessions, and physical rehabilitation. On-field practices are scheduled to commence in May, coinciding with the time when teams are allowed to conduct minicamps and organized team activities.

Despite only playing four snaps in 2023 due to injury, Rodgers expressed his intention earlier in the offseason to continue playing for multiple more seasons. As he enters his second year with the Jets.

Rodgers now has the added assurance of a new backup quarterback in former New York Giants veteran Tyrod Taylor, who is poised to begin the offseason as the No. 2. Taylor would be prepared to take on significant practice repetitions with the first team should Rodgers require more time to fully recover.