Aaron Rodgers says Jets' playoff chances will factor into potential return

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Aaron Rodgers has long been vocal that he wants to return this season – but he's not going to force it.

The four-time MVP suffered what everyone thought was a season-ending injury in just his fourth snap in a New York Jets uniform, abruptly ending any expectations Jets fans had.

Despite his injury, Gang Green actually started the season at 4-3, still leaving them in the playoff discussion. However, they have lost four straight, and it looks like the league's longest playoff drought will stretch to a 13th season.

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Aaron Rodgers of the New York Jets before the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at MetLife Stadium on Oct. 15, 2023, in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Sarah Stier/Getty Images)

As soon as Rodgers told everyone to "give me your doubts, give me your prognostications and then watch what I do," it seemed like a glimmer of hope that as long as the Jets were in the playoff mix, Rodgers could return for January football.

But Rodgers on Tuesday admitted that the Jets' playoff chances will play a factor in whether he returns or not.

"It's always been, first, am I healthy? And then, are we alive? Are we in it? Are we playing good enough to make a run? Can I step in and protect myself and play at the level I feel like I'm capable of? But the first part is the health…" Rodgers told "The Pat McAfee Show."

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Aaron Rodgers of the New York Jets on hand before the Kansas City Chiefs game at MetLife Stadium on Oct. 1, 2023. (Dustin Satloff/Getty Images)

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