Rodgers not ruling out possible earlier return -- 'Anything is possible' - ESPN

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers is planning to intensify his practice regimen next week, with the hope of returning sooner than expected.

Rodgers was believed to be targeting Dec. 24 as a potential return from a torn Achilles — only 3½ months removed from surgery — but he wouldn't rule out an earlier comeback.

«Anything is possible,» he said Thursday in an off-camera interview with beat writers.

This doesn't mean his return is a sure thing. Rodgers made it clear that the Jets (4-7) need to be alive in the playoff race. He also emphasized that he needs to show considerable improvement next week in practice.

«It feels great to be on the practice field, but I'm not anywhere near ready to play,» said Rodgers, who was cleared Wednesday for limited practice.

He's hoping he gets some cooperation from teammates. Losers of four straight, the Jets have less than a 1% chance of making the postseason, according to ESPN Analytics. If they lose Sunday to the Atlanta Falcons (5-6), it could be a moot point.

«I don't think that would make a ton of sense,» he said, meaning to play in a game with no playoff implications.

«A comeback this year before the four-month mark would mean I'm not 100 percent healthy, so it'd be a risk for myself. For the team to sign off on if we're out of it, I'd be surprised if they would OK that to come back.»

Rodgers, who turns 40 on Saturday, reiterated his desire to play in 2024. A reinjury this season wouldn't change that, he said.

After a limited practice Wednesday, during which he took some reps in 7-on-7, Rodgers sat out Thursday as part of his rehab plan. That will change next week, when he tests himself by practicing on back-to-back days.

«Obviously, Sunday [is] out of the