Jets QB Aaron Rodgers 'just need the reps' to complete recovery

Aaron Rodgers knew a fine was coming for his Egypt trip during mandatory minicamp, and he's ready to move forward after a long chat with New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh.

Rodgers continues to progress toward full health in his recovery from a torn Achilles in his regular-season debut with the team in September 2023.

The quarterback said Wednesday that his focus is fully on the field following an offseason in which he was discussed as a vice presidential candidate before his "unexcused" absence to travel to Egypt in June. The Jets fined him $50,000 for the missed practices.

"I was at the physical day, as a part of the minicamp. Missed the two practices. Had talks with all my teammates about it. I think they understood it was more of an issue outside of the building than it was inside the building," Rodgers said. "Robert and I are great -- we had great conversations throughout the offseason. Had a fun one last night in his office until later on. It is what it is. I'm an adult. I knew what I was getting into. I knew the fine that was coming and also knew how much I wanted to be in Egypt. I wish there hadn't been a conflict scheduling-wise, but it was what it was."

The four-time NFL MVP was acquired by the Jets in April 2023 but only four snaps into his first regular-season game with the team, he was lost for the season, taking the Jets' playoff-positive outlook with him.

Rodgers, 40, said he needs time on the field to get over the hump and all the way back to his pre-injury form. He estimated he's 95 percent recovered.

"I feel great," Rodgers said. "The numbers -- we track all the numbers out west where I work out and have for a decade -- my movement stuff is tracking the exact same as last year. Actually, a little bit stronger with some of the squatting that we did. I just need the reps. The last 5 percent of being 100 percent is just the mental part."

--Field Level Media