Reports: Aaron Rodgers to be medically cleared for Week 16

Field Level Media|published: 12/16/2023, 10:26pm EST

East Rutherford, NJ December 3, 2023 -- Aaron Rodgers of the Jets on the sidelines, late in the second half. The Atlanta Falcons topped the NY Jets 13-8 at MetLife Stadium on December 3, 2023 in East Rutherford, NJ. credits: Chris Pedota, NorthJersey.com / USA TODAY NETWORK

New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers will be medically cleared to return to action next week ahead of Week 16, ESPN and the NFL Network reported Saturday night.

Whether the 5-8 Jets put Rodgers back in play remains to be seen. NFL Network, in fact, reported it's a longshot that the Jets would play him. His recovery from a torn Achilles suffered in Week 1 is astounding, nonetheless.

The Jets are still alive in the playoff hunt, entering Sunday's game as the No. 13 seed in the AFC. A win Sunday over Miami could impact the team's decision.

The Jets, who opened the 21-day practice window for Rodgers on Nov. 29, have until Wednesday to activate Rodgers from injured reserve or leave him on for the remainder of the season.

Rodgers has continuously said he wants to return this season provided he's healthy and the team is "alive" in the AFC playoff race. Christmas Eve is the Jets' third-to-last regular-season game, at home against the Washington Commanders, so that might not be enough time for Rodgers to singlehandedly resurrect the Jets' season.

Much rides on Sunday's game against the Dolphins.

—Field Level Media