By CNN
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New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers has said that he would “love to come back this season” as he continues his rehab from an Achilles injury suffered in the first game of the season.
Rodgers tore his Achilles just four plays into his first game for the Jets and underwent surgery last month. He has since been attending Jets games and was seen throwing passes on the field before the team faced the Philadelphia Eagles on October 15.
Speaking on ESPN’s ManningCast on Monday, Rodgers told Peyton and Eli Manning that he is targeting a full return this season.
“I’ve had a couple of injuries over the years,” said the 39-year-old. “I think for me, you always have to set a goal, otherwise you go kind of crazy.
“So the goal is to definitely come back. There’s a lot of factors that go into that. I’ve got to get to a point where I can protect myself and do what I do.
“To me, throwing on the field was just a way to feel normal. When you’re away from the team and you’re separated, being on the injured reserve list, anything you can do to make it feel like you’re kind of a part of it, whether that’s Zooming into a meeting, or a conversation before the game …”
Shortly after the injury, Jets head coach Robert Saleh said that his quarterback would be “out for the year.” Rodgers’ rehab appears to be progressing faster than expected, however, and he is now walking around without crutches.
“Getting back out there and messing around in the pre-game warm ups, to be able to walk out there without crutches and throw a ball around a little bit – that gave me a jolt,” he said on the ManningCast.
“I’m just having the mindset with my rehab every day to hopefully come back at some point.”
The Jets are 3-3 on the season and face the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium on Sunday.
