By Tyrell Faster, Dailymail.com
Updated at 22:46 on October 17, 2023, 22:46 on October 17, 2023
- Rodgers suffered torn Achilles four games into New York Jets debut
- He returned to the sideline in Jets’ win over Eagles
- DailyMail.com provides all the latest international sports news
Former NFL quarterback Tom Brady praised injured New York Jets player Aaron Rodgers for his efforts to recover from a torn Achilles tendon as quickly as possible.
Rodgers surprised many, including Brady, on Sunday when he not only walked without a cane, but also enjoyed a catching game with Jets cornerback Ahmed “Shas” Gardner, The latter also missed the game against the Philadelphia Eagles with a concussion.
The 39-year-old quarterback admitted he “feels good,” while also noting he was “a little limp” when he threw during an interview with ESPN on Tuesday.
“He’s determined to come back and I really like Aaron. I think some people use injuries as an excuse not to play,” Brady said on his “Let’s Go” podcast.
“The most inspiring thing to me when I see a guy like that is it shows you his love for the game. He doesn’t want to miss anything for his teammates. I feel that way. “I know all the greats of competitors want to compete every week. “
“I play with a lot of guys who don’t want to play and they have good reasons to try to find a way out of the game and not play. Aaron is doing everything he can to try to get back on the field. Hopefully his team if he gets the chance Still in it. I know it’s an uphill battle.
“It’s an unbelievable injury and he’s working hard to recover. I appreciate your efforts. That’s the approach that winners take, they try to get back out there and fight with their mates.
Rodgers, who was scheduled to return to the Jets full-time after a bye in Week 7, continues to rehab his Achilles tendon at a rare rate and underwent a relatively new surgery that placed a so-called arthroplasty on his ankle. Internal bracket of the “Speed Bridge”.
It’s also worth noting that Rodgers was allowed to stand on the sidelines rather than being placed in the dugout.
Players recovering from an Achilles tear or a similarly serious injury are often not allowed on the sidelines during games because they protect the player from a collision (or a last-second maneuver to avoid a collision) that could exacerbate the injury.
The 10-time Pro Bowler is also said to have “actively spoken out… giving advice to Jets coaches while standing on the sideline with a headset on.”
The last player to recover so quickly from a torn Achilles was then-Los Angeles Rams and now Minnesota Vikings running back Cam Akers.
Akers returned to action about five and a half months after his injury. Rodgers has been tight-lipped about his specific goals and believes he can return to the Jets before the playoffs arrive.