Aaron Rodgers is back.
Rodgers, who was on the field since Monday’s closed-door practice and the start of Tuesday’s practice, announced his return to the media late in the week’s second OTA by hitting Xavier Gipson with a 40-yard fastball over the middle for a single. Announced unofficially. Walk-in touchdown.
The pass narrowly missed a safety on its way to the goal.
The Jets appeared to be practicing 11-on-11 more than they are accustomed to in non-contact OTAs under fourth-year head coach Robert Saleh.
“He’s doing everything,” Saleh said.
At this point in the offseason, only helmets and pads to protect the knees and elbows are allowed, and players wear shorts.
In other words, advantage offense.
Rodgers also threw red-zone touchdowns to Garrett Wilson and former Packers teammate Allen Lazard.
Mike Williams, signed as a free agent, was away from the team along with other players undergoing rehabilitation.
Most importantly, Rodgers showed no signs of limited range of motion as he returned from a torn Achilles tendon suffered in the 2023 season opener. It was a change from when he was on the practice field at the end of last season, before his playoff dreams were wiped out by too many losses.
At other points, Rodgers coached the Jets’ running backs (with the exception of Breece Hall, who did not appear in practice) exactly how he wanted them to do things.
“He has no limitations,” Saleh said before practice. “The arm talent is still there. It’s really just getting used to everything again and we’re also trying a lot of new things.”
