The possible return of Aaron Rodgers to the Jets’ lineup has been a major storyline since his New York debut lasted just four offensive snaps in Week 1. He has been aggressively rehabbing since tearing his Achilles, and he is now close to reaching another milestone in that process.

Rodgers is set to receive medical clearance to return to play in the coming days, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. The four-time MVP returned to practice late last month, starting his 21-day activation window. The Jets will need to bring him off injured reserve by Wednesday to avoid having him revert to season-ending IR, but it remains to be seen which direction the team and player will take.

As reported by Schefter and Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, Rodgers and the Jets will discuss their plan of action considering the fact that he is far from 100% healthy and the Jets’ slim playoff chances. With a 5-8 record, the team faces an uphill battle to remain in playoff contention as of Week 15. The Jets could be eliminated from the playoffs today depending on how their game and others in the AFC play out. Given their slim chances of a wild-card berth, it is currently unlikely that Rodgers will take the field before September 2024.

The Jets’ December 24 matchup against the Commanders has been identified as Rodgers’s targeted return date, but reports confirm that it would be unlikely for him to be in the lineup at that point even if he is cleared. The 40-year-old has not yet fully simulated a game environment in practice, although head coach Robert Saleh has expressed being impressed by his mobility when on the field. As things currently stand, Zach Wilson is set to remain New York’s starter to close out the season after being placed back atop the depth chart.

Considering the injuries suffered by Rodgers, who underwent a speed bridge procedure to accelerate the healing process, as well as a number of other key offensive players, the Jets are expected to view 2023 as a write-off. No major staff changes are expected as a result, and any adjustments on that front, along with roster moves, will likely be made with Rodgers in mind. The future Hall of Famer is essentially on the books through 2024 as a result of the revised contract he agreed to in the offseason. That contract calls for over $38MM in compensation next year, which is the most probable point at which he will be available for the Jets.