Insider shares how Jets' Aaron Rodgers is recovering from torn Achilles

For a piece published on Monday, NFL insider Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated revealed that a source told him New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers is "fine" for the start of organized team activities coming off the torn Achilles Rodgers suffered back on Sept. 11 of last year. 

"And as for where the Jets are now, with OTAs starting, my sense is they’re in a really good place," Breer explained. "Rodgers has looked good thus far and is healthy enough to be a full participant over the coming weeks as practice ramps up. ...He’s also, in 7-on-7 work through Phase II of the offseason program, shown that he can still rip it like the old Rodgers could."

Super Bowl expectations hovered over the Jets throughout last summer after Rodgers joined the club via a trade from the Green Bay Packers in April 2023. However, he went down with the torn Achilles just four offensive snaps into the regular-season opener. 2021 first-round draft pick Zach Wilson failed to become a suitable fill-in while working under offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett.

As shared by ESPN stats, New York's offense finished this past regular season ranked 31st in the league with an average of 268.6 yards per game and 29th with an average of 15.8 points scored per contest. The Jets ended Week 8 at 4-3 but ultimately closed the campaign with a record of 7-10. 

This offseason, the Jets replaced Wilson with proven veteran Tyrod Taylor and bolstered their offensive line thanks to multiple noteworthy acquisitions. Gang Green also gave Rodgers a new weapon in former Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Mike Williams before this year's draft. 

"Add that to what’s around [Rodgers], and there’s a quiet optimism on where these Jets could go — and keeping it quiet, for now, anyway, is the team’s preference," Breer said. 

The Jets reportedly tried "to hire someone who would, essentially, replace Hackett" this offseason even though he first served as Rodgers' coordinator from 2019 through the 2021 season. 

Additionally, Rodgers recently suggested he seriously considered an offer from independent 2024 presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to be Kennedy's vice presidential running mate. Despite such potential distractions, Breer indicated people within the Jets are upbeat about the state of the club ahead of training camp. 

As of Monday afternoon, DraftKings Sportsbook listed the Jets tied for sixth among the betting favorites at +1100 odds to represent the AFC in Super Bowl LIX. 

Rodgers turns 41 years old this coming December, so his window to guide the Jets to a title is likely closing fast even if he wants to play for another handful of years.