NFL Rumors: Analyst rules out Aaron Rodgers' return from injury in 2023-2024 season
Aaron Rodgers has been a subplot in yet another NFL. However, this time is a bit different with fans, analysts, and pundits talking about the quarterback while he's off the gridiron. The biggest topic of discussion around the quarterback has been whether he will return in 2023 after beginning his rehab with the goal of returning this season.
Speaking on the Craig Carton Show, NFL analyst Craig Carton gave one big reason why the quarterback won't be back on the field even if the Jets make the playoffs:
"Aaron Rodgers will not throw another football for the New York Jets until next September. He is not playing and I'll take it one step further. ... If the New York Jets are playing a playoff game in January, [it means] Zach Wilson figured out how to play quarterback."
He continued, explaining that throwing in a rusty Rodgers wouldn't help the team:
"Guess what the Jets are not gonna do? They're not going to bring Aaron Rodgers back for his first [playoff] game in two years essentially in a playoff game, most likely on the road in cold weather."
Aaron Rodgers playoff drought inching on three-year guarantee
Assuming the New York Jets don't get Aaron Rodgers back this year, it means the Jets will be hoping to get him back in 2024. However, the playoffs will take place in January of 2025 for that season. Meaning, the quarterback will have gone most of 2022, 2023, and the entire 2024 calendar years without a playoff appearance.
In addition, if one looks at playoff wins, then the quarterback will have gone even longer. The quarterback's last playoff win came in January 2021. If he gets to the playoffs in January of 2025, it will have been four full calendar years since his last playoff win.
In January of 2025, Aaron Rodgers will have been in the league for just a few months shy of 20 years. That playoff win drought would encompass about 20% of his entire career.
If one only starts counting from when he took over after Brett Favre in 2008, the drought would encompass close to 25% of his career. Going a quarter of a career without a playoff win would be a stain on his resume to some, especially if he doesn't ever get back to the postseason.
Will Rodgers return to his stranglehold grip on the NFL in January or has the league already seen his last time in the playoffs?
If any of the above quotes are used, credit The Carton Show and H/T Sportskeeda.