Aaron Rodgers made his return to the football field on Monday night, exactly one year after his brief debut with the New York Jets was cut short by a torn Achilles tendon.
In the 32-19 loss to the San Francisco 49ers, the Jets quarterback showcased glimpses of his former self. Rodgers connected on several passes to wide receivers Garrett Wilson and Allen Lazard. His standout moment came when he took advantage of a San Francisco offside penalty, delivering a 37-yard touchdown pass to Lazard.
The 40-year-old quarterback managed to identify a vertical route against single-high coverage and executed the play with precision. This touchdown marked his first since his final game with the Green Bay Packers on January 8, 2023.
Rodgers completed 13 of 21 passes for 167 yards, including one touchdown and one interception.
“I think there’s a lot there (offensively),” Rodgers said after the game. “We weren’t very good on first or second down, and we missed opportunities. I’ve got to play better. We can’t turn the ball over twice, lose the turnover battle, and expect to win.”
Rodgers and the Jets will face varied defensive challenges throughout the season, but the 49ers, as reigning NFC champions, presented a particularly tough test with their All-Pro talent across all three levels.
Rodgers displayed limited mobility following his Achilles injury, a notable aspect of his playstyle. He rarely escaped the pocket, and while New York’s offensive line generally provided good protection—Rodgers was pressured on five of his 21 pass attempts—he struggled to evade pressure when it occurred. At times, he appeared to lock onto his primary read.
Despite facing a formidable defense, Rodgers demonstrated his skill set. He effectively managed checks at the line of scrimmage and ensured his teammates were properly aligned.
On his first scoring drive, Rodgers completed 6 of 7 passes, with Wilson catching four for 46 yards. The Jets are relying on Wilson and running back Breece Hall to replicate the success Rodgers had with Davante Adams and Aaron Jones in Green Bay.
“I’m just so thankful to so many people who helped me to be able to come back,” Rodgers stated. “People on the staff here, people back home … I was thinking about all those people before the game.
“It took a few plays for the nerves to subside. I finally took a (hit), which was nice. I thought the protection all night was great. We just didn’t run the ball. We were off in the run game. I missed two passes.”
The Jets will face Tennessee on the road this Sunday, followed by a Thursday home opener against the Patriots on September 19. The tight schedule leaves little time for Rodgers and offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett to address their early-season challenges.
The Jets’ success will also depend on having a full roster. Veteran wide receiver Mike Williams, limited to nine snaps and zero targets on Monday, is returning from an ACL injury. Once the team is at full strength, Rodgers will have better opportunities to exploit favorable matchups. However, he must also demonstrate the ability to extend plays when his protection falters.
Additionally, the Jets need to improve their run defense after 49ers backup running back Jordan Mason rushed for 147 yards. While the Jets have a competitive roster capable of late-season success, relying on Rodgers to constantly play catchup is not ideal.
The Jets have not reached the playoffs since 2010, the same year Rodgers won his sole Super Bowl title. Despite the challenges, it was encouraging to see moments of effective play from Rodgers for a team that used four different quarterbacks last season.
The Jets’ season will ultimately hinge on Rodgers, who is seeking to make the most of the final stages of his illustrious career.
“There’s no better feeling than being back on the field for a game,” he said. “I’m just excited about the season. I love our guys. I think we’re going to bounce back and be just fine.”
