Rodgers says Achilles rehab plan will 'shock' people: 'Anything's possible'

New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers suggested that he plans to return in 2024, saying his torn Achilles rehab will surprise many around the NFL.

"I've known about this rehab, I have friends who've done it," Rodgers said Friday on "The Pat McAfee Show." "I think what I like to say is give me the doubts. Give me the doubts. Give me the timetables. Give me all the things that you think can, should, or will happen because all I need is that one little extra percent of inspiration. ... Give me your prognostications, and then watch what I do."

Rodgers tore his left Achilles tendon four snaps into his Jets debut on Monday Night Football. He said Thursday on Instagram that the surgery to repair his injury went "great."

"There's been some guys with some interesting timetables on Achilles returns, but we'll see what happens," Rodgers said. "There's a process. There's certain markers we gotta hit."

He added: "There's a lot of different ideas about the overall length of the rehab. I think what I like to say is just because somebody hasn't ever done it a certain way doesn't mean it's not possible. Definitely some odds stacked against me based on age, but I like it. Stack all the odds up against me and see what happens. It's going to be an interesting type of attacking of the rehab because I'm drawing from all these different sources.

"My entire focus and dedication is on acquiring the most information, and then adding to what I've already put together is a pretty damn good rehab plan that I think will shock some people."

The Jets originally announced that the 39-year-old would miss the remainder of the 2023 season. However, the four-time NFL MVP doesn't want to fully rule out a return for the playoffs if New York makes it.

"As Kevin Garnett said, anything's possible," Rodgers said when asked if he could potentially return this season.

Jets head coach Robert Saleh said earlier this week he'd be "shocked" if Rodgers retires following his injury.

New York acquired Rodgers in a trade from the Green Bay Packers in April, hoping to end the franchise's 12-year playoff drought. The 10-time Pro Bowler has said multiple times that joining New York has been better than he expected.

Offensive struggles, particularly at quarterback, were the Jets' biggest issues last season, as the club ranked 29th in points scored. The AFC East team is now turning to Zach Wilson at quarterback. Wilson replaced Rodgers in Week 1 and helped New York claim a 22-16 comeback victory over the Buffalo Bills in overtime.

The Jets visit the Dallas Cowboys in Week 2.