Rich ChiminiESPN staff writer3 minutes to read
Rodgers has no plans to slow down his Achilles rehabilitation
Aaron Rodgers says the season is not over yet and plans to maintain his accelerated recovery plan, despite the Jets’ 4-6 record.
FLORHAM PARK, N.J. – On the final day of the 21-day practice window, New York Jets left tackle Duane Brown was activated from injured reserve on Thursday and added to the 53-man roster.
By rule, Brown, 38, would have remained on IR for the rest of the season if the Jets had not made the move. It’s unclear what role, if any, he will play against the Miami Dolphins in the NFL’s first Black Friday game.
The Jets have major issues on the offensive line, starting a league-leading 11 players in 10 games. Mekhi Becton started the last eight at left tackle, replacing Brown, but Becton sprained his ankle, putting his status up in the air. Rookie Carter Warren finished last week’s game at left tackle.
Brown started the first two games and was involved in the most famous play of the season — the sack that led to Aaron Rodgers rupturing his Achilles tendon in the opener.
In Week 3, Brown went to IR with what was listed as a hip injury. Brown, who referred to it as a groin injury, told some teammates earlier in the week that he didn’t think he would be ready to play against the Dolphins, a source said.
Coach Robert Saleh said Monday that the plan was “to rely on him a little bit this week to see where he’s at. Not to rely on him from a pressure standpoint, but just try to get him some physical contact to see how he’s feeling.”
The five-time Pro Bowl selection is looking to redeem himself after a poor performance against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 2 — his most recent game.
“I mean it wasn’t one of my best games, but I always keep things in perspective as far as production goes,” Brown told ESPN last week. “I haven’t directed my best films, but I wasn’t nearly 100 percent, you know what I mean? I’d like to go out there and direct a better version of myself.”
Admittedly, he returned too soon after having offseason surgery to repair a torn rotator cuff. He suffered the injury in the 2022 preseason, shortly after signing a two-year, $20 million contract with the Jets, but played through the pain after spending the first four games on IR.
The team has succeeded in manipulating its offensive line since the beginning of the season. On Thursday, they signed Xavier Newman from the practice squad. He will likely start at right guard. They released Chris Glaser, who started at right guard, last week. They used six different starters at the position.
The revised line will be tasked with protecting quarterback Tim Boyle, who is making his first start for the Jets. He will replace Zach Wilson, who was benched after nine games after Rodgers was injured.
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