What does the NFL's 21-day practice window mean for Aaron Rodgers and the Jets?

For weeks, Aaron Rodgers has discussed the possibility of doing the unthinkable and returning in the same season that saw him carted off with a ruptured Achilles in Week 1.

And now, the Jets are at least leaving the door open for Rodgers’ return.

According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Jets decided Wednesday to open the 21-day practice window for Rodgers.

Jets are opening the 21-day practice window today for QB Aaron Rodgers.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) November 29, 2023

While this doesn’t mean that Rodgers’ return to the field is imminent this season, it does put the Jets on the clock to make the decision once and for all. Under the 21-day window, players who were on Injured Reserve are allowed to return to practice without taking up a spot on the 53-man roster. Once that 21-day window expires, however, the team must decide whether to activate the player or rule him out for the rest of the season.

Rodgers has said in previous weeks that he would only return if the Jets were in playoff contention. The 21-day window would expire ahead of the Dec. 24 game against the Commanders. And by that point, the Jets would have more clarity about their already-slim playoff chances.

Basically, this was a procedural move to give the Jets an option. But the risks of bringing back a 39-year-old quarterback months after an Achilles injury — even with an unconventional surgery — will certainly have the Jets thinking hard about the decision.