they still have hoping for a New York Jets turnaround as the return deadline approaches

According to New York Jets coach Robert Saleh, Aaron Rodgers has stepped up his practice routine in anticipation of the deadline that falls on next week for his possible comeback from the disabled list.

During Thursday’s practice in Florham Park, the veteran quarterback, who is hoping to return this season after having surgery in September to repair a torn left Achilles, participated in a variety of drills.

The 40-year-old Rodgers has a crucial deadline coming up on Wednesday of next week, which will close a 21-day window for his possible activation.

He would be removed off the roster for the duration of the season if he missed this deadline. Saleh provided some insight into what Rodgers has been doing to lately. He mentioned that in addition to snapping snaps behind center, he ran bootlegs during 7-on-7 drills. Saleh said that Rodgers’ performance had pleased him.

Saleh told the assembled reporters, “He pushed it a little bit [Thursday], he looks normal to me.”

The next phase of Rodgers’ recovery plan calls for him to take part in 11-on-11 exercises; however, Saleh did not indicate when this phase would start.

During his Tuesday interview on “The Pat McAfee Show,” Aaron Rodgers himself admitted that he still had more work to do before he can return. He also brushed down rumors that suggested he will return on Christmas Eve to take on the Commanders.

Rodgers said, “There are still some things I gotta do,” on the Pat McAfee program.

The Jets’ playoff performance has been a constant source of concern for Rodgers throughout the season. As they head into Sunday’s game in Miami against the top-seeded Miami Dolphins, their record is 5-8.

They are still in the race, but Zach Wilson, their backup quarterback, has been sidelined for the past two weeks due to uncertainty at the position.