

The Facts: Rodgers is targeting an improbable playoff return from his torn Achilles after undergoing an innovative surgery on Wednesday in Los Angeles -- a procedure designed to accelerate the normal rehabilitation process from such an injury. Sources say renowned orthopedic surgeon Dr. Neal ElAttrache and his team performed a procedure to place an internal brace -- called an Achilles "speed bridge" -- on Rodgers' fully torn left Achilles, which he ruptured just four snaps into Monday's game against the Bills. While there are no guarantees, the speed bridge protects the repair and opens up the possibility of an earlier return, sources tell NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.
Diehards Line:It's a relatively new process designed to have an athlete fully recovered in as little as four months from what is normally a season-ending injury, sources informed of the procedure tell Rapoport. It also could potentially give Rodgers at least a shot to be ready to return in mid-January, right around the start of the playoffs if the Jets qualify for the postseason. The Jets, of course, would need to get there without the four-time NFL MVP Rodgers. Former No. 2 overall pick Zach Wilson will be the starter in the interim -- for now. Sources tell Rapoport they have not sought another high-profile veteran QB -- not Tom Brady, not Matt Ryan, not Joe Flacco. The thought, essentially, was that Wilson gives them the best chance to win. That remains to be seen.