The Facts: Rodgers has already been ruled out for today's game against the Atlanta Falcons, an expected designation for the 40-year-old who had his practice window opened this week. If he's not activated by Dec. 20, he cannot play this season. After talking to sources throughout the week about Rodgers' situation, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport offered the following simmation of where it all stands: It's appearing unlikely that Rodgers plays in a game at all this year. If the Jets are eliminated from the playoff picture, Rodgers is not expected to play, sources tell Rapoport.

Diehards Line: Not a surprise, but that's where it stands. New York is 4-7 and its playoff chances hang by a thread. A loss today would make the climb even tougher. Rodgers has loosely targeted the Dec. 24 game against the Washington Commanders as his potential return date, but if the Jets are out of it by then, don't expect a return. Rodgers insinuated as much this week, saying it would be a risk for him to play when he's not 100% healthy. "If we are out of it, I would be surprised if they OK'd that to come back," he told reporters. There is a chance that Rodgers is activated this season, putting him back on the 53-man roster, sources tell Rapoport. But even then, if the team is out of it, he wouldn't play. He may, for instance, be the third QB only to be used in emergency, helping him stay connected and involved. None have been used this season.