Aaron Rodgers says 'it's good to be back' as Jets QB, 39, makes sensational return to practice less than three months since tearing his Achilles on debut against the Bills

Video has surfaced of New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers taking reps in practice as he gets closer to a remarkable return from a ruptured Achilles tendon.

Jets social media showed the soon-to-be 40-year-old quarterback simulating handoffs and taking light drop backs before tossing a pass. 

Rodgers, who tore his Achilles on his highly-anticipated Jets debut less than three months ago, was cleared to return to practice earlier on Wednesday afternoon.

And after doing so against all the odds, he shared a clip of himself back in action on Instagram with the caption: 'Been a long 77 days. Good to be back on the field with the guys.'

According to ESPN reporter Rich Cimini, Rodgers had limited participation during a 30-minute open practice.

That included tossing with a staffer, warmup drills, light drop backs, and taking snaps under center. 

Jets head coach Robert Saleh spoke to the media on Wednesday - confirming tha tht team was opening Rodgers' 21-day practice window before a return.

'This isn't so much getting ready to play, more a progression in his rehab,' Saleh said, confirming that doctors are happy for Rodgers to step up his recovery.

'He's sacrificed so much already for the organization. It's a testament to who he is as a human.

'Instead of throwing to a strength and conditioning coach, he can throw to his teammates.

'We are under the impression that he will be back in 24, regardless of what happens.

'For Aaron, what he will be doing in practice, with regards to certain drills, there is no added risk to it. There are certain things he has been cleared for that we will allow him to do.'

Rodgers' return could come at a very consequential time for the team - which is currently hanging by the thinnest of hopes to make the playoffs.

With a 4-7 record, they sit second to last in the AFC playoff picture - yet they're not entirely out of it.

That could impact a Rodgers return - something the quarterback admitted on his weekly appearance on the Pat McAfee Show.

'It's health first and then can I play, ''are we alive for the playoffs?'' second?' Rodgers said.

'Every week I’m doing better,' he said. 'The ability to not travel to Buffalo probably helped me the most just because, being able to get those 10 days straight of rehab in without the travel. And as much fun as it is to see the guys, it also does set me back a bit in rehab.'

Rodgers also told McAfee in recent weeks,  'I think there's a thought immediately after the injury [that] this is it. I'm done.

'I can't go through this rehab, I'm too old for this s***. And I did a lot of soul searching and praying that night and I woke up in the morning felt like ''nah, I'm coming back''.

'I'm going to do this again, I'm going to climb the mountain one more time and I'm thankful to all the people who reached out, the people that were praying for me, supported me, sending me nice messages, checking on me. It's been really, really special.'

They are in action at the MetLife again this weekend, facing the Atlanta Falcons. Anything other than a win bay just doom them before Rodgers even has a chance.