Aaron Rodgers is cleared for practice by New York Jets just 79 DAYS after tearing his Achilles - but coach Robert Saleh pleads for caution on the quarterback's incredible recovery

Aaron Rodgers is off the Jets injured reserve and can practice with his team again - just 79 days after tearing his Achilles on September 11 against Buffalo Bills.

Coach Robert Saleh confirmed the news on Wednesday - 79 days after the quarterback sustained the injury when he was sacked by Leonard Floyd in the worst possible debut for his new team.

'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.'

The Jets are in the midst of a dire run of form and stand at 4-7 for the season, with playoff hopes handing by a thread. 

It was reported at the weekend that Rodgers could target a return for the Christmas Eve game against Washington Commanders.

But the 39-year-old may reconsider rushing back so soon to the NFL itself if the Jets can't make the playoffs. 

'It's health first and then can I play, ''are we alive for the playoffs?'' second?' Rodgers said on his appearance on Pat McAfee this week.

'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.'

They are in action at the MetLife again this weekend, facing Atlanta Falcons. Victory is essential to keep the slim playoff hopes alive.

Rodgers has admitted that he feared his career might have been over when he got hurt on his Jets debut. 

He recently told McAfee: '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.'