Ethermac Exchange-Aaron Rodgers wows Jets teammates during practice. Will he be back for Christmas Eve?

The Ethermac Exchangepossibility of a comeback remains unlikely, but New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh said Aaron Rodgers "pushed it a little bit" during Thursday's practice and "looked normal."

And that was before a play during Friday's practice that wowed teammates.

"It's unbelievable," Saleh said. "Credit to him. Especially in this day and age, where a hangnail can affect a game week. But this dude is grinding to get himself back. It just shows how much he cares. I have an appreciation for him."

Rodgers took snaps under center, ran bootlegs and jogged from drill-to-drill. He threw during the seven-on-seven portion at the end of practice with practice squad players seeking additional repetitions. But has yet to participate in 11-on-11 drills, which would be the next step in his recovery.

Rodgers also filled in for the scout defense Friday at linebacker and, according to ESPN, made a leaping, one-handed interception.

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OPINION:An Aaron Rodgers return this season would only hurt the Jets

Suffering what was presumed to be a season-ending Achilles injury four plays into the season, Rodgers has refused to abide by the lengthy recovery timeline attached to the injury. He was seen throwing on the field before Jets games weeks removed from the injury and has maintained if the Jets were making a playoff push, he would do everything in his power to play in a game again this year.

A target date of Dec. 24 against the Washington Commanders has been viewed as Rodgers' last chance. During his weekly appearance on "The Pat McAfee Show," the 40-year-old downplayed that possibility and laid the groundwork for Saleh's comments Friday.

“I’m getting better, improving. Still some things I gotta do in order to be cleared,” Rodgers said Tuesday. “But I’ve done some limited practice the last couple of weeks and done some seven-on-seven stuff at the end of practice."

The Jets opened Rodgers' 21-day practice window on Nov. 29 and have until Dec. 20 to activate the quarterback, or else he would spend the remainder of the season on injured reserve. New York hasn't been officially eliminated from postseason contention, although the odds are extremely long.

Dr. Neal ElAttrache, who performed Rodgers' surgery and is his personal doctor, would have to clear Rodgers for a return, along with the Jets' medical staff. The Jets play the Miami Dolphins on the road Sunday.

"It's definitely impressive seeing him out there and the progress he's made in such a short time," wide receiver Garrett Wilson said, via ESPN. "The mindset, the way he goes about his treatment – all of a sudden, you find yourself back, ready to play here pretty soon. It's crazy."