As New York Jets star quarterback Aaron Rodgers makes his return from a torn Achilles that cost him virtually all of the 2023 season, some around the NFL are skeptical about his chances of being one of the top signal-callers in the league.

Per ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, an NFL personnel evaluator disagreed with the notion that Rodgers will be a top-50 player this year because he won’t be moving the way he did in years past.

“He doesn’t move like he used to, doesn’t create concern from defenses with his mobility,” the evaluator said. “Still one of the best pure passers, no question. But throwing with high velocity on the move with accuracy — can he still do that? I have my questions about that.”

Rodgers didn’t play during the preseason, but most accounts indicate that he’s performed well enough throughout training camp to give the Jets confidence that he’s back to his old self.

New York also bolstered its offensive line this offseason by adding veteran tackles Tyron Smith and Morgan Moses. The 40-year-old is known to take motivation from those who doubt him, so he will be looking to prove people wrong when the season commences.

Rodgers will be tested early and often this year, as the Jets will open the 2024 campaign on Sept. 9 against the reigning NFC champion San Francisco 49ers on Monday Night Football. New York will play three games over a 10-day span to start the year, so the team will be hoping to keep Rodgers upright as it tries to end its 13-year playoff drought.