Rodgers eyeing ‘miraculous’ return

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Cleveland Guardians manager Terry Francona discusses his decision to step away from baseball during a news conference, Tuesday, Oct. 3, 2023, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)

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New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers practices before an NFL preseason football game against the New York Giants, Saturday, Aug. 26, 2023, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)

AUGUSTA, GEORGIA - APRIL 06: Tiger Woods of the United States reacts on the eighth green during the first round of the 2023 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 06, 2023 in Augusta, Georgia. (Photo by Andrew Redington/Getty Images) ** OUTS - ELSENT, FPG, CM - OUTS * NM, PH, VA if sourced by CT, LA or MoD **

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Rodgers eyeing ‘miraculous’ return

Three weeks after undergoing surgery to repair a torn Achilles tendon, Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers said Tuesday he’s “well ahead of the normal protocols” and believes that he can exceed expectations and return this season. “There’s nothing normal about how I’m attacking this rehab,” Rodgers said during his weekly appearance on “The Pat McAfee Show.” “The common practice is about six weeks in a boot, and I was in a shoe in 13 days. This is just my mindset. I believe in the power of intention. I believe in prayer. I believe in your mental status and the power of will. I believe in making room for the miraculous to happen.” The 39-year-old four-time NFL MVP, who suffered the injury in the season opener, surprised many Sunday night when he strolled the Jets’ sideline on crutches, greeting his teammates and coaches as well as members of the Chiefs a few hours before his team’s 23-20 loss. A typical recovery from a torn Achilles is six to nine months, though it’s possible to return in four to five months. A four-month timetable would land in mid-January. The regular season ends Jan. 7.

Francona: Managing days likely done

Terry Francona stepped away from baseball, at least temporarily, on Tuesday, ending a 23-year managerial career that began with the Phillies, peaked with two World Series titles for the Red Sox and concluded with an 11-season run with the Guardians. The 64-year-old Francona will have a yet-to-be-determined role with the team moving forward. “I need to go home and get healthy and see what I miss about the game,” Francona said. “I don’t foresee managing again.” Slowed by serious medical issues in recent years, Francona looks forward to ejoying an extended offseason after a 40-plus-years grind that also included a 10-year playing career. He’d been reluctant to say he’ll retire, leaving open the possibility of a return. Cleveland said goodbye to Francona last week, with the team sending him off with an emotional video tribute before the home finale. Francona is both the winningest (921 victories) and longest-tenured manager in the club’s 123-year history. He was named AL manager of the year three times with the Guardians. With 1,950 wins, Francona is 13th on baseball’s career list.

Tiger as Ryder Cup captain in ’25, ’27?

Team Europe already has voiced its preference that it would like to see Luke Donald return as captain for the 2025 Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black. If that’s the choice, he would be the first repeat captain since Bernard Gallacher in 1991, 1993 and 1995. As for the Americans, might they consider their own back-to-back captain? Tiger Woods is thought to be the logical choice for Bethpage Black, especially when Phil Mickelson effectively lost his chance as a chief recruiter for Saudi-backed LIV Golf. Woods also was seen as a viable option for Adare Manor in Ireland in 2027. The question to consider as the U.S. Ryder Cup committee starts to meet is whether Woods would be interested in both. Ben Hogan in 1947 and 1949 was the only American to be captain two times in a row. Discussions aren’t expected to start until later this year — U.S. captains typically are announced in February. The committee that decides the next captain comprises 2023 captain Zach Johnson, Jordan Spieth and Justin Thomas, along with the PGA president John Lindert and VP Don Rea and CEO Seth Waugh. —AP