Aaron Rodgers is planning to intensify his practice regimen next week, with the hope of returning to the New York Jets sooner than expected.

Rodgers was believed to be targeting Dec. 24 as a potential return from a torn Achilles, just 3 1/2 months removed from surgery. The quarterback isn't ruling out an even earlier comeback.

"Anything is possible," he said.

Rodgers made it clear that the Jets need to be alive in the playoff race. He also emphasized that he needs to show considerable improvement next week in practice.

"It feels great to be on the practice field, but I'm not anywhere near ready to play," he said Wednesday.