Aaron Rodgers‘ New York Jets debut was cut short after just four plays, leaving fans in shock and uncertainty about the extent of his injury. Coach Robert Saleh expressed concern that Rodgers injured his left Achilles tendon when he was sacked by Buffalo’s Leonard Floyd and landed awkwardly on his leg during Monday night’s 22-16 overtime victory over the Bills.
Saleh mentioned that the team expects an MRI on Tuesday to confirm their suspicions, and he asked for prayers for Rodgers. The X-rays taken during the game did not reveal any fractures, but Rodgers was seen wearing a black walking boot as he was transported to the X-ray room.
“Personally, I am not only concerned for myself and our team but also deeply for Aaron and the tremendous effort he has put into this. I will say a prayer, and I will maintain hope, but my thoughts are solely with Aaron at this moment,” Saleh said somberly.
During the Jets’ opening play, Rodgers handed the ball to Breece Hall, who ran for 26 yards. However, under heavy pressure from Greg Rousseau, Rodgers threw his first pass away.
His next pass attempt was incomplete, but a defensive holding penalty was called on Terrel Bernard. On the subsequent play, Rodgers tried to evade a rushing Leonard Floyd, but he was sacked and appeared to injure his leg. Trainers attended to him, and though he eventually stood up, he needed assistance to reach the sideline.
Rodgers was briefly examined in the medical tent and then taken on a cart. However, he hopped off the cart and limped into the locker room halfway there.
Wide receiver Allen Lazard, who played alongside Rodgers in Green Bay for five seasons, commented, “Seeing how he reacted when he got up and limped off the field, it didn’t look good at all. But considering the way this entire offseason played out for him, going down in the first game without completing a pass—it’s almost surreal.”
Zach Wilson replaced Rodgers just 3 minutes and 45 seconds into the game, finishing 14 of 21 for 140 yards, including a touchdown pass to Garrett Wilson, but also threw an interception. If Rodgers is sidelined, Wilson is expected to start for the Jets next Sunday in Dallas.
Rodgers’ injury cast a pall over the crowd, which had been enthusiastic in anticipation of his debut in the Big Apple. Jets fans, who have not seen their team in the Super Bowl since 1968, had high hopes for Rodgers’ arrival.
Rodgers had been acquired by the Jets from Green Bay on April 26, along with the No. 15 overall pick and a fifth-round selection in this year’s draft, in exchange for the 13th overall pick, a second-rounder, a sixth-rounder, and a conditional 2024 second-round pick. The latter could become a first-rounder if Rodgers plays 65% of New York’s plays this season—a scenario that now appears unlikely due to the injury.
Rodgers had raised expectations by expressing his intention to win in New York during his introductory news conference, remarking on the franchise’s lonely Super Bowl trophy. If he recovers from his injury, he would become the Jets’ most accomplished quarterback since Brett Favre, who was acquired in 2008 from Green Bay, paving the way for Rodgers to become the Packers’ starting quarterback.
In July, Rodgers agreed to a restructured contract with the Jets that guarantees him $75 million over this season and the next, representing a significant pay cut from his previous deal with Green Bay, which would have paid him $110 million guaranteed.
READ MORE
Manheim, PA Oktoberfest 2023: A Celebration of German Culture, Music, and Food!