The New York Jets received a devastating blow as their star quarterback, Aaron Rodgers, suffered a potentially season-ending Achilles injury during the team’s season-opening drive. While initial X-rays yielded negative results, head coach Robert Saleh expressed concerns about the severity of the injury, suggesting that the worst might be feared.
In the aftermath of the Jets’ dramatic 22-16 overtime victory against the Buffalo Bills, Coach Saleh revealed his apprehensions about Rodgers’ condition. It is strongly believed that the four-time MVP has sustained an Achilles injury, a diagnosis that has cast a shadow of uncertainty over the remainder of his season. An MRI examination scheduled for Tuesday is expected to provide confirmation of the injury’s extent.
Coach Saleh addressed the media, sharing the somber outlook for Rodgers: “MRI is probably going to confirm what we think is already gonna happen, so prayers tonight. But it’s not good.” The head coach expressed empathy for Rodgers, acknowledging the immense dedication and effort he had invested in the team, despite the bleak prognosis. Saleh remained hopeful and committed to offering support to his injured star: “I hurt for Aaron and how much he has invested in all of this. I’m still going to say a prayer and still going to hold out hope.”
ESPN’s Adam Schefter echoed similar sentiments during the halftime show of the “Monday Night Football” broadcast, adding insight into the situation: “The Jets probably have a very good idea what’s wrong with Aaron Rodgers right now. They’ll be further testing tomorrow, and I think when you talk to people around the league, who have not examined him, there’s concern it could be either a high ankle sprain or Achilles injury. The Achilles injury is the one that everybody worries about.”
Here's the close up of Aaron Rodgers' Achilles injury… You can see the pop. https://t.co/VlrzR6RIKI pic.twitter.com/5h6trTbakf
— Video from: @TSV__1 (@TSV__1) September 12, 2023
The unfortunate injury occurred during the Jets’ fifth offensive play of the game, when Rodgers was sacked by Bills edge rusher Leonard Floyd. Following the sack, Rodgers initially struggled to rise and then returned to the turf in obvious pain. The team’s medical staff rushed to his aid, eventually assisting him to the medical tent for a closer evaluation. Subsequently, Rodgers was transported by cart for X-rays and later emerged wearing a walking boot, with his participation ruled out for the remainder of the game.
This unforeseen injury forced the Jets to turn to their backup quarterback, Zach Wilson, who will now assume the role of the team’s starter for the duration of the season. The Jets and their fans now find themselves facing an uncertain future, with the fate of their season hanging in the balance as they await the results of Aaron Rodgers’ MRI examination.
