New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers sustained what the club believes is an Achilles injury Monday night, and the team is fearing the worst.
“We’re concerned with his Achilles,” Jets coach Robert Saleh told reporters following New York’s exhilarating 22-16 overtime win over the Buffalo Bills at East Rutherford, N.J. “The MRI is probably going to confirm what we think is already going to happen. So prayers tonight, but it’s not good.”
Rodgers was injured four plays into his first drive during his debut for the Jets.
The Jets initially deemed him questionable to return before downgrading him to out for the night during the second quarter. X-rays on Rodgers’ left ankle were negative, but reports began to surface during the game that the Achilles was the focus of the injury.
Bills defensive end Leonard Floyd beat Jets left tackle Duane Brown and got to Rodgers untouched for a 10-yard sack with 11:15 left in the first quarter.
Rodgers initially stood up before sitting back on the turf, with trainers running out to check on him.
A cart was waiting by the team’s medical tent while Rodgers was being examined. He eventually got on the cart but then stepped off and walked into the locker room.
The 39-year-old veteran was wearing a boot on his left foot when he went for X-rays and returned to the locker room.
“That part sucks,” Saleh said of weighing the impact of Rodgers’ injury against the joy of winning on a punt-return touchdown in overtime. “I’m going to enjoy this win. Winning in the NFL is hard regardless of who the quarterback is.
“Personally, I don’t hurt for me. I don’t hurt for our locker room. I hurt for Aaron and how much he’s invested in all of this. I’m still going to say a prayer and I’m still going to hold out hope, but my heart is with Aaron right now and nowhere else.”
Rodgers was acquired by the Jets from the Green Bay Packers in the offseason. The four-time NFL MVP is entering his 19th season and has stated he expects New York to compete for a Super Bowl.
Zach Wilson, the No. 2 overall pick in 2021, replaced Rodgers. Wilson had previously bombed as the starter, prompting the trade for Rodgers. Wilson finished the night 14 of 21 for 140 yards with one touchdown pass and one interception.
–Field Level Media
