It was a night filled with emotions for New York Jets fans on the first Monday Night Football of the NFL season.
Just four snaps into the game, all-star quarterback Aaron Rodgers went down on the field, holding the back of his leg and around his ankle. After being helped off the field, Rodgers was then seen being carted off while in a boot, leaving NFL fans everywhere in complete shock.
Following the unbelievable game against the Buffalo Bills, which went into overtime with the Jets coming out on top thanks to Xavier Gipson‘s game-winning touchdown, New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh admitted during the post-game press conference that Rodgers’ injury is “not good”.
Aaron Rodgers Undergoes MRI
Following the game, NFL reporter Adam Schefter shared a close-up video of Rodgers’ injury, which shows the moment his calf reverberates, leaving him down on the field.
“A close up of the play on which Aaron Rodgers’ calf reverberates, and he winds up with what the Jets now believe is an Achilles injury,” Schefter reported.
A close up of the play on which Aaron Rodgers’ calf reverberates, and he winds up with what the Jets now believe is an Achilles injury, via @ACLrecoveryCLUB: pic.twitter.com/bcGeWGGiL0
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 12, 2023
Following the game, Jets coach Robert Saleh admitted they believe he suffered a torn Achilles. “MRI’s probably going to confirm what we think,” he said. “So prayers tonight but it’s not good.”
“That part sucks,” Saleh continued to say. “I’m going to enjoy this win. Winning is hard in the NFL, no matter 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 is invested in this. My heart’s with Aaron right now.”
Now, Jets fans know what the future holds as Rodgers underwent his MRI Tuesday morning, and the results have just come back.
“An MRI confirmed today that Aaron Rodgers officially tore his Achilles on the fourth play of his Jets’ career,” Schefter reported. “Rodgers’ season now, officially, is over. There already are questions about whether his Hall-of-Fame career is, too.”
NFL Players Rally Around Rodgers
After the shocking injury, many NFL players spoke out about what it could mean for the Jets future, including Jets guard Alijah Vera-Tucker.
“It wasn’t ideal for anyone to see him down on the ground that long,” he said. “He kind of knew what had happened. Seeing him coming off the field definitely hurt us.”
Offensive tackle for the New York Jets Duane Brown also spoke out, admitting, “It sucks, man. I’ve got all the respect and love for him. I don’t know the extent of the injury. But I just hate not seeing him out there.”
Back in August, Aaron Rodgers and the New York Jets came to a three-year, $112.5 million deal that includes $75 million in fully guaranteed money for 2023 and 2024. Quarterback Zach Wilson finished the game on Monday night, and is expected to become the new starting quarterback now that Rodgers is out.
The New York Jets will need to find a backup to Wilson, though, with many big names like Carson Wentz and Joe Flacco, being available.
