The New York Jets were able to win in unbelievable fashion against the Buffalo Bills in their season opener on Monday. But there was certainly a cost for the win, and it is in all likelihood a season-ending injury for star quarterback Aaron Rodgers.
Rodgers was forced to leave Monday’s game in the first quarter after suffering an injury on a sack from Bills pass rusher Leonard Floyd.
He would not return to the game, but initial reports were that it was an ankle injury, which left some fans hopeful that it potentially wouldn’t be a long-term injury.
QB Aaron Rodgers (ankle) is questionable to return #BUFvsNYJ
— New York Jets (@nyjets) September 12, 2023
Unfortunately, it was actually a far more concerning injury that Rodgers is feared to have suffered after further reports have emerged on the injury.
Jets head coach Robert Saleh alluded to Rodgers potentially suffering a torn Achilles in his post-game press conference.
“Concerned with his Achilles,” said Saleh on Rodgers. MRI’s probably going to confirm what we think is already gonna happen… It’s not good.”
"Concerned with his Achilles… MRI's probably going to confirm what we think is already gonna happen… it's not good."- Jets head coach Robert Saleh on Aaron Rodgers pic.twitter.com/PyQ19lj8Ck
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) September 12, 2023
If this is ultimately the case, it is obviously disastrous for the Jets for the remainder of their season and most fans would absolutely trade this win for a healthy Aaron Rodgers.
The NFL world took notice of Saleh’s comments and most are extremely saddened to hear that in all likelihood Rodgers’s season is over.
What a bummer.
— B. Klaus (@B_Klaus) September 12, 2023
That’s terrible
— Mario 🤙💯 (@OOOITSaSNAKE) September 12, 2023
𝗕𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗞𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗦: #Jets star QB Aaron Rodgers is expected to have suffered a ruptured Achilles and will miss the entire 2023 season, per HC Robert Saleh
Just an unimaginable blow to the Jets Super Bowl hopes this season.
The Jets will now turn to Zach Wilson (or sign a… pic.twitter.com/U4SQIfd7Sf
— JPAFootball (@jasrifootball) September 12, 2023
My heart is broken for Rodgers. A ruptured Achilles is no joke. With his season over, I hope this isn’t the last we see of him. He can’t go out this way. He deserves better. He deserves another shot at a ring. I will be a forever fan. Prayers up for Aaron Rodgers. We love you. 🙏 pic.twitter.com/JPCcrchuZi
— GPG Mo🧀 (@Packermomo17) September 12, 2023
BREAKING:
Aaron Rodgers has torn his achilles.
His SEASON and CAREER could be in serious jeopardy. Yikes. 😬😬 pic.twitter.com/LpgjY54pHz— Patriot RedZone (@PatriotRedZone) September 12, 2023
I think that it's pretty clear from this shot that Aaron Rodgers has a full tear and recoil of the Achilles. I'll be shocked if he doesn't. Not a fan of the guy but this is awful. The Jets may be the most tortured franchise in sports history. pic.twitter.com/Mr58fbN1uk
— Scott Jalbert (@scjalbs) September 12, 2023
This kind of injury for Rodgers is obviously devastating, and certainly puts his future in the NFL moving forward in jeopardy. He indicated earlier this offseason that he wants to play multiple seasons for the Jets. But recovering from an Achilles is tough for anyone, let alone a 39-year-old quarterback.
As for how this impacts the Jets, it obviously changes their trajectory massive for the rest of the season. They came into the season as a true contender to represent the AFC in the Super Bowl.
With Zach Wilson presumably at the helm instead of Rodgers, they will undoubtedly have an uphill battle to follow through on those lofty expectations.
