Aaron Rodgers Suffers Left Achilles Tendon Injury in Opening Series with the Jets

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In a startlingly brief first appearance with the New York Jets, Aaron Rodgers was on the field for a mere four plays. The four-time Most Valuable Player and a stunned Jets fan base are now awaiting the prognosis on the duration of his absence from the field.

Head Coach Robert Saleh announced in a post-game interview that Rodgers likely sustained an injury to his left Achilles tendon. This happened when he was tackled by Leonard Floyd of the Buffalo Bills, leading to an awkward fall on his leg during Monday night’s 22-16 victory in overtime against Buffalo.

Saleh conveyed the gravity of the situation, stating, “We are apprehensive about the state of his Achilles. An MRI scheduled for tomorrow will likely confirm our suspicions. The outlook is not favorable.”

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Coach Saleh also said that Rodgers, aged 39, would undergo MRI scans on Tuesday, following inconclusive X-rays taken during the game. Reports from the NFL Network revealed Rodgers was seen wearing a black walking boot as he was transported to the X-ray facility.

Speaking emotionally, Saleh said, “My concern is not for myself or our team’s locker room; it is for Aaron and his commitment to this team. I will keep him in my prayers, but presently, my thoughts are solely with Aaron.”

The game began with a 26-yard rush by Breece Hall. Under intense pressure from Greg Rousseau on the following play, Rodgers threw an incomplete pass. Defensive holding was called on Terrel Bernard in the next play. Rodgers then attempted to evade Leonard Floyd, who succeeded in tackling him, leading Rodgers to clutch his leg in evident pain. Medical staff attended to him, and Rodgers had to be assisted off the field.

He was then evaluated in a medical tent before being transported via cart to the locker room. Along the way, he opted to disembark the cart and limp the remaining distance indoors.

Allen Lazard, who had played five seasons with Rodgers in Green Bay, remarked, “Given his reaction after being helped off the field, the indications were not positive.”

Zach Wilson stepped in to replace Rodgers just 3 minutes and 45 seconds into the game. Wilson completed 14 of 21 passes for 140 yards, which included a touchdown pass to Garrett Wilson, and threw one interception. Saleh confirmed that Wilson would be the starting quarterback in the next game against Dallas if Rodgers is confirmed to be unavailable.

The sudden injury cast a pall over an initially exuberant crowd, which had been eagerly anticipating Rodgers’ New York debut. Fans had pinned high hopes on Rodgers, who was acquired from Green Bay on April 26th, to lead the franchise back to the Super Bowl — a feat they haven’t achieved since Joe Namath led them to victory in the 1968 season.

Rodgers, who had come onto the field holding an American flag on the 22nd anniversary of the September 11 attacks, received a warm reception from the Jets fans.

As part of the deal with Green Bay, the Jets traded their 13th overall selection, a second-round pick, a sixth-round pick, and a conditional second-round pick in 2024. The conditional pick could be elevated to a first-rounder if Rodgers participates in 65% of New York’s plays this season, an outcome that now seems improbable.

Rodgers had already created a sense of optimism among the Jets and their fans during his introductory press conference, pointing out that the franchise’s lone Super Bowl trophy appeared “lonely.” He had agreed in July to a restructured contract that would give him $75 million in fully guaranteed money for this season and the next, down nearly $35 million from his previous Green Bay contract.

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Source: AP NFL: https://bigbignews.net/nfl

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More about Aaron Rodgers Achilles injury

• NFL Injury Updates
• New York Jets Official Site
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• Robert Saleh’s Post-Game Interviews
• NFL Season Predictions After Week 1
• Achilles Tendon Injuries in Professional Athletes