What was supposed to be a dream start to their season quickly turned to a nightmare for the Jets.
The Jets made their season debut on "Monday Night Football" vs. the Bills in Week 1, but it didn't take long for the Aaron Rodgers era to come to a complete halt.
In the first drive of the season for the Jets, Rodgers was sacked by Bills rusher Leonard Floyd, and after making it to his feet, he didn't last long on them. Rodgers would be assisted off the field after the injury, with Zach Wilson taking over in the immediate.
Here's the latest on Rodgers' injury on "Monday Night Football."
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Aaron Rodgers injury update
According to ESPN's Adam Schefter and NFL Network's Tom Pelissero, Rodgers suffered a "complete tear" of his left Achilles, ending his 2023 season. Schefter also adds that there may be questions as to whether or not he'll ever take the field again.
Not the way any of us wanted it to go, but we know the commitment you've made to this team will continue to impact us moving forward.
— New York Jets (@nyjets) September 12, 2023
Get well soon, @AaronRodgers12. pic.twitter.com/cKcYzjh4BZ
Following the Jets' 22-16 win over the Bills on "Monday Night Football," Jets coach Robert Saleh said they expect an MRI on Tuesday to confirm a ruptured Achilles for the passer. That would end Rodgers' season, and cast doubts over the remainder of his career.
"Concerned with his Achilles, MRI is probably going to confirm what we think is already gonna happen, so, prayers tonight, but it's not good," Saleh said postgame.
NFL Network's Mike Garafolo reports that Rodgers was taken for X-rays on the injured ankle, and appeared to be wearing a walking boot on his left leg. Rodgers headed back to the locker room with a boot still on after exiting the X-ray room. The ESPN broadcast would say that X-rays on Rodgers' ankle would be negative.
ESPN's Adam Schefter reported that just because the X-rays were negative doesn't mean that Rodgers is in the clear. That painted a more dire picture than a simple ankle sprain.
According to NFL insider Jordan Schultz, the Jets "feared" that Rodgers is dealing with an Achilles injury, which was later confirmed by Saleh.
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What happened to Aaron Rodgers?
In the first quarter of the Jets-Bills matchup on "Monday Night Football," Rodgers suffered a ankle injury, according to the ESPN broadcast. His return was listed as "questionable," before he was later ruled out.
Rodgers was sacked by Bills rusher Leonard Floyd, and after the play was over, Rodgers took a seat on the field. He was ultimately helped off the field by training staff.
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
Rodgers made his way to the blue medical tent, and the ESPN broadcast would mention that a cart would make its way over to the tent. He was shown on the cart and then with the walking boot later in the game.
Rodgers previously suffered a slight calf injury earlier in the preseason, but would practice and play in the final preseason game.
Zach Wilson would replace the injured Rodgers and would go 2-for-2 passing but would punt the ball on the drive. The Jets won in overtime after a Xavier Gipson punt return touchdown.
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Torn Achilles recovery time in NFL
The average length of recovery time for a torn Achilles tendon is 9-12 months after an athlete undergoes surgery.
Some players recover and return to the field more quickly, such as the Rams' Cam Akers, who played his first NFL game 5 1/2 months after rupturing his Achilles in 2021. Those who return early often weren't the same players that they were when they first went down, however, and at 39 years old, Rodgers faces an uphill climb.
