It's the biggest question facing the New York Jets, and the answer will go a long way in determining the season's fate.
Will quarterback Aaron Rodgers hold up physically throughout the rigors of the 18-week schedule?
Coming off an Achilles repair, the 40-year-old Rodgers is already showing signs of breaking down only five games into the 2024 campaign. Rodgers, who has limited mobility at this stage in his career, has sustained lower-body injuries each of his last two outings.
On the injury report after banging up his left knee against the Denver Broncos, Rodgers picked up a low ankle sprain in London against the Minnesota Vikings. The four-time NFL MVP got piled up on during a third-down incompletion. Although he momentarily remained down on the turf in pain, Rodgers did not miss a single snap moving forward.
"He's dealing with a low ankle. All the preliminary stuff says he'll be fine," said head coach Robert Saleh while addressing reporters on Monday.
Rodgers, who is undergoing further evaluation according to Saleh, didn't sound as if he foresees the ankle becoming a lingering problem.
"I'm definitely banged up. Got my foot caught on the pile there. Just seems to be a low ankle sprain," said Rodgers.
The pass protection is arguably the biggest concern for the Jets at this point. Rodgers faced pressure on 17 drop backs against the Vikings. He has been sacked eight times over the last two weeks. There's seemingly only so many more hits that a 40-year-old body can absorb.
New York gets an extra day of recovery time this week with the Buffalo Bills scheduled to visit MetLife Stadium on Monday night, and the quarterback can certainly use it.
More New York Jets News:
• Miscommunications show Jets and Rodgers need All-Pro WR now more than ever
• Timeline unknown for New York Jets' starting cornerback injured in London
• Rodgers provides update after playing through injury in Jets' loss
• Robert Saleh disputes handsy Sauce Gardner's three penalties in Jets' loss
• Rookie WR oddly amongst Jets' gameday inactives for London showdown
