In the New York Jets’ highly anticipated season opener, star quarterback Aaron Rodgers suffered a devastating Achilles injury just literal minutes into his tenure with the team.
After the quarterback was injured on his fourth play of the Jets’ opening game, head coach Robert Saleh told reporters following the Jets’ 22-16 overtime victory over the Buffalo Bills that they feared the four-time NFL MVP tore his Achilles tendon and he was right.
Rodgers did not know it at the time, but he surely knew something was wrong while he sat on the MetLife Stadium turf.
Jets right guard Alijah Vera-Tucker recalled the desperate attempts to help Rodgers get back on his feet but noted that he said, “No, I’m not getting up,” which was an indication that this was serious.
For a team that has endured its fair share of quarterback setbacks throughout its history, this painful incident has to be at the top of the list. The sudden injury to Aaron Rodgers has left the Jets and their fans grappling with the abrupt loss of their star quarterback who never got the chance to even complete a single pass.
Days after his injury, Rodgers spoke out for the first time that had fans thinking he had ideas of retiring and would come back from moment.
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“Thank you to every person that has reached out, called, texted, DM’d, connected through a friend, etc. It has meant a ton to me, and I’ll try and get back to all of you soon,” Rodgers wrote on his Instagram page. “I’m completely heartbroken and moving through all of the emotions, but deeply touched and humbled by the support and love. Please keep me in your thoughts and prayers as I begin the healing process today.
“The night is darkest before the dawn. And I shall rise yet again.”
Head coach Robert Saleh stated that there is no specific plan in place for the 39-year-old Rodgers’ surgery, but he believes the 10-time Pro Bowler will remain “connected” to the Jets and replacement quarterback Zach Wilson as they proceed through this season without him.
Wilson replaced Rodgers after the fourth offensive play Monday night, and the Jets pulled out the victory behind four forced turnovers by the defense and a 65-yard punt return for a touchdown in OT by rookie Xavier Gipson.
The 24-year-old Wilson finished the game 14-for-21 for 140 yards with one touchdown and one interception.
