MetLife Stadium was buzzing heading into Monday Night Football, but the atmosphere quickly died out when New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers exited the game with an injury.
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Just four plays into his start with his new franchise, Rodgers was sacked by Leonard Floyd to his blind side. While it seemed like an innocent enough play, Rodgers stayed on the ground after the play and waited for the trainers to check on him.
Is Rodgers Hurt? pic.twitter.com/bU6w3dHvEX
— Mr Matthew CFB (@TheMrMatthewCFB) September 12, 2023
Rodgers limped off of the field with the help of a trainer, forcing backup quarterback Zach Wilson to enter the game. The promising opening drive for the Jets offense quickly ended, forcing them to punt, but all attention was on the health of New York's new franchise quarterback.
The news didn't get much better after the sack, with NFL Network's Mike Garofolo tweeting that a cart was pulled up near the blue medical tent for Rodgers.
Cart coming for Aaron Rodgers
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) September 12, 2023
The Jets later shared on X that Rodgers was questionable to return with an ankle injury.
QB Aaron Rodgers (ankle) is questionable to return #BUFvsNYJ
— New York Jets (@nyjets) September 12, 2023
The Jets later ruled Rodgers out for the remainder of the game. However, the team also announced that X-rays were initially negative for the four-time MVP. Despite the positive news on that front, NFL insider Jordan Schultz quickly put Jets fans back into a frenzy by reporting that Rodgers may have suffered an achilles injury while being sacked.
There is a fear that #Jets QB Aaron Rodgers is dealing with an Achilles injury, per sources. It’s currently unknown if it’s ruptured. He’s expected to have an MRI on Monday, per sources. pic.twitter.com/Hb4jO7iJNu
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) September 12, 2023
Losing Rodgers for any amount of time would be a huge blow to the Jets offense. At the same time, Green Bay Packers fans are hopeful that Rodgers can return quickly considering a major conditional pick of his trade to the Jets involving a potential first-round pick if Rodgers plays at least 65 percent of the team's offensive snaps this season.
For the Jets, fans aren't exactly optimistic about their chances with Wilson. The former No. 2 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft has been a disappointment as a starter, going just 8-14 in 22 games with just 15 passing touchdowns compared to 18 interceptions.
More details will be available on Rodgers' injury following their Week 1 contest against their AFC East rival in the Buffalo Bills, which got significantly harder without their superstar quarterback.
