The highly anticipated moment for New York Jets fans turned into a brief and concerning chapter as former Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers was sidelined just 3½ minutes into his Jets debut, possibly due to an Achilles injury. The setback occurred when Buffalo Bills pass rusher Leonard Floyd sacked Rodgers, who got back on his feet but then limped and eventually sat down on the turf. Trainers promptly guided him off the field, making way for backup Zach Wilson to step in.
Aaron Rodgers had not managed to complete a pass in his debut, with just one attempt under his belt. Regrettably, his appearance was short-lived, lasting only four snaps before being ruled out for the remainder of the game. Despite Rodgers’ departure, the Jets went on to secure an overtime victory, prevailing 22-15, courtesy of a punt return for a touchdown by Xavier Gipson.
Jets’ head coach, Robert Saleh, expressed concerns about Rodgers potentially sustaining an Achilles injury during the game, a setback that could keep him sidelined for a considerable period, potentially sidelining him for the entire 2023 season. A Tuesday MRI is expected to confirm the severity of the injury, although initial X-rays conducted at the stadium did not reveal any fractures.
Viewers of the Monday Night Football broadcast witnessed Aaron Rodgers limping under his own power as he made his way to the locker room with some assistance. Furthermore, Mike Garafolo from the NFL Network reported that Rodgers underwent X-rays at the stadium, emerging from the X-ray room with a boot still on his foot as he returned to the locker room. Aaron Rodgers Aaron Rodgers
Part of the conditions set in the trade that brought Rodgers to the Jets this offseason includes a provision stating that the Packers will receive the Jets’ first-round pick if Rodgers participates in 65% of his team’s offensive snaps this season. If not, the compensation will be downgraded to a second-round pick.
Rodgers is no stranger to remarkable comebacks, as he famously left the first half of a season opener on Sunday Night Football in 2018, only to return in the second half and lead an incredible comeback against the Chicago Bears, resulting in a memorable 24-23 Packers victory. Interestingly, the Packers triumphed over the Bears on Sunday in the 2023 season opener, this time with new quarterback Jordan Love at the helm.
Leonard Floyd, who had previously played four seasons with the Chicago Bears, including sacking Rodgers seven times from 2016-2019, played a pivotal role in this injury as he joined the Los Angeles Rams last year and sacked Rodgers twice more.
Aaron Rodgers received a heartfelt ovation from fans when he took the field at MetLife Stadium for pregame introductions, proudly waving an American flag as the city commemorated the solemn anniversary of 9/11.