- Aaron Rodgers was making his debut for the Jets after playing 18 seasons with the Packers.
- Injured in just his fourth play of the game.
- Feared to be a season-ending injury.
In a dramatic NFL first game with the New York Jets, four-time MVP quarterback Aaron Rodgers was carted off the field after sustaining an ankle injury. Coach Robert Saleh expresses deep concern over Rodgers’ Achilles tendon.
Jets Quarterback Aaron Rodgers Injured Early in His Jets Debut
Aaron Rodgers, the New York Jets’ recently-acquired star quarterback, suffered an early exit during Monday night’s game against the Buffalo Bills due to an ankle injury. The injury occurred on just his fourth play of the game, a significant blow for a player making his highly anticipated debut with the team.
Rodgers was sacked by Leonard Floyd, the Bills’ edge rusher, during the Jets’ first drive in the first quarter. He hobbled momentarily before going back down on the turf. Jets’ medical staff promptly attended to him before helping him off the field at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
The 39-year-old Rodgers was then taken to the blue medical tent on the sidelines for examination. Following a brief assessment, he was carted off to the locker room, missing the remainder of the game. Initial X-rays were negative, according to a post on the social media platform formerly known as Twitter.
Jets head coach Robert Saleh told reporters in the postgame news conference that the situation looked grim. “(We’re) concerned with his Achilles (tendon). MRI’s probably going to confirm what we think is already going to happen with his Achilles, so prayers tonight. But, it’s not good,” Saleh said.
Zach Wilson, the Jets’ backup quarterback, replaced Rodgers for the rest of the game. While Wilson managed to hold the fort, all eyes remained on Rodgers, whose illustrious career spanning 18 seasons with the Green Bay Packers included four Most Valuable Player (MVP) awards and a Super Bowl victory.
“I hurt for Aaron, and how much he’s invested in all of this,” Saleh added, highlighting the emotional toll the injury took not just on the team but on Rodgers himself. “I’m still going to say a prayer. I’m still going to hold out hope.”
The incident marks a jarring start to Rodgers’ career with the Jets, especially considering his achievements over the years. Prior to the trade, Rodgers had set numerous records for accuracy and efficiency, making him one of the most highly regarded quarterbacks in the league.
As fans and teammates send their prayers and well-wishes, the Jets now face the uncertainty of losing their star quarterback for an indefinite period. The full extent of Rodgers’ injury remains unknown, pending further tests and evaluations.
Betting Implications
The Jets entered the season with the seventh-best odds to win the Super Bowl (+1600), according to Caesars Sportsbook. Those odds will certainly drop in the upcoming days, and people who made this bet early on could see their tickets go to waste. Zach Wilson will be the quarterback, but both teams and fans are likely to lack confidence in his success. His struggles last year were the reason the Jets went out and acquired Rodgers.
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