Aaron Rodgers’ first season with the New York Jets lasted only four plays.
According to ESPN, an MRI conducted on Tuesday morning confirmed the team’s worst fear: the four-time Most Valuable Player and All-Pro has torn his Achilles and will miss the remainder of the 2023-2024 season.
The injury occurred on the Jets’ first drive of the game during a first down play from their own 43-yard line with 10:56 minutes left in the first quarter. Rodgers dropped back to pass and was immediately harassed by Buffalo Bills linebacker Leonard Floyd, who spun Rodgers to the ground as he tried to slip away.
Rodgers got up with a noticeable limp and tried to rejoin the Jets’ huddle but went to the ground and was carted to the locker room.
X-rays were taken and came back negative, and the team scheduled a follow-up MRI.
Dr. David Chao, a former NFL team doctor who has gained popularity for diagnosing injuries on his X (formerly known as Twitter) account, speculated that it was an Achilles tear.
“The clinical diagnosis for Achilles is very easy and clear,” Dr. Chao wrote. “The clinical diagnosis for Achilles is very easy and clear. Unfortunately, @nyjets already know. Teams always say MRI to confirm, the bad news is already known. Too bad.”
Zach Wilson came into the game for Rodgers and helped the Jets win in overtime.
After the game, New York head coach Robert Saleh did not seem optimistic about Rodgers’ injury.
“Concerned with his Achilles,” Saleh told the media. “MRI is probably going to confirm what we think is already going to happen, so prayers tonight, but it’s not good.”
Now, the 39-year-old’s career comes into question. Rodgers was already in the late stages of his career and had previous season-ending injuries on his resume. Will he be able to continue after the latest setback?