Aaron Rodgers’ Debut with New York Jets Cut Short by Game-Ending Ankle Injury: MRI Scans Awaited for Full Diagnosis

Quarterback Aaron Rodgers, in his inaugural appearance for the New York Jets, was transported from the field following an ankle ailment sustained during only his fourth participation in the NFL encounter against the Buffalo Bills on Monday evening. The injury transpired in the initial drive of the opening quarter when Rodgers was brought down by the Bills’ edge rusher, Leonard Floyd.

The four-time Most Valuable Player gingerly rose to his feet for a brief interlude before succumbing once more to the turf. The Jets’ medical personnel promptly attended to him before assisting him off the playing field at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Following an assessment within the azure medical enclosure situated on the sidelines, the 39-year-old was conveyed to the locker room aboard a conveyance cart, his participation in the remainder of the contest prematurely curtailed.

In the postgame press briefing, Jets head coach Robert Saleh conveyed his apprehension, stating, “(We’re) apprehensive concerning his Achilles (tendon). MRI scans are anticipated to corroborate our existing suspicions about the Achilles, so we earnestly entreat tonight. However, the prognosis is less than sanguine.” The team formally communicated that Rodgers’ X-ray results were devoid of any adverse findings through a notification posted on the platform formerly recognized as Twitter. In lieu of the incapacitated Rodgers, the backup quarterback, Zach Wilson, assumed the mantle on the field.

“I empathize deeply with Aaron and the magnitude of his commitment to this endeavor,” Saleh expressed. “I shall persist in offering my supplications. My optimism remains undiminished.” Prior to his transfer during the offseason, Rodgers had devoted the initial 18 seasons of his NFL tenure to the Green Bay Packers. There, he steered the squad to a triumphant outcome of 31-25 in Super Bowl XLV in 2011. Over the years, Rodgers garnered MVP accolades in the years 2011, 2014, 2020, and 2021, while concurrently amassing a plethora of records in recognition of his unparalleled precision and lethal proficiency.