Aaron Rodgers has one Ruptured left Achilles tendonsaid a person familiar with the diagnosis, and the quarterback will likely miss the rest of the New York Jets’ season.
An MRI on Tuesday confirmed the four-time NFL MVP’s injury, the person told The Associated Press, speaking on condition of anonymity because the team did not disclose it. Coach Robert Saleh was scheduled to speak to reporters in a video call later Tuesday.
NFL Network first reported that Rodgers had torn his Achilles tendon, confirming the Jets’ fears. Because of the extensive rehabilitation required, recovery from a torn Achilles tendon typically takes several months.
“Worried about his Achilles heel,” Saleh said afterward The Jets’ 22-16 overtime win over Buffalo on Monday evening. “MRI will likely confirm what we think will happen, so pray tonight. But it’s not good.”
At his fourth snap of the regular season Wearing a Jets uniform, Rodgers tried to evade a charging Leonard Floyd, who wrapped up the quarterback and threw him onto the MetLife Stadium turf. Rodgers stood up after a few moments, looked toward the Jets sideline, then sat on the turf — apparently knowing he was seriously injured.
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He needed help from trainers to get to the New York sideline, where he was taken to the blue medical tent for evaluation. Then Rodgers got on a cart to go to the locker room, jumped out near the tunnel and hobbled in.
Zach Wilson replaced Rodgers just 3:45 minutes into the game and finished 14 of 21 for 140 yards with a touchdown pass to Garrett Wilson and an interception in the win.
The third-year quarterback will now start for the Jets on Sunday in Dallas – for the foreseeable future.
The 39-year-old Rodgers, who spent his first 18 seasons with Green Bay, was acquired from the Jets in April and immediately raised expectations for the frustrated franchise.
He gave the Jets their most successful quarterback since Brett Favre, acquired from Green Bay in 2008 – and paved the way for Rodgers to become the Packers’ signal-caller.
Rodgers, who had repeatedly said he would not settle for the Jets, agreed to do so in July a restructured contract That gives him $75 million in fully guaranteed money this season and next.
But now he must concentrate on a lengthy recovery and rehabilitation process that could make his playing future uncertain.
The situation brought back eerily similar memories to 1999, when Vinny Testaverde — who happened to be the Jets’ honorary captain on Monday night — tore his Achilles tendon early in New York’s season opener against New England.
Like this year’s team, these Jets had Super Bowl aspirations after playing in the AFC Championship Game last season. Instead, New York finished 8-8 and missed the playoffs.
