The New York Jets have had their worst fear confirmed, as NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero revealed on Tuesday that Aaron Rodgers has officially suffered a season-ending Achilles injury.
Head coach Robert Saleh relayed the original concern for the injury last night, following the Jets’ victory over the Buffalo Bills, saying, “It’s not good,” and that seems to be the case. Pelissero tweeted out the announcement on Tuesday morning.
“An MRI confirmed the #Jets’ fears: Four-time NFL MVP Aaron Rodgers suffered a complete tear of his left Achilles tendon Monday night, per sources,” tweeted Pelissero.
Moreover, the injury occurred after Bills edge rusher Leonard Floyd sacked Rodgers to the ground. He went into the blue medical tent after being helped off the field, following throwing just one pass in his Jets debut. He went back to the locker room on a cart and was out for the remainder of the game.
Afterwards, the former NFL MVP was wearing a boot on his left foot. Rodgers underwent x-rays on his ankle which were negative, but an MRI has confirmed the injury to his Achilles.
Now, the Jets will turn the keys to the car back over to Zach Wilson, who helped lead the comeback on Monday Night Football. While New York found victory last night, there’s a pit in every Jets fan’s stomach on Tuesday, as their superstar quarterback won’t be suiting up again in 2023.
New York Jets rally after injury to Aaron Rodgers, defeat Buffalo Bills
With Rodgers sidelined, it looked as if a path to victory was unlikely. This is the NFL, however, and any given Sunday — or Monday in this case — always applies. The Jets’ defense rose to the occasion, forcing four turnovers of Bills quarterback Josh Allen. Throw in some clutch throws from backup quarterback Zach Wilson and an insane touchdown catch from receiver Garrett Wilson, and New York suddenly had a 16-13 lead with under two minutes remaining in the game.
The game headed to overtime after Bills kicker Tyler Bass doinked a 50-yarder through the uprights with just a couple of ticks left on the game clock. After winning the coin toss and electing to take the ball, Buffalo’s offense went back to work with a chance to win the game.
New York’s defense, however, had other ideas. After getting a quick stop, the Jets were set to get the ball back needing only a field goal to secure the victory. Emphasis on “were,” as the next play would be the last of the game. Xavier Gipson, the “Hard Knocks” darling and undrafted free agent out of Stephen F. Austin, returned the punt 65 yards for the game-winning score.
A fitting end to a wild, wild Monday night from MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
On3’s Nick Geddes contributed to this article.
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