The New York Jets entered their season opening Monday Night tilt with division rival Buffalo Bills with sky high hype and Super Bowl aspirations following an active offseason full of big signings and a blockbuster trade to solidify the franchise quarterback position.
The excitement lasted only a handful of plays into their opening drive as Jets veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers, whom they acquired in the aforementioned blockbuster trade this offseason, was force out of the game after injuring his foot, and would not return.
Rodgers, 39, is expected to have suffered a ruptured Achilles and will miss the entire 2023 season, Jets head coach Robert Saleh said following the game, and the team will likely turn to former first round pick Zach Wilson to lead the rest of the way this season, according to ESPN.
The news is a hard gut punch for the Jets, who were projected by many analysts and NFL journalists to be a serious playoff contender this season.
“The MRI is probably going to confirm what we think is going to happen, so prayers tonight,” Saleh said. “But it’s not good.”
While a torn Achilles would be a season-ending injury, given Rodgers age and the length of his career it will undoubtedly raise questions regarding his playing future despite Rodgers recently suggesting that he would like to play a few more years.
“Personally, I don’t hurt for me, I don’t hurt for our locker room, I hurt for Aaron and how much he has invested in all this,” Saleh said. “I’m still going to say a prayer and hold out hope. My heart is with Aaron.”
Wilson, the No. 2 overall pick in 2021 who has an 8-14 record as a starter, finished the game as the Jets didn’t have a third quarterback in uniform for Monday’s game.
