New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers will not return to Monday’s game against the Buffalo Bills after exiting with a left ankle injury suffered early in the first quarter, the team announced. Here’s what you need to know:
- Rodgers was injured after taking a sack from Bills defensive end Leonard Floyd on New York’s first drive of the game.
- He limped off the field with help from trainers and was sent for X-rays, which were negative. Rodgers left the X-ray room on a cart after six minutes, wearing a walking boot on his left foot.
- Rodgers was replaced by Zach Wilson, the Jets’ first-round selection in the 2021 NFL Draft and former starter.
Aaron Rodgers was injured and helped off the field on the first Jets drive vs. the Bills. pic.twitter.com/vtKHRW566V
— ESPN (@espn) September 12, 2023
The Athletic’s instant analysis:
How concerning is this for New York?
If all went according to plan, the Jets wouldn’t have had to play Wilson at all this season. Instead, he was forced into action already in the first quarter. No matter how Wilson plays on Monday night, suffice to say the Jets would be in a tough spot if Rodgers has to miss any amount of time — especially with a challenging schedule to start the season. The Jets have the Cowboys, Patriots, Chiefs, Broncos and Eagles coming up before their bye.
Ultimately, the injury coming because of a breakdown in pass protection is an indictment on the Jets offensive line — which was a concern the team had all offseason and often tried to explain away as offseason rust and not a cause for concern. Spoiler alert: it’s a concern. — Rosenblatt
What they’re saying
Jets coach Robert Saleh confirmed on the TV broadcast that Rodgers has an ankle injury. When asked by sideline reporter Lisa Salters how the team will rally emotionally in his absence, Saleh said: “We still have a hell of a group of guys. Obviously, Aaron is a big part of that, but we still have an unbelievable defense, we got a great group of guys on offense. We’ll get this thing done.”
Reaction to Rodgers’ injury
Hate that, man… Praying for the best 🙏🏽
— Patrick Mahomes II (@PatrickMahomes) September 12, 2023
“Holy cow! I cannot believe this.”
Peyton was shook by Aaron Rodgers’ early injury. pic.twitter.com/rhmSXMW6O5
— ESPN (@espn) September 12, 2023
Congrats @nfl. How many more players have to get hurt on ARTIFICIAL TURF??! You care more about soccer players than us. You plan to remove all artificial turf for the World Cup coming up. So clearly it’s feasible.
I’m sick of this..Do better!— David Bakhtiari (@DavidBakhtiari) September 12, 2023
Man you hate to see that.
Injuries suck.
— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) September 12, 2023
Absolutely GUTTED for Aaron Rodgers
— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) September 12, 2023
You just can’t make this up.
— Julian Edelman (@Edelman11) September 12, 2023
Realistically, the way Rodgers left the field I don’t expect him to come back tonight. So let’s stay positive. I’m glad we have Zach to come in and I’m glad he’s had the tutelage that he’s had with Aaron. I hope he’s got his scrambling shoes on tonight!! GO JETS!!!
— Joe Namath (@RealJoeNamath) September 12, 2023
Required reading
(Photo: Elsa / Getty Images)
