12 September 2023 , 04:13
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New York Jets coach Robert Saleh has confirmed Aaron Rodgers ' injury 'is not good' in a worrying post-match update.
The hosts won their NFL opener 22-16 against the Buffalo Bills in dramatic overtime fashion. But their victory was marred by the injury to Rodgers just two minutes into the encounter.
Rodgers was delivering his first Jets drive and had been put under pressure on three occasions as his offensive line showed gaps. A 26-yard throw for a first down showed encouragement but things quickly went south.
The exposed quarterback was ruthlessly sacked by Leonard Floyd and remained seated on the turf. The medical team assisted Rodgers before he was seen limping off and replaced by Zach Wilson.
Robert Saleh's update on Aaron Rodgers was not encouragingRodgers' left foot was placed into a boot with it confirmed he sustained an ankle injury and would be sent for an X-ray. The results returned negative, according to the Jets, but he was ruled out for the remainder of the game.
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It is a huge blow for the Jets after the 39-year-old quarterback arrived with much optimism this summer. A Super Bowl winner and NFL veteran, the Jets had ambitions of challenging for a Championship with Rodgers at the helm. This may now not be the case.
After an enthralling win, Saleh gave a grim and blunt update. "It's not good," he said. The Jets now nervously await an MRI scan in which they expect the result to be an Achilles tear. If this is the case, Rodgers will be out of the season. "I'm going to say a prayer and hold out hope," he added.
Asked if Wilson would step in for Rodgers for the rest of the season, Saleh said: "Yeah, he'll be the guy."
Wilson delivered a shaky performance, struggling under pressure as the Jets' weak offensive line was regularly penetrated. He himself was sacked and would find himself in pockets of trouble and having to throw the ball to the sidelines.
But a three-yard inch-perfect touchdown throw to Garrett Wilson will give the 24-year-old some encouragement. Wilson himself said he briefly spoke to Rodgers at halftime, gave him a hug and told him that he loved him.
Rodgers limped off the field at the MetLife Stadium (Getty Images)"I have so much love for him," said the quarterback. "My heart goes out to him. I have no idea what happened. I got to see him at half-time for a second but, you know, he'll find a way to keep working to get back. It's tough, it hurts us a team.
"My job as a quarterback is to step up and I got to be able to be as efficient as I can in that offense. A lot of emotions, right? Week 1, opening day.
"[I'm] trying to learn as much as I can from this guy but I've also got to make sure I'm ready to go - so a lot of emotions. You've got to be able to try and stay calm and try and go out there and perform the best you can."