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Aaron Rodgers believed to have Achilles injury, will have MRI Tuesday

Matt Hanifan / NFL / September 12, 2023

Aaron Rodgers Jets — (Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports)

Aaron Rodgers believed to have Achilles injury, will have MRI Tuesday

On the fourth play of one of the anticipated quarterback debuts in New York Jets franchise history, it all came crashing down–figuratively and literally. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers got sacked by Bills linebacker Leonard Floyd, which ultimately led to Rodgers getting helped off the field with a lower leg injury.

The play Aaron Rodgers suffered his injury:pic.twitter.com/Paa9IXAkTt https://t.co/X1QAX6XcmM
&mdash; Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) September 12, 2023

After he was nearing an exit on the cart on New York’s sideline, Rodgers was eventually helped to the locker room on foot. It was initially reported that it was an ankle injury, though the Jets organization believes it to be an Achilles injury Rodgers will have an MRI on Tuesday, per NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport.

Jets head coach Robert Saleh confirmed those concerns regarding his Achilles tendon in Monday’s postgame press conference.

“(We are) concerned with his Achilles,” Saleh said. “MRI is probably going to confirm what we think is already going to happen, so prayers tonight. But it’s not good.”

#Jets HC Robert Saleh confirmed they fear it’s an Achilles injury for QB Aaron Rodgers. A brutal reality after the ending to that game. pic.twitter.com/40eCCSPgeE https://t.co/Xlm6u6rTyj
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) September 12, 2023

#Jets believe it’s an Achilles injury for QB Aaron Rodgers, source say. MRI tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/sn5FZyFG6k
&mdash; Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 12, 2023

While reports haven’t confirmed the severity of the Achilles injury–which will be determined by the MRI–if it’s ruptured, it would ultimately end Rodgers’ season.

A slo-mo of the play where Rodgers was injured does appear to show a recoil/pop near Rodgers’ calf (which would be the Achilles)–thus, a possible rupture (I’m not a doctor, so perhaps take this with the lightest grain of salt possible).

Slow motion of the injury for Aaron Rodgers

—You can see a recoil of the Achilles up the calf
—Fear is complete rupture pic.twitter.com/z2VcmP6dHV
&mdash; Dr. Evan Jeffries, DPT (@GameInjuryDoc) September 12, 2023

Rodgers did not complete a pass on one attempt. Zach Wilson came in relief and played the remainder of the game. He completed 14-of-21 for 140 yards, one touchdown and one interception.

Despite what ensued with Rodgers’ injury, the Jets still secured an improbable 22-16 overtime victory over Buffalo, courtesy of forcing four turnovers plus a game-winning punt return touchdown from undrafted rookie and “Hard Knocks” personality Xavier Gipson.