Aaron Rodgers’ first season with the New York Jets has hit a premature end, as he heads to the injured reserve list with a torn left Achilles tendon.
The injury will require surgery to reconnect the ruptured ends, taking Rodgers out for the remainder of the season due to the extensive rehabilitation required afterwards.
Coach Robert Saleh confirmed the injury in a Tuesday announcement, following Rodger’s fall during Monday night’s game against the Buffalo Bills. He was knocked down after trying to avoid Buffalo’s Leonard Floyd and fell awkwardly on his leg, requiring help from trainers to reach the sideline. He was subsequently taken to the medical tent, and then took a cart back to the locker room. Zach Wilson replaced Rodgers at just 3:45 into the game, and will start for the Jets for the foreseeable future.
“It caught us off guard, but we dedicated winning the game to him,” said cornerback Sauce Gardner.
“I feel more for Aaron than anyone,” Saleh said. “He’s invested so much into this organization, so much into this journey that he’s embarked on and wanting to be a part of what we’ve got going here.”
“I think I speak for everyone in the organization, we all want him here. We all want him to be connected, and I think he wants to be here.”
In the meantime, Saleh has stated that Tim Boyle would be promoted from the practice squad, and that the Jets would continue exploring options for a backup quarterback.
“We are going to look through some things, but I do want to make it very clear: Zach’s our quarterback,” Saleh commented on the promotion. “We’ve got a lot of faith in Zach. We’re really excited about [Boyle’s] opportunity, but we’re rolling with Zach.”
Rodgers was originally acquired by the Jets in April after 18 seasons with Green Bay, signing on to a contract in July guaranteeing him $75 million over this season and next. He is expected to remain with the team despite his injury.
