New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers’ season came to an abrupt end after an MRI confirmed a torn Achilles, an injury he sustained during Monday night’s game. The 39-year-old veteran was playing just his fourth regular-season snap with the Jets when the injury occurred. Rodgers tried to evade a sack from defensive end Leonard Floyd but twisted and fell, with his left foot appearing to get stuck in the turf.
The injury is particularly concerning as Rodgers had strained the same calf earlier in the year during Offseason Training Activities (OTAs), although he did not miss any training camp practices due to the issue.
The play that led to the injury was intended to be a quick pass. Left tackle Duane Brown, expecting a quick release, stumbled while attempting to block Floyd, leaving Rodgers vulnerable to the sack. Following the injury, Rodgers had to be assisted off the field and was eventually carted to the locker room.
Backup quarterback Zach Wilson, who had lost his starting role last season, took over and led the Jets to a 22-16 overtime victory. With Rodgers out, Wilson will return as the starter, and the Jets are expected to sign another quarterback, as Tim Boyle, currently on the practice squad, is their only other option.
The injury has potential ramifications for the 2024 NFL draft. The second-round pick the Jets traded to the Green Bay Packers for Rodgers was conditional on Rodgers playing 65% of the snaps this season. Failing to meet this condition means the pick will remain in the second round.