Just seconds into the New York Jets’ season opener against the Buffalo Bills, Aaron Rodgers, the team’s star quarterback signing, appeared to have torn his Achilles tendon. It was an unfortunate way to begin the season.
However, the Jets overcame a disorganized overtime deficit to win 22–16 thanks to a strong defensive showing.
In the first drive of overtime, Jets rookie Xavier Gipson returned the ball 65 yards on a punt return for the game-winning score. It was only the third punt return touchdown in NFL overtime history, but the play was controversial because officials seemed to have missed a tripping call.
However, the possibility of their star arrival suffering a season-ending injury is much more likely than even their thrilling victory over a division rival.
After the game, Adam Schefter of ESPN stated, “Reality sets in.” Knowing how awful the game was, the man around whom their entire season was centered left the stadium early.
Four-time NFL MVP Aaron Rodgers was hurt in a sack by Buffalo’s Leonard Floyd in the first five minutes, and he was helped off the field and into a medical tent.
NFL legend Peyton Manning expressed shock on ESPN, saying, “Holy cow! This is unbelievable. I mistook it for merely an ankle. I had assumed that we would go tape it up and let him back in. Come on, please!
The 39-year-old, who signed a two-year contract worth US$75 million ($A117 million) with the Jets, was carted to the locker room shortly after and was later declared out even though X-rays obtained inside the stadium did not reveal any broken bones.
Later on, he was spotted with a moon boot on his left ankle.
The team believes the star player may have a torn Achilles tendon, which requires at least six months of rehabilitation. Coach Robert Saleh stated after the game, “It’s not good,” adding that the player will get an MRI on Tuesday (local time) to confirm the diagnosis.
