Today, two AFC juggernauts clashed on the gridiron! One of the most anticipated bouts features Aaron Rodgers himself, who was traded off to the Jets back in April. Instantly, he became the linchpin of a team enduring the longest playoff drought in NFL history. However, the Green Gang had managed to find its stride, even without A-Rod, who suffered a devastating injury during this high-stakes showdown.
The 4x MVP’s ankle was cruelly twisted in the first quarter of Monday Night Football, as a result of a jaw-dropping sack. Team management delivered a somber blow, declaring that he would be sidelined for the remainder of the game. But there’s more to this unfolding story!
Can Aaron Rodgers return before week 2?
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The injury occurred after LT Duane Brown missed a crucial block, allowing Bills‘ LB Leonard Floyd to sack Rodgers and roll over his lower body. Both players hit the ground, and initially, A-Rod managed to stand up. However, he quickly sat back on the ground, prompting a swift response from the Jets’ medical team, who rushed to his aid. Subsequently, he was ushered to a medical blue tent on the sideline.
Following a brief evaluation, Rodgers was carted off to the tunnel for a more comprehensive examination. Jets’ offensive coordinator, Nathaniel Hackett, cautiously labeled his return as ‘questionable,’ a status that was later confirmed by team management during the second quarter. Initial X-rays showed no fractures, but the anticipation now hinges on Monday’s final MRI scan, which will determine the extent of Rodgers’ injury. There’s even a lingering concern that it could be an Achilles injury, which typically necessitates 4-6 months for recovery.
Read More: What’s Seven-Ringed Tom Brady’s Reason To Envy Aaron Rodgers?
A-Rod’s highly anticipated debut in the Big Apple took an unexpected turn, and the root cause of it all might come as a surprise to fans.
Rodgers’ former teammate voices concern!
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Immediately following Rodgers’ injury, his former OT teammate, David Bakhtiari, took to Twitter to express his concern. Bakhtiari asserted that the injury might have been preventable if the league had opted for natural grass over the prevailing artificial turf. He voiced his frustration, drawing a parallel to the upcoming soccer World Cup, which will feature natural grass fields, contrasting with the NFL’s choice for football.
Despite the setback, the Jets showcased their mettle on the field, pushing the game into overtime and ending the fourth quarter with a tie. In a thrilling overtime moment, Xavier Gipson electrified fans with a sensational 65-yard punt return touchdown, securing the final score at 22-16. The Jets repeated history by clinching an overtime victory through a special teams touchdown, a feat not accomplished since 2002, coincidentally against the Bills.
Next week, the Jets are set to face the Cowboys, and the return of Rodgers is highly anticipated. It promises to be an intriguing showdown as fans wonder if the Jets can continue their impressive run this season, potentially becoming a Super Bowl contender.
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