Witnessing Aaron Rodgers‘ fateful injury during the Jets‘ season opener against the Buffalo Bills on September 11, 2023, Jets fans were left reeling. The impact of Rodgers’ misfortune on the team’s Super Bowl aspirations sent shockwaves through the coaching staff.
In a cruel twist of fate, Rodgers, who had only just taken the field after much anticipation, suffered an alleged devastating Achilles tendon injury after just three plays. He was swiftly carted off the field, leaving the Jets in search of a quarterback solution.
Jets coaching staff struggles to come to terms with Aaron Rodgers’ injury
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The addition of the Super Bowl champion, MVP, four-time First-team All-Pro, and ten-time Pro Bowler had raised hopes for the team’s performance. But an insider report from Dov Kleiman painted a grim picture of the Jets’ coaching staff in the aftermath of Rodgers’ injury. They were unable to sleep, with one coach questioning: “Was that all a dream?”.
In the aftermath of the Aaron Rodgers injury, #Jets coaches haven't been able to sleep, per @PSchrags
One coach said: "Was that all a dream?" to @DMRussini
"It's 7:05 in the morning, and l've been texting with three different Jets coaches for the last several hours. They… https://t.co/dB3T9Fxw2b pic.twitter.com/S4zrXYT3yA
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) September 12, 2023
Text messages between coaches and Kleiman revealed their collective devastation over the turn of events. “It’s 7:05 in the morning, and l’ve been texting with three different Jets coaches for the last several hours. They haven’t slept.”
“They’re like so many Jets fans this morning. They’re devastated over Rodgers, and devastated for Rodgers.” – Peter Schrager, per Dov Kleiman mentioning.
Even, some bitter reports suggest, that Jets head coach Robert Saleh expressed grave concern about the injury’s severity during a post-game press conference. “It’s not good.” The coach said, “I hurt for Aaron and how much he’s invested in all of this.” HC feared a torn Achilles tendon and mentioned that an MRI would be conducted to assess the extent of the damage.
Aaron Rodgers’ 2023 season terminated
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The final blow came from ESPN Senior NFL Reporter Adam Schefter, who shocked fans by his report, that Rodgers’ season was officially over due to the torn Achilles tendon suffered during his Jets debut. “Rodgers’ season now, officially, is over. There already are questions about whether his Hall-of-Fame career is, too.” – Schefter wrote.
READ MORE – From Dubious Headlines to ‘America’s Sweetheart’: Aaron Rodgers’ Journey to the New York Jets
Speculation arose about whether this injury might mark the end of his illustrious Hall-of-Fame career. Rodgers, with his left foot in a boot, was seen entering the X-ray room. Fortunately, X-rays on the ankle returned negative.
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Coach Saleh reluctantly announced that Zach Wilson would be the quarterback moving forward, as the Jets grappled with the harsh reality of losing Rodgers and the Super Bowl dreams that had accompanied his arrival.
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