Aaron Rodgers I Could Be Back For Playoffs ... 'Anything Is Possible'
Aaron Rodgers says tearing his Achilles on Monday Night Football was one of the worst experiences of his life ... but the New York Jets superstar is adamant he will recover from it -- and he's not ruling out a return THIS YEAR.
Fresh off going under the knife to repair his tendon, the four-time MVP joined the "Pat McAfee Show" Friday to break down his immediate reaction, recovery and his plans moving forward.
Rodgers said he dealt with "a lot of sadness, a lot of tears, a lot of dark frustration and anger" shortly after going down with the injury ... but he's been receiving a ton of love from his close friends and supporters.
"A lot of the sadness, I think initially, was just feeling like I let so many people down who believed in me, supported me, and made that transition so incredible," he said minutes ago.
Rodgers admitted he could quickly tell it was a serious situation ... but makes it clear he can overcome the ailment and get back to 100%.
"Give me the doubts," Rodgers said. "Give me the timetables. Give me all the things that you think can, should, or will happen because all I need is that one little extra percent of inspiration. That's all I need."
Aaron Rodgers Out For Season With Torn Achilles
"So, give me your timetable, give me your doubt, give me your prognostication and watch what I do."
Rodgers explained he isn't going to curb his expectations or place limits on his recovery ... so when asked whether he could be back in time for the playoffs, he left the door wide open.
"I think as Kevin Garnett said, 'Anything's possible.'"
Rodgers certainly has faith in backup Zach Wilson's chances at having the Jets in position for a playoff run ... and he said he will be pulling for his teammate.
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Brett Favre Rodgers Will Come Back From Injury ... Better Than Ever!!!
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Brett Favre believes Aaron Rodgers will be back on the field next year ... and when he ultimately straps on his helmet and shoulder pads again -- the Packers legend tells TMZ Sports the QB will be "as good, if not better, than ever."
Of course, Favre says there's at least some chance Rodgers calls it a career after he snapped his Achilles during his Jets debut on Monday night ... but as a guy who's spent years around the signal-caller, Favre just doesn't see a way this is the end for Rodgers.
"I personally think that he will come back," Favre said. "I don't see him going out like this."
And, if and when he returns to the Big Apple, Favre has no doubts Rodgers will find success again.
Aaron Rodgers Out For Season With Torn Achilles
In fact, Brett says he plans on reaching out to his former teammate soon to make sure the future Hall of Famer gets that message.
"It seemed to me from the outside looking in they had a good thing going there," Favre said of Rodgers' time in New York. "Just the vibe I was getting. If that's the case -- if he felt that way too, give it a shot. That's what I would tell him."
For Rodgers' part, he certainly seems like a guy that's not ready to quit ... just a day before he had surgery to repair his damaged leg, he wrote in an Instagram post that he "shall rise yet again."
As for this season, Favre says there's still a lot of help Rodgers can provide to his team ... telling us new starter Zach Wilson could certainly use the 39-year-old's support going forward.
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Aaron Rodgers Achilles Surgery Went Great ... Pic From Hospital Bed
Aaron Rodgers took the first step in his return to football after tearing his Achilles ... he says he had successful surgery, posting an update from his hospital bed!!!
The New York Jets star quarterback shared a positive injury update Thursday on social media, saying he went under the knife Wednesday ... reporting the procedure "went great."
Aaron's thanking Dr. Neal ElAttrache for "starting me on the road to recovery." Aaron and Neal have a history together, and the doc is renowned in the sports world, operating on star athletes in both football and baseball.
The good news for Jets fans ... Aaron's smiling in his hospital gown, so he seems to be feeling better after initially saying he was "heartbroken" after suffering a season-ending injury just 4 plays into his Jets career.
Aaron's going to turn 40 years old in December, so a comeback will be no easy task ... but he's got the first hurdle out of the way.
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Sexyy Red OK After Fatal Shooting Near Music Vid
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6:19 AM PT -- 9/15 -- Sexyy Red is speaking out following the eruption of gun violence near her video shoot ... which she says cops tell her was an unrelated occurrence.
The "SkeeYee" rapper sent her condolences to the man killed Thursday night and thanked on and off-duty officers for securing the scene.
Sexyy says they were also able to finish the shoot at a different location and doesn't want the narrative placed on her going forward.
Sexyy Red's video shoot in Florida turned into a violent scene Thursday ... after an assailant opened fire, killing one person and wounding another.
The rapper was filming the music video with a bunch of extras at Oakland Park Flea Market in the afternoon when somebody pulled a gun nearby and started firing. The suspect then fled.
Two people were struck and one was pronounced dead at the scene. The other was rushed to a local hospital for treatment. Their condition was not known.
Broward County Sheriff's deputies responded and were investigating whether the bloodshed was related to the video shoot.
Videos posted on Instagram show the apparent aftermath of the shooting ... in one clip, you see one victim lying injured on the ground. In the other, people are walking in an orderly fashion through the strip mall.
We've reached out to Sexyy for comment ... so far, no word back.
Originally Published -- 9/14 9:11 PM
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Antonio Gates Philip Rivers Could Replace Rodgers ... 'Definitely Capable Of Doing It!!!'
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Antonio Gates says if the Jets are looking for a veteran to replace Aaron Rodgers this season, they shouldn't look much further than Philip Rivers ... telling TMZ Sports he thinks the 41-year-old is "definitely capable" of doing the job.
Gates made the claim out in Beverly Hills this week ... in wake of reports that New York could potentially be looking to add a big-name QB after Rodgers' season ended with an Achilles tear on Monday night.
"Philip is someone that's definitely capable of doing it," said Gates, Rivers' old Chargers teammate. "Just because the mental capacity that he has."
The likelihood of the signing, though, seems slim at the moment ... Jets head coach Robert Saleh said this week his team is rolling with Zach Wilson as its starter -- and any outside help they bring in would be, at least for now, a backup to the 24-year-old.
And, while Gates was certainly confident in Rivers' ability to potentially take over in the Big Apple ... he seemed to believe keeping Wilson as QB1 was the right call.
"I'm sure they got him in position to go out and still try to make plays and help them win football games," Gates said.
As for Gates' own future ... he's finally up for the Pro Football Hall of Fame this year -- and check out the clip, it seems he's pretty confident he's done more than enough to be selected on the first ballot.
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Bull Riding Champ J.B. Mauney Retires After Breaking Neck In Accident
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"All I can say is it’s been quite a party!"
That's bull riding champion J.B. Mauney ... who is retiring at the age of 36 after breaking his neck in a scary accident during a recent competition.
The accident happened over the weekend at the PRCA ProRodeo event in Lewiston, Idaho ... and it was bad. J.B. was tossed from a bucking bull, and he landed right on his head/neck.
"I underwent surgery [at St. Joseph Regional Medical] on my neck which required a rod/plates/screws and the removal of a disc. Surgery went great," Mauney revealed on social media.
Waiting for your permission to load TikTok Post.
The 2x World Champion continued ... "Unfortunately with the surgery it ended my bullriding career, just wanted to let everyone know that I’m ok and now on the road to recovery!
J.B. also thanked the medical professionals who helped care for him.
As word spread that Mauney was hanging up his boots, stars from the sport have started reacting, from fellow cowboys to fans and even the Professional Bull Riders (PBR).
"The sport of bull riding will never be the same. Thank you for the countless memories and unforgettable moments!", the PBR said on Instagram.
Parker McCollum, country music star and bull riding fan, commented on Mauney's retirement post, writing a short and sweet message -- "The GOAT!"
Fellow rider Cody Nance also reacted, writing ... "Been great riding all these years with ya champ. You’ve inspired me and many others. I’m blessed for it. Enjoy your retirement and your beautiful family bro. It’s been a pleasure🔥👊🏼🔥"
Congrats on a helluva career, J.B.!
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Aaron Rodgers Promete volver tras su lesión: "Volveré a levantarme"
Aaron Rodgers se refirió por primera vez a su desgarro en el tendón de Aquiles, diciendo que está "completamente destrozado" por la lesión. Aunque agregó que no está listo para retirarse por todo esto, al menos, no todavía.
El mariscal de campo utilizó su cuenta de Instagram este miércoles para reflexionar sobre la dolencia que sufrió en la victoria de los Jets sobre los Bills el lunes por la noche, y se emocionó.
Primero dio las gracias a todos los que se acercaron con buenos deseos, y se apuró en decir que tiene toda la intención de volver pronto.
Añadió, sin embargo, que todo ha sido bastante agotador para él.
Waiting for your permission to load the Instagram Media.
"Estoy completamente desconsolado y pasando por todas las emociones", dijo el jugador de 39 años, "pero profundamente conmovido y humilde por el apoyo y el amor". 💔"
Mientras el entrenador en jefe de los Jets, Robert Saleh, dijo más temprano que Rodgers aún no se había sometido a una cirugía para arreglar su pierna, este escribió en su publicación de redes sociales que está comenzando "el proceso de curación hoy".
"Por favor, manténganme en sus pensamientos y oraciones", agregó.
En cuanto a sus planes de futuro, Rodgers no parece estar dispuesto a dar por terminada su carrera: "La noche es más oscura antes del amanecer. Y me levantaré de nuevo".
Luego elogió a NY por lograr la victoria sobre Buffalo sin él.
"Orgulloso de mis chicos", escribió. "1-0 🛩️"
Varios jugadores de los Jets comentaron el post. Sauce Gardner, por ejemplo, le escribió que hizo el "secreto" apretón de manos que suelen hacer "con el aire hoy".
Aaron Rodgers Vows to Return From Injury 'I Shall Rise Yet Again'
Aaron Rodgers is breaking his silence on his Achilles tear ... saying he's "completely heartbroken" over the injury -- though he added he ain't ready to retire over it all ... at least, not yet.
The quarterback took to his Instagram page Wednesday to reflect on the ailment he suffered in the Jets' win over the Bills on Monday night ... and he got emotional.
He thanked everyone who reached out with well wishes ... while saying he fully intends to get back to everyone soon.
He added, though, that it's all been pretty taxing on him.
Waiting for your permission to load the Instagram Media.
"I'm completely heartbroken and moving through all of the emotions," the 39-year-old said, "but deeply touched and humbled by the support and love. 💔"
While Jets head coach Robert Saleh said earlier Wednesday that Rodgers hadn't undergone surgery to fix his leg just yet ... Rodgers wrote in his social media post that he's beginning "the healing process today."
"Please keep me in your thoughts and prayers," he added.
As for his future plans ... Rodgers certainly didn't seem like a guy who's ready to call it a career -- saying, "The night is darkest before the dawn. And I shall rise yet again."
He then praised NY for pulling off the win over Buffalo without him.
"Proud of my guys," he wrote. "1-0 🛩️"
Several Jets players commented on the post ... with Sauce Gardner writing that he did their secret handshake out at Jets practice "with the air today."
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Jets Coach Robert Saleh 'I'd Be Shocked' If Rodgers Retires ... After Achilles Injury
Robert Saleh clearly believes he'll have Aaron Rodgers under center next season ... 'cause the Jets head coach said Wednesday he'd be stunned to see the quarterback retire after his Achilles injury.
"I mean," the NY boss said, "I'd be shocked if this is the way he's going to go out."
Rodgers retirement rumors have swirled ever since an MRI on Tuesday revealed he blew out the Achilles tendon in his left leg on Monday Night Football.
After all, the dude's going to be 40 years old in December ... and he had already been pondering hanging up his cleats even prior to suffering the injury.
Aaron Rodgers Out For Season With Torn Achilles
But, Saleh seems to believe his QB will come back in 2024 nonetheless ... though he explained to reporters he's yet to talk to the signal-caller about it all.
"I haven't gone down that road with him," Saleh said.
The Jets head coach ain't the only one who thinks Rodgers won't be finished despite the serious leg ailment ... Pro Football Hall of Famer Warren Moon told TMZ Sports this week he, too, thinks Rodgers will return.
"I don't think he wants to go out like this," the ex-NFL star said.
For now, however, Saleh said Rodgers is weighing his options for potential surgery. Then, at some point later down the road, the guys will chat about '24.
"He's working through a whole lot of headspace -- things that he needs to deal with," Saleh said. "That will be the last thing I talk to him about."
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Dr. Mike Aaron Rodgers Can Come Back, But ... Details Recovery Process
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It's going to be a long road to recovery for Aaron Rodgers, according to physician and YouTube star, Dr. Mike ... who detailed the superstar quarterback's path back to the gridiron after the devastating injury he sustained Monday night.
Achilles tears are always serious, but they get even harder to rehab as an athlete gets older, according to Mike ... and Rodgers will soon celebrate his 40th birthday (December).
"To have it at the age of 39 is really rough because it makes the road to recovery that much more difficult," Dr. Mike told TMZ Sports' Mojo Muhtadi.
Mike says the average recovery time is 10-12 months ... but there are instances where recovery has been much quicker (up to 6 months -- this is very uncommon), as well as longer.
It's not a rare injury ... in fact, Mike says around 1 in 4 athletes sustain an injury to their Achilles, and it's not something that only affects football players.
"We even saw this injury with a late Kobe Bryant when he had this injury and also in his mid-30s. And he came back from it, but he was never quite the same. He didn't have that explosiveness," Mike explained.
Assuming Rodgers wants to continue playing, there's some question about how effective he could be as a player.
"I think it's safe to say his mobility will be limited even if he does come back. But the explosiveness is what suffers because it's hard to regain that strength. Although this day and age, we have some pretty cool technologies to help athletes heal faster and better than we did even 10 years ago."
And, Mike is pumped to see what the most modern medical tech can do for Rodgers.
"I'm excited to see the protocol that Aaron Rodgers goes through on this because I think it's going to be not only exciting as a sports fan but also as a doctor to see how the technology helps someone of his stature come back."
Bottom line -- Rodgers is one of the most talented and determined athletes to ever put on a helmet, and if he's intent on returning, Dr. Mike isn't going to count him out.
"At age 39, it's going to be very difficult, not impossible. I'm excited to see what the future holds for the great Aaron Rodgers."
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NFLPA Leader Lloyd Howell Demands Teams Switch To Grass Surfaces ... After Rodgers Injury
The new leader of the NFL Players Association, Lloyd Howell, is demanding teams rip up their turf surfaces and replace them with grass ... believing the switch could prevent injuries similar to the one Aaron Rodgers suffered on Monday night.
Howell -- who took over the executive director position from DeMaurice Smith this offseason -- insisted on the swap out in a stern statement Wednesday morning.
"Moving all stadium fields to high quality natural grass surfaces is the easiest decision the NFL can make," Howell said.
"The players overwhelmingly prefer it and the data is clear that grass is simply safer than artificial turf."
Howell went on to say he knows the cost could be high for teams to change surfaces ... but noted "there is a bigger cost to everyone in our business if we keep losing our best players to unnecessary injuries."
He added that he thinks the move is possible because several stadiums will make the switch when they host World Cup games or big exhibition soccer games in the near future.
Here's the close up of Aaron Rodgers' Achilles injury... You can see the pop. https://t.co/VlrzR6RIKI pic.twitter.com/5h6trTbakf
— Video from: @TSV__1 (@TSV__1) September 12, 2023 @TSV__1
"This is worth the investment and it simply needs to change now," he said.
Howell isn't the only one who's made the call for the switch since Rodgers tore up his Achilles on artificial turf against the Buffalo Bills -- the quarterback's former teammate, David Bakhtiari, said Monday night, "How many more players have to get hurt on ARTIFICIAL TURF??!"
Congrats @nfl. How many more players have to get hurt on ARTIFICIAL TURF??! You care more about soccer players than us. You plan to remove all artificial turf for the World Cup coming up. So clearly it’s feasible.
— David Bakhtiari (@DavidBakhtiari) September 12, 2023 @DavidBakhtiari
I’m sick of this..Do better!
"I’m sick of this," he added. "Do better!"
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Steven Tyler Vocal Cords are 'Mangled' ... Won't Slow Him Down!!!
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Steven Tyler's vocal cord injury was even worse than first thought -- he can barely speak -- but we're told recovery is certain and he will come back as strong as ever.
Sources close to Tyler tell TMZ ... after blowing out his vocal cords last weekend at his Long Island concert, to the point they bled, Steven flew to Boston to see his ENT doctor, and the X-rays showed the vocal cords were "mangled."
We're told the injury occurred early on during Aerosmith's concert, but he powered through his entire set, including "Dream On," where Steven hit his famous, glass-shattering note in the song's climax. The audience had no idea he was severely impaired.
Our sources say Steven can't even speak now ... he "squeaks" when he tries to talk.
Steven can't sing for 30 days because of the damage, putting the band's tour on pause.
Nevertheless, we're told Steven's not going to let his injury stop him from doing future shows ... and he's still planning on hitting those risky high notes and he will go 100% once his voice returns. As one source put it ... "Steven's an animal. There's no stopping him."
In the meantime, Aerosmith postponed shows in Detroit, Chicago, Cleveland, Raleigh, Washington, D.C. and Toronto ... pushing them back to January and February 2024.
The good news ... this isn't the end for Steven and Aerosmith.
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Warren Moon I Bet Aaron Rodgers Comes Back ... 'Not The Way He Wants To End His Career'
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Warren Moon doesn't think Aaron Rodgers' Achilles tear will end the quarterback's career ... telling TMZ Sports he's betting the Jets star will make another run at things in 2024.
"Knowing Aaron Rodgers," the Hall of Famer said, "I don't think he wants to go out like this."
Rodgers blew out the tendon on just the fourth play of his Jets career Monday night ... and many have wondered if his time in the NFL is now over.
After all, he turns 40 in December ... and he spent a significant portion of this offseason already pondering retirement -- well before he was dealing with a serious leg injury.
Aaron Rodgers Out For Season With Torn Achilles
But Moon thinks Aaron will get back on the gridiron eventually ... saying, "My gut tells me that he's probably going to try it one more time."
"Just because he feels like this isn't the way he wants to end his career," Moon added, "four plays into this season."
Moon anticipates it'll be about an eight-to-nine-month recovery for Rodgers ... which will mean he'll have plenty of time in the offseason to ramp up for one more go at things in the Big Apple.
In the meantime, Moon tells us if he were running the Jets ... he wouldn't tap a veteran like Matt Ryan or Carson Wentz to be the new starter -- saying NY should just run with Zach Wilson as its QB1.
That being said, Moon did advise the team to go get someone with experience to sit behind the 24-year-old.
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Aaron Rodgers Out For Season ... With Torn Achilles
1:31 PM PT -- Jets coach Robert Saleh addressed Aaron Rodgers' injury with reporters on Tuesday ... and while he said he feels for the quarterback, he makes it clear his team is not going to give up on the season.
"I don't look at it like a 'woe is me' here for the organization," Saleh said. "I think guys are excited about being able to step up and continue the things that we've been building. But a lot of hurt for Aaron."
Saleh added Zach Wilson will lead the team moving forward ... and he has a lot of confidence in the young QB.
Aaron Rodgers' first season with the Jets is over before it could ever take off -- the superstar quarterback suffered a torn Achilles in his first-ever game for New York, officially ending his 2023 campaign.
The team confirmed the devastating news on Tuesday ... announcing the 39-year-old Super Bowl champion will be sidelined for the rest of the season after an MRI revealed a complete tear in his left Achilles tendon.
Rodgers went down in the Jets' fourth offensive snap of Monday Night Football against Buffalo ... when Bills linebacker Leonard Floyd tackled him to the turf.
Initial x-rays came back negative ... and there was a small possibility Rodgers may have just had a high ankle sprain.
Unfortunately for Rodgers and Co., Tuesday's scans confirmed the worst.
Now, the once-Super Bowl hopefuls will turn to backup Zach Wilson ... in hopes of having a successful season without their star QB under center.
Rodgers has experienced numerous injuries throughout his career ... but this is by far the most serious, and many are wondering if he will be able to bounce back and return to his dominant ways.
Now that Aaron's out for the rest of the season with a torn Achilles, do you think it's the end of his football career? Vote below.
Originally Published -- 8:13 AM PT
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Aaron Rodgers Fuera por el resto de la temporada
Actualización
1:31 PM PT -- El entrenador de los Jets, Robert Saleh, abordó la lesión de Aaron Rodgers con los periodistas el martes, y aunque dijo que lo siente por el quarterback, deja claro que su equipo no va a renunciar a la temporada.
"No lo veo como un 'ay de mí para la organización", dijo Saleh. "Creo que los chicos están entusiasmados con la posibilidad de dar un paso adelante y continuar con lo que hemos estado trabajando. Pero mucha tristeza por Aaron".
Saleh agregó que Zach Wilson liderará al equipo en el futuro, y tiene mucha confianza en el joven jugador.
La primera temporada de Aaron Rodgers con los Jets ha terminado antes de que pudiera siquiera despegar. La superestrella sufrió un desgarro en su tendón de Aquiles en su primer juego para el equipo neoyorquino, terminando oficialmente su campaña 2023.
El equipo confirmó la devastadora noticia el martes, anunciando que el campeón del Super Bowl de 39 años estará fuera de juego por el resto de la temporada después de que una resonancia magnética revelara un desgarro completo en su tendón de Aquiles izquierdo
Rodgers cayó al suelo en el cuarto ataque ofensivo de los Jets en el Monday Night Football contra Buffalo, cuando el linebacker de los Bills, Leonard Floyd, lo derribó al césped.
Las radiografías iniciales fueron negativas, pero había una pequeña posibilidad de que Rodgers solo tuviera un esguince de tobillo alto.
Por desgracia para Rodgers y compañía, las exploraciones del martes confirmaron lo peor.
Ahora, los otrora aspirantes al Super Bowl recurrirán al suplente Zach Wilson... con la esperanza de tener una temporada exitosa sin su jugador estrella en el centro.
Rodgers ha sufrido numerosas lesiones a lo largo de su carrera, pero esta es por lejos la más grave, y muchos se preguntan si será capaz de recuperarse y volver al estado que lo ha llevado a dominar el campo hasta ahora.
Aaron Rodgers Sale del campo lesionado... En primer juego de los Jets
Actualización
8:48 PM PT -- El entrenador de los Jets, Robert Saleh, acaba de reunirse con los miembros de los medios después de la improbable victoria de su equipo sobre los Bills, y dijo que Aaron Rodgers sufrió una lesión en el tendón de Aquiles y "no se ve bien".
6:15 PM PT -- Los New York Jets acaban de anunciar que Aaron Rodgers ha sido descartado para el resto del partido, ¿pero la buena noticia? Los rayos X dieron negativo.
Bueno ... esto no se ve nada bien.
La superestrella de la NFL, Aaron Rodgers, cayó con una aparente lesión durante el primer partido de su carrera contra los New York Jets en el Monday Night Football, convirtiendo su gran debut a una frenada brusca.
Rodgers estaba siendo exigido en numerosas ocasiones cuando los Jets iniciaron su primera ofensiva del partido contra los Buffalo Bills, con varios jugadores defensivos abriéndose camino hacia el backfield y derribándolo.
Pero a los seis minutos de juego, el #8 recibió un golpe de Leonard Floyd, ex jugador de primera ronda, que resultaría ser un duro golpe. Aunque inicialmente pudo ponerse de pie, volvió a sentarse en el césped con cara de preocupación.
Aaron Rodgers was injured and helped off the field on the first Jets drive vs. the Bills. pic.twitter.com/vtKHRW566V
— ESPN (@espn) September 12, 2023 @espn
Rodgers fue asistido fuera del campo por el personal médico y más tarde fue llevado en un carro mientras Zach Wilson se hacía cargo del bajo el centro.
El entrenador de los Jets Robert Saleh dijo al equipo de transmisión de ESPN que Rodgers parecía haberse lastimado el tobillo, aunque el alcance de la lesión aún se desconoce.
Será una gran decepción para los Jets si Rodgers se ve obligado a perderse tiempo. Como la nueva adquisición del equipo campeón del Super Bowl, el jugador tenía a toda la liga esperando por él esta temporada.
La historia sigue en desarrollo...
Publicado originalmente 6:02 PM PT