Aaron Rodgers was seen receiving treatment on his ankle during the New York Jets practice, causing concern among fans as he continues working on his comeback from injury.
The 40-year-old suffered a season-ending Achilles tear just four snaps into his debut at MetLife Stadium in Week 1 of last year's NFL season.
After arriving in the Big Apple to significant fanfare following 18 years in Green Bay, his maiden start could not have gone worse versus the Buffalo Bills. After a much-publicized recovery process, Rodgers will get a second chance to demonstrate the talent that has earned him the league's MVP award on four occasions next term.
However, images of the legendary QB holding his ankle during the Jets' recent OTA practice did leave some enthusiasts fearing the worst on Wednesday.
READ MORE: New England's Drake Maye impresses by channeling his inner Patrick Mahomes
READ MORE: EA College Football 25 changes Road to Glory start and scraps fan-favourite mode
Rodgers appeared to have been in some pain during the session in a video which has now gone viral on social media. Hobbling at one point, he eventually sat down and removed his shoe and sock before a team doctor tended to his complaint, applying some strapping to the area.
The superstar made a comeback, indicating that fan worries might be overblown. Coach Robert Saleh has shared positive updates on Rodgers' condition, noting he looks "good" and commenting: "The arm talent, obviously, is still there. But it's really just re-acclimating to everything. We're trying a bunch of new stuff, too. Just trying to evolve within the offense. He's doing everything."
One supporter voiced their thoughts on social media, remarking: "I'm sure it's still sore and he's working out the kinks," while another suggested Rodgers could face mental hurdles post-injury, saying: "He will be permanently scared to tear it again and that won't let him concentrate."
For all the latest on news, politics, sports, and showbiz from the USA, go to The Mirror US.
Despite the concerns, the seasoned quarterback has been asserting for some time that his recovery from an Achilles tear has been fruitful. Speaking on the Joe Rogan Podcast, he reassured fans about his progress: "It feels good. I can do everything except sprint at a top speed.
"I really attacked the rehab the first few months and kinda wanted to go as hard as I could for two months and see where I was at and also see where the team was at - because my goal was to come back," he added. "Nobody has come back really [quickly] from that injury. Most of the time when it happens, especially during the season, there's no need to push a rehab."
Rodgers has acknowledged that the timing of his injury was a major factor in him pushing for an ultimately elusive return during the 2023 campaign. He continued: "Because it was the first week of the season, I said, 'Lets push this as hard as I can and see if I can come back in December at some point.
"In my mind, I had circled Christmas Eve, which would have been 14 weeks post-surgery. I worked really, really hard. I had a great surgeon who did a newer process where they kinda of anchor the sutures through the tendon [and] back into your heel. It allows you to get onto your feet quicker."
Of the details of his rehabilitation, Rodgers has previously admitted: "I did a lot of other things to speed up the rehab. I did hyperbaric chamber, ... I did some stem cells, I did full-time rehab up to eight hours a day. ... My diet was rock solid. A lot of bone broth to increase the collagen levels to increase healing. So I felt really, really good. I made it back on the practice field at 11 weeks."