Aaron Rodgers was ruled out of his New York Jets debut - and possibly the season - after just two minutes following a crunching sack.
The 39-year-old was taken down by Buffalo Bills' Leonard Floyd during his opening drive for the Jets and sat on the turf. Rodgers was pressured in all three of his snaps and managed a 26-yard advancement on one throw before. While sat on the field, he was seen to by the Jets' medical team before being helped to the sidelines.
Zach Wilson replaced the Jets No. 8 before a cart was sent to collect the quarterback with his return announced as questionable. The entire stadium, which was raucous in the build up to the game, went deathly silent following the hit to Rodgers.
Rodgers, who suffered an injury to his left ankle in the challenge, was then pictured being carted away down the sidelines. It was soon confirmed Rodgers would receive X-rays to assess his injury.
The quarterback was also spotted wearing a boot and still had it on as he left the X-ray room before heading to the locker room, as per the NFL Network. It was later confirmed the Jets QB was officially ruled out of the game.
Fellow NFL quarterback Patrick Mahomes was quick to react to the news and posted on X/ Twitter : "Hate that man… Praying for the best"
Rodgers ran onto the field in the build up holding an American flag to an incredible reception at the MetLife Stadium. It was a touching gesture on a day of tributes on the anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks in New York.
But any hype around his comeback was short-lived and fans will now sweat on an MRI scan he will receive on Tuesday. "Concerned with his Achilles," said coach Robert Saleh post-match. "MRI is probably going to confirm what we think is going to happen. So prayers tonight but it's not good." If it is indeed an Achilles tear, Rodgers will be ruled out for the remainder of the season.
It's the worst possible start for the Jets and Rodgers who view themselves as real Super Bowl contenders following the addition of the quarterback. After 17 years at the Green Bay Packers, and with a Super Bowl Championship to his name, Rodgers made the move to New York.
“Change is a part of this business, it’s a part of life, and I think being open to it and embracing whatever that change looks like is an important part of coming to peace with whatever decision lies ahead of you,” he said on “The Pat McAfee Show” in February.