Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers said on social media he’s “completely heartbroken” that his season came to an end after just four snaps in a Monday Night Football game against the Buffalo Bills.
The post is Rodgers’ first public statement since suffering a season-ending Achilles injury, which effectively put an end to the Jets’ Super Bowl chances.
“Thank you to every person that has reached out, called, texted, DM’d, connected through a friend, etc. It has meant a ton to me, and I’ll try and get back to all of you soon,” Rodgers wrote in his Instagram post.
“I’m completely heartbroken and moving through all of the emotions, but deeply touched and humbled by the support and love. Please keep me in your thoughts and prayers as I begin the healing process today.”
Rodgers suffered the injury during the first quarter of Monday’s season opener against the Bills. The injury occurred when Bills edge rusher Leonard Floyd sacked Rodgers. The quarterback attempted to stand after the hit but went down in pain. He eventually had to be helped to the sidelines by trainers.
After the 22-16 OT victory, the team feared that the future Hall of Famer sustained an Achilles injury. An MRI on Tuesday confirmed the devastating injury. The average length of recovery for Achilles injuries is in the 10-12 month range. A road to recovery for Rodgers, who will be 40 in December, won’t be easy.
“The night is darkest before the dawn. And I shall rise yet again,” Rodgers added on Instagram.
Rodgers’ injury sparked a debate of NFL players competing on turf rather than natural grass. MetLife Stadium, where Rodgers’ injury occurred, installed a new field surface called FieldTurf, which is supposed to be softer and easier on player’s bodies than the synthetic turf that was used before.
Players have constantly voiced their demands to play on grass, which is said to be safer for players. On Wednesday, NFL Players Association executive director Lloyd Howell voiced his opinion on why all NFL stadiums should install natural grass instead of turf.
BRONCOS: Barring a setback, it appears wide receiver Jerry Jeudy is poised to make his season debut Sunday against Washington.
Jeudy, the fourth-year wide receiver, was a full participant in Denver’s Thursday practice, the first time he’s hit that benchmark since injuring his right hamstring Aug. 24.
Jeudy said last week he felt good and Coach Sean Payton on Wednesday acknowledged that the Broncos considered letting him play against Las Vegas up through a pregame workout. In the end, they gave him another week. And it appears his return is at hand.
Jeudy, of course, led Denver with 972 receiving yards in 2022 and finished with a flourish, racking up 523 yards over the Broncos’ final six games.
BEARS: Chicago safety Kyler Gordon will miss at least the next four games after the team placed him on injured reserve because of a hand injury on Thursday.
Gordon left in the second half of Chicago’s season-opening loss to the Green Bay Packers. He would be eligible to return against Minnesota on Oct. 15. A second-round draft pick out of Washington last year, Gordon had three interceptions as a rookie.
LONDON GAMES: The NFL will continue staging at least two games per year at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium through the 2029 season, the league announced Thursday.
The deal with the Premier League soccer club is a two-year extension on their original long-term agreement to play regular-season games at Tottenham’s $1.6 billion facility.
The stadium, which features designated NFL locker rooms and capacity seating of nearly 63,000, has hosted six games so far.
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