New York Jets fans were holding their collective breath on Sunday afternoon.
Star quarterback Aaron Rodgers required attention on the sideline after being sacked late in his team’s game against the Denver Broncos. Rodgers appeared to hurt his left knee while being sacked on a third-down play.
Let’s go over everything we know.
What Happened to Aaron Rodgers?
The video below shows Rodgers limping off the field at MetLife Stadium, which caused concern for Jets’ fans and fantasy managers.
Jets trainers worked on Rodgers’ leg throughout the Broncos’ ensuing drive, which resulted in a punt. Rodgers returned for New York’s next drive but with limited mobility.
Aaron Rodgers seems hurt. Fumbles on this play but it is currently being reviewed. #DENvsNYJ pic.twitter.com/ycUVqBSSon
— Rate the Refs App (@Rate_the_Refs) September 29, 2024
The injury wasn’t serious, but given Rodgers’ age and recent injury history, his status will be worth monitoring this week.
After the game, head coach Robert Saleh told reporters that Rodgers is fine, referring to it as “wear and tear.” However, the Jets will likely want to see how Rodgers feels on Monday. They travel to London this week to take on the Minnesota Vikings at the Totten Hotspur Stadium.
Rodgers also acknowledged he was less than 100%. He told reporters, “Yeah, I’m banged up a little bit,” but added that he is “OK,” which is hopefully a good sign for next week in London. Rodgers said he has “stuff on both legs” and was heading for a hot tub as he looks to recover for Week 5.
The Jets do not have a bye in Week 6, as they opted not to take theirs after the London trip. However, they do not play until Monday Night Football in Week 6, when they host the Buffalo Bills.
There is always going to be an element of concern when Rodgers is seen hobbling after he missed all of last year with an Achilles injury. Rodgers has missed very few games through injury in his career. In addition to missing last year, he missed time in 2013 and 2017, for a total of 16 games across those two seasons.
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If Rodgers were to miss time, the Jets have Tyrod Taylor as their backup QB. He would be a significant downgrade on Rodgers, even if the 2024 version of the QB is not the one we’re used to seeing in Green Bay.
Through four games, Rodgers has thrown for 849 yards and five touchdowns with one interception. It has not been a disastrous start to the season, but it has also not been the exciting offense that Jets fans were hoping for.
PFN Fantasy Analysis: Impact of Potential Rodgers Injury
From Pro Football Network’s Kyle Soppe: Rodgers was on the very fringe of fantasy relevance before this injury, and if he is operating at anything less than full strength, he’s not of interest in most formats. His mobility has looked improved in recent weeks, but at a slow pace on a team with a limited number of playmakers, there’s no need to go this deep at the position.