Jets coach Robert Saleh envisions Aaron Rodgers breaking the huddle as his quarterback again next season, and a ‘heartbroken’ Rodgers is thinking in a similar vein.
Rodgers faces a nine-month recovery from a torn Achilles after leaving Monday’s franchise debut against the Buffalo Bills with the season-ending injury and landing on injured reserve Tuesday.
Saleh said he doubts Rodgers opts to retire.
“I’d be shocked if this is the way he’s going to go out,” Saleh said Wednesday.
The four-time MVP turns 40 in December but is signed for 2024. He indicated prior to the injury that he intends to spend multiple seasons with the Jets and said Wednesday that he is looking to make a comeback.
“Thank you to every person that has reached out, called, texted, DM’d, connected through a friend, etc.,” Rodgers said on Instagram in his first public comments since his injury after four snaps on Monday. “It has meant a ton to me, and I’ll try and get back to all of you soon.
“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.
“The night is darkest before the dawn. And I shall rise yet again.”
Saleh said no surgery date is set for Rodgers, who is being given space to cope with the emotional weight of the injury. Coaches said they’re hopeful Rodgers will rejoin the team and stay connected to help tutor Zach Wilson, who steps back into the starting role Sunday at the Dallas Cowboys.
The Jets are still reviewing options to fill Rodgers’ roster spot. Saleh said a move at quarterback is unlikely this week, with Wilson starting and Tim Boyle elevated from the No. 3 role to be the primary backup.
Two of Rodgers’ former head coaches in Green Bay, including Dallas coach Mike McCarthy, indicated they reached out to him.
“I have a tremendous amount of love for him,” said McCarthy, who coached Rodgers from 2006-18. “This is tough. I know he was very excited about this chapter of his life, and I was looking forward to seeing him this weekend. … You get to see how precious these opportunities are. Every game is such a special opportunity to compete in this league. So, yeah, I think we’re all feeling for him personally right now.”
Matt LaFleur, Rodgers’ coach in Green Bay the previous four seasons, also chimed in.
“I would bet that he would have no problem coming back from it. I really believe it,” LaFleur said of Rodgers. “I know the type of worker he is, and so it’s just going to be a choice of whether or not he wants to continue to play or not.”
New Packers quarterback Jordan Love, who backed up Rodgers the past three seasons, said, “I feel for him, I know he’s going to bounce back, and he’ll do his thing in recovery, and he’ll come back stronger.”
–Field Level Media
