Graphic: Andrew Mazariegos-Ovalle/The Olaf Messenger
The New York Jets’ 2023 home opener was a whirlwind of emotions for fans and player alike. From the players’ heartfelt tribute to the victims of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks to watching veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers get carted off the field with a season ending injury, the kickoff to the Jets’ 2023 season won’t be forgotten anytime soon.
In August 2023, the Jets made the controversial decision of signing 39-year-old Aaron Rodgers to a two-year $75 million contract for his 19th and 20th NFL seasons. Just shy of one month and 90 seconds later, his season is over. Early in the first quarter, Rodgers was sacked by Buffalo Bills edge rusher Leonard Floyd. Rodgers suffered a full tear of his left Achilles tendon, an injury that will have him watching from the sideline for the rest of the season.
Rodgers underwent an innovative new procedure on Sept. 20 meant to reduce healing time and potentially accelerate his return to play. The non-traditional reconstruction should allow the quarterback to begin physical therapy earlier than normal and could even lead to an end of the season comeback. While no promises can be made, there is hope that we could see Rogers back on the field as early as the 2023 playoff season.
Luckily for the Jets, their back-up quarterback, 24-year-old Zach Wilson, was more than willing to rise to the occasion. After the Jets 22-16 victory over the Buffalo Bills, it appears Wilson will be stepping into Rodger’s shoes as their new starting quarterback for the remainder of the season. Wilson was selected second overall in the NFL’s 2021 draft after a successful college career at Brigham Young University, where he was a two time bowl game MVP.
