Aaron Rodgers was supposed to begin the first new chapter of his career on Monday when he took the field with the Jets. That new chapter lasted four snaps before he tore his achilles, ending his 2023 campaign.
The injury has led to speculation about the future of Rodgers’ career, with the quarterback unable to return to the field until his age-40 season, prompting potential retirement speculation. But Rodgers is saying not so fast.
The Jets quarterback thanked those who reached out to send support to Rodgers, and said he was “completely heartbroken” over his injury, but left fans with an assuring message about what could be next.
“The night is darkest before the dawn. And I shall rise yet again,” Rodgers wrote on Instagram.
MORE: The two words injured Rodgers told Garrett Wilson
There is not much of a history for older quarterbacks recovering from achilles injuries. The Sporting News medical expert, Dr. Michael S. George of the KSF Orthopaedic Center in Houston, told SN his recovery could take up to a year from the procedure, and that there is little precedent for 39-year-old quarterbacks coming back from the injury. Dr. George had said Rodgers can return to being an impactful quarterback if he is not relying on mobility and instead focuses on getting the ball out quick.
That would of course be a huge change for Rodgers, who has tormented defenses throughout his Hall of Fame career for his ability to scramble effectively and make plays getting outside and directing receivers down the field. If Rodgers is no longer able to scramble with the same effectiveness he had during his time with Green Bay, that could be a major drop-off.
It would still be questionable to doubt Rodgers should he return. He has become the latest quarterback to defy Father Time and consistently play at a top-10 level, having won back-to-back MVPs at ages 38 and 39.
MORE: How Rodgers’ achilles injury recovery time compares to other players
Until the recovery process for Rodgers begins, all anyone can do is speculate on how he will look post-procedure. In the meantime, the Jets will move forward with uncertainty at the quarterback position, turning to backup Zach Wilson to return to starting duties.
And until Rodgers is back on the field, Sauce Gardner will have to wait to for his next signature handshake with the future Hall of Fame quarterback.
#Jets QB Aaron Rodgers with a message on Instagram after his Achilles injury…
“The night is darkest before the dawn. And I shall rise yet again.” pic.twitter.com/mtdApNtj58
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) September 13, 2023