New York Jets makes quarterback decision 'very clear' after Aaron Rodgers injury
The New York Jets are all-in with Zach Wilson as their starting quarterback following the season-ending Achilles injury to Aaron Rodgers.
The Jets had high hopes for the season with four-time NFL MVP Rodgers, 39, orchestrating the offense. However, the ex-Green Bay Packers star lasted just four snaps before tearing his left Achilles following a sack by the Bills' Leonard Floyd.
Wilson entered play and threw for 140 yards and one touchdown as the Jets shocked the Buffalo Bills 22-16 at the MetLife Stadium on Monday after the game went into overtime. The next dilemma is how the Jets plan on replacing Rodgers for the season, with the veteran being placed in injury reserve.
A free-agent quarterback could be brought in but only to play backup to Wilson. And head coach Robert Saleh has made that perfectly clear.
“We are gonna look through some things, but I do want to make it very clear that Zach’s our quarterback,” Saleh said. “We’ve got a lot of faith in Zach, we’re really excited about this opportunity. We’re rolling with Zach and excited for him.”
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Although Rodgers will not be able to actively take part in training to continue coaching Wilson, he can still offer words of encouragement and advice, as he looks to guide the Jets to the postseason for the first time since 2011.
Rodgers' injury has also reignited debates over the playing surfaces in the NFL, with MetLife still using artificial turf. One of Rodgers' former Green Bay Packers teammates, tackle David Bakhtiari, had a lot to say in the aftermath of Monday's Achilles tear.
The Jets are back in the control of Zach Wilson, with head coach Robert Saleh all-in on the quarterback (Getty)Some NFL stadiums will be removing the artificial turf and putting in real grass ahead of the 2026 football World Cup that is being held in the US, Canada, and Mexico. “Congrats @nfl,” Bakhtiari said on social media. “How many more players have to get hurt on ARTIFICIAL TURF??!
"You care more about soccer players than us. You plan to remove all artificial turf for the World Cup coming up. So clearly it’s feasible. I’m sick of this..Do better!” Saleh, however, refuted these claims.
“No. If it was a non-contact injury, I think that’d be something to discuss obviously,” Saleh said. “But I think that was trauma-induced. I do know the players prefer grass and there’s a lot invested in those young men.”
Whether Rodgers is able to suit up again in the NFL is another cause for concern, with the QB turning 40 in December. Rodgers just recently spoke about potentially playing football into his mid-40s, as the legendary Tom Brady did. However, his latest injury setback could have him mulling retirement, like he was following the conclusion of the 2022 campaign.
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