Expectations for the New York Jets entering the 2023 season were high. Especially for a team that has not made the playoffs in over ten years. Things changed in three plays with the Aaron Rodgers injury as the quarterback went down with an Achilles tendon rupture. With the season ending injury, perspectives and expectations changed. The Jets still managed to defeat the Buffalo Bills that night as Josh Allen imploded with three interceptions. Expectations for the season were dampered down. Questions became more focused on whether the Zach Wilson-led Jets will have a satisfying season.
The historically ornery Rodgers has been a terrific teammate and has made a point of reaching out to everyone since arriving for training camp. Conversely, while with his former team, the Green Bay Packers, Rodgers was a polar opposite. He made it a point of stating that it was not his job to Jordan Love, his heir apparent successor. But since coming to Florham Park, Rodgers has taken quarterback Zach Wilson under his wing. The Jets top selection of 2021, and the 2nd player in the overall draft has been mentored by Rodgers.
Anatomy of an Achilles tendon
After an Achilles tear, recovery usually takes around 9-12 months before a player can return to an NFL game. The Achilles tendon has two main attachment points. The proximal origin is where it connects to the calf muscle in the lower leg, the distal insertion is where it attaches to the heel bone or calcaneus. Comparing an Achilles tear to ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) tear, a ruptured Achilles often requires a longer recovery timeline. With ACL surgery, the knee ligament can be reconstructed and rehabilitation allows the knee to regain stability within 6-9 months in many cases. Ligaments connect bone to bone and help guide joint motion, while tendons join muscles to bones and allow forceful body movements. Injury to the Achilles tendon takes longer to regenerate after a complete rupture.
An Achilles tear can be career-ending, especially for a 39-year-old, soon to turn 40-year-old player. With the Aaron Rodgers injury, time is the only competitor that never loses. Everyone loses to time eventually. Originally signed to a two-year contract, it will be interesting to see how Rodgers deals with his injury. I believe that he will continue to be around the locker room, mentoring Wilson throughout the season as he goes through his rehabilitation. I also believe that he wants to rewrite his legacy from a one-time cantankerous Super Bowl winning quarterback, to the perception of as someone good to have around in the locker room. A lot of work will need to be put in for this change of perception.
Aaron Rodgers at a crossroads
I think that Rodgers does not want his New York Jet carer labeled as “three plays and out.” Envision all those No. 8 football jerseys being around on throwback days in twenty years from now. Ouch. So, Rodgers has to decide if he will put in the work for a return next year. NFL players such as Emmanuel Sanders and Demaryius Thomas both successfully returned from ACL surgery to Pro Bowl form. In the interim, as Rodgers decides, I anticipate that he will continue to work with Zach Wilson.
If the Jets has a satisfying season, reach the playoff, and Wilson has a competent, solid season the question then becomes; doe the Jets want to invest one season in a 40-year-old quarterback, soon to be 41 years old, or just continue to move forward with Wilson?
Barry Schustermann
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