(Florham Park) Aaron Rodgers’ season is over, but it appears he’s not ready to call time on his career.
“The night is darkest before the dawn,” the New York Jets quarterback wrote on Instagram Wednesday night. I will reappear again. »
Rodgers is out for the season with a torn left Achilles tendon, suffered in the fourth game of his debut with his new team on Monday night.
The 39-year-old quarterback had not made a public comment since suffering the injury in New York’s 22-16 overtime victory against the Buffalo Bills.
“Thank you to every person who reached out, called, texted or reached through a friend,” Rodgers wrote. This means a lot to me, and I will try to answer you soon.
“I am completely heartbroken and going through all the emotions, but I am deeply touched by the support and love. Please keep me in your thoughts and prayers as I begin the healing process.
Rodgers concluded the post with: “Proud of my guys, 1-0. »
There were doubts about whether Rodgers would consider retirement. Rodgers turns 40 in December.
“I haven’t talked to him about it,” Jets coach Robert Saleh said. I would be very surprised if this is how he was going to retire. At the same time, he has to deal with a lot of things. This is going to be the last thing I talk to him about. »
Saleh added that medical consultations will determine the next steps. Rodgers will need surgery; he faces a long and arduous convalescence and rehabilitation.
His arrival in the Big Apple created high expectations for the Jets, who had been out of the playoffs since January 2011.
The Jets are turning to Zach Wilson to replace Rodgers.
The No. 2 pick in the 2021 draft, Wilson struggled mightily in his first two seasons.
Saleh and the Jets insist Wilson has improved since last season, thanks in large part to Rodgers’ presence in recent months.
“He became very confident,” Saleh said. His movements are more fluid. He does the fundamental things so well, and his footwork is incredible. »
The Jets don’t expect Wilson to be a Rodgers replica.
“No one sees like that,” Saleh said. He just needs to be himself and believe that he himself is good enough. »
The Jets prepare to visit the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday.