Aaron Rodgers didn’t suffer torn Achilles injury in Week 1, claims NFL reporter: “He’s a liar”
Aaron Rodgers found himself in the headlines ahead of the 2023 season with his trade to the New York Jets after his long haul with the Green Bay Packers. The four-time NFL MVP made his debut for the Jets in Week 1 against the Buffalo Bills. However, Rodgers didn't even make it through the first quarter after suffering a potentially season-ending Achilles tear.
While many fans and those in the NFL media acknowledged the seriousness of his injury, one NFL reporter did not. Gregg Doyel of Indy Star Sports asserts that the star quarterback didn't suffer an Achilles injury:
"I don’t believe for a second he suffered a torn Achilles, at least not as we know what a torn Achilles is. Whatever Kevin Durant, Kobe and Brandon Graham suffered, he did not. Because this procedure would be trumpeted as a breakthrough, not treated as a secret. Plus he’s a liar."
In September, Rodgers had a procedure called a "speed bridge" to put a brace on the left Achilles. The procedure was performed by Dr. Neal ElAttrache, a renowned orthopedic surgeon, and his team. However, sources familiar with the procedure note that the speed-bridge technique used does not guarantee a quick return.
Aaron Rodgers spoke about his recovery in his weekly appearance on The Pat McAfee Show:
"There's a lot of different ideas about the overall length of the rehab. I think what I'd like to say is, just because nobody's ever done it in a certain way doesn't mean it's not possible," Rodgers said. "I definitely have some odds stacked against me based on age, but I like it. Stack all the odds up against me and see what happens.
"My entire focus and dedication is about acquiring the most information and adding to what I've already put together as a pretty damn good rehab plan that's going to, I think, shock some people."
The quarterback was looking to defy the odds and come back this season. However, the New York Jets (4-7) are currently battling to get into the playoffs and suffered their fourth straight loss in Week 12 to the Miami Dolphins on Black Friday.
Which quarterbacks have started in place of Aaron Rodgers for the Jets this season?
When Aaron Rodgers exited the Week 1 game versus the Buffalo Bills, backup QB Zach Wilson took over and led the Jets to a 22-16 win.
Wilson has passed for 1,944 yards, six touchdowns, and seven interceptions this season.
Head coach Robert Saleh benched Wilson for Tim Boyle, who started against the Dolphins. The veteran had 179 yards on 17-of-29 passing with a touchdown and two interceptions in the loss.