The New York Jets’ quarterback Aaron Rodgers suffering an Achilles injury during the team’s season-opening drive, which could potentially cost him the rest of the matches, has resulted in the NFL community renewing demands for authorities to opt for real grass turf in stadiums — a luxury currently reserved only for soccer players.
“Congrats @nfl. 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!” David Bakhtiari, Rodgers’ former teammate and longtime Green Bay Packers left tackle, tweeted.
Also Read | New York Jets QB Aaron Rodgers suffers ankle injury in debut against Buffalo Bills | NFL Stars Reacts
Many people on social media echoed Rodgers’ thoughts. Here are some of the reactions:
Just a few minutes into Monday Night Football game against the Buffalo Bills, Rodgers’ left ankle appeared to get caught in the turf during a tackle, and he left the field on a cart.
After he was sacked by Bills edge rusher Leonard Floyd, the 39-year-old did get up on his feet briefly only to go back to the ground in pain after he briefly stood up. The team trainers came and had a look at him after which they eventually helped him off the field.
Also Read | Aaron Rodgers’ Injury: Torn Achilles, Lisfranc, or Ankle Sprain | What we know so far
Rodgers’ X-ray results on Monday were negative after he left the game. However, Jets’ head coach Robert Saleh is not ruling out the worst. The team’s MVP will undergo an MRI exam on Tuesday. “MRI is probably going to confirm what we think is already gonna happen, so prayers tonight,” Saleh said. “But it’s not good.”
As the team fears the worst with Rodgers’ injury, Saleh told reporters that Zach Wilson will be the Jets’ starter for the rest of the season. “I hurt for Aaron and how much he has invested in all of this,” Saleh said. “I’m still going to say a prayer and still going to hold out hope.”