Aaron Rodgers injury: NFL hot take on Jets possible QB replacements
By Beau Adams
The football world was taken by shock when the New York Jets star quarterback Aaron Rodgers succumbed to an ankle injury during the opening game against Buffalo Bills. The Achilles injury not only cut short the veteran quarterback’s game but also cast a grim shadow on the rest of the season.
The New York Jets, built for a Super Bowl run, now face a significant setback with Rodgers’ injury.
As the team gears for a challenging journey ahead, three potential replacements come into the limelight.
New York Jets and the tragedy of the Aaron Rodgers injury
In one of the most unfortunate moments in the history of the New York Jets, the much-anticipated Aaron Rodgers era came crashing down. After only four offensive snaps, Rodgers was forced to exit the game due to an ankle injury.
The MetLife Stadium, filled with thousands of Jets fans, fell into a somber silence. Rodgers, the four-time NFL MVP, was supposed to be the savior under the center for the Jets. Instead, he ended up on the ground with 10:56 remaining in the first quarter.
The sight of Rodgers’ left foot seemingly getting stuck on the turf during the play was a heartbreaking moment for every Jets fan. Jets head coach Robert Saleh echoed these sentiments after the game, expressing his sorrow for Rodgers and the investment he had made in the team.
Zach Wilson: The Once and Future Starter?
Following the unfortunate event, Saleh announced Zach Wilson as the team’s top quarterback. Wilson, a third-year pro with two seasons of starting experience, is now the chosen torchbearer for the team. However, his record of 8-14 and 15:19 touchdown/interception ratio leaves room for doubt. Furthermore, the fact that his teammates were clamoring for Rodgers to replace him is a harsh reminder of the challenges that he may face in the upcoming games.
Possible replacements for Rodgers
With Rodgers’ season now over, the Jets are in desperate need of a backup quarterback for Wilson. The current free agent and practice squad market are thin, which leaves the Jets with limited options.
Some of the names that have surfaced in this regard include Carson Wentz, Joe Flacco, Colt McCoy, Nick Foles, and even Tom Brady. However, the quarterback landscape isn’t particularly enticing, and the Jets will have to tread carefully in this regard.
Matt Ryan: A Former MVP Joins the Fray?
Matt Ryan, one of the potential replacements for Aaron Rodgers, is a former NFL MVP who is currently not under contract with any other team. Ryan had a struggling season with the Indianapolis Colts last season, with a 14:13 touchdown-to-interception ratio in 12 games. However, he could be a solid candidate to be in the quarterback room if Rodgers is unable to go. Ryan, who has thrown 381 touchdowns over a 15-year career, most of which was spent with the Atlanta Falcons, could bring a wealth of experience and skill to the Jets.
Tom Brady: A Joke or a Possibility?
The prospect of Tom Brady coming out of retirement to join the Jets may seem like a joke to many. However, in the world of football, stranger things have happened. A seven-time Super Bowl champion and five-time Super Bowl MVP, Brady’s return would be nothing short of a miracle for the Jets. However, the likelihood of this happening is very low.
Want your voice heard? Join the NFL Mocks team!
Still, the mere mention of his name brings a flicker of hope to the hearts of many Jets fans. However, with Brady taking a minority stake in the Las Vegas Raiders it’s unlikely he can or will compete for a different team.
Nathan Rourke: An Unexplored Talent:
Finally, there’s Nathan Rourke, a relatively unexplored talent from the Jacksonville Jaguars. Rourke caught the attention of several NFL teams after spending two seasons with the B.C. Lions in the CFL. He made the most of his chances in the preseason, going 23-of-25 for 348 yards with one touchdown and no interceptions in three games.
Although he didn’t make it to the Jaguars’ active roster, he signed to their practice squad after clearing waivers. With his impressive preseason performance and first-hand experience watching Trevor Lawrence prepare, Rourke could be a valuable addition to the Jets’ quarterback group.
A season of uncertainty for the New York Jets
With Aaron Rodgers out for the season, the Jets now face a period of uncertainty. However, with potential replacements like Matt Ryan, Tom Brady, and Nathan Rourke, there is still hope. While Zach Wilson has been named the starter, the Jets will need to find someone who can not only serve as a backup but also challenge Wilson for the starting spot if needed.
As the Jets navigate this challenging time, one thing is certain – they will leave no stone unturned in their search for Rodgers’ replacement