Aaron Rodgers says surgery 'went great' Wednesday after Achilles tear
New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers underwent surgery for his torn Achilles tendon on Wednesday, starting the clock for his hopeful return in 2024.
The veteran revealed the procedure, performed by well-known surgeon Dr. Neal ElAttrache, on his Instagram story Thursday, saying it "went great" and thanking fans for support.
Aaron Rodgers posts an update from his surgery yesterday 🙏
(via aaronrodgers12/IG) pic.twitter.com/hms5f659Tt— Jets Videos (@snyjets) September 15, 2023
As Rodgers wrote:
"Surgery went great yesterday. Thank you for all the love and prayers and support. And thanks to the [GOAT] Dr ElAttrache and his staff for starting me on the road to recovery."
Rodgers tore his Achilles on the fourth play of his New York Jets career on Monday night, ending a season that saw the Jets widely hyped as Super Bowl contenders with the addition of the four-time MVP. The 39-year-old sustained the injury on a seemingly normal sack by Buffalo Bills pass rusher Leonard Floyd, but replay showed something in his calf giving as his leg bent toward the field.
An MRI confirmed the Achilles tear on Tuesday.
The injury leaves the Jets with former No. 2 overall draft pick Zach Wilson taking back his starting role, and questions remain about Rodgers' future. The quarterback has discussed retirement in the past, but he seemed to quash that talk Wednesday by posting "I shall rise yet again" on Instagram.
Both Jets head coach Robert Saleh and medical experts agree that Rodgers' injury doesn't have to be a career-ender. Wednesday's procedure is his first step in proving them right.
