The New York Jets are 2-2 after failing to capitalize on any kind of offensive magic during their game against the Denver Broncos on Sunday. The Jets failed to score a touchdown and quarterback Aaron Rodgers was banged up after taking five sacks.
Now, Rodgers revealed on "The Pat McAfee Show" that he is dealing with a knee injury.
Host Pat McAfee initially brought up the image of Rodgers on the bench with a towel over his face, which instantly became a meme. After that, McAfee asks how Rodgers is holding up after the brutal loss to the Broncos.
"I'm feeling a little banged up. Took some shots. Knee is a little swollen," Rodgers stated.
Though it's not uncommon for quarterbacks to be sacked and feel a little banged up, the fact that Rodgers' knee is swollen could be cause for concern. That concern has now been amplified, as the Jets signal-caller has appeared on the injury report.
According to ESPN's Rich Cimini, "Aaron Rodgers (knee) will be on the injury report, but he will practice fully. Saleh says he's not concerned. #Jets"
Cimini indicates initially that Rodgers is on the injury report, but will practice fully. Rodgers was then listed as a "limited" participant due to missing the stretching period of practice.
Granted, both of these posts seem to indicate that Rodgers is fine, but the concern then comes in the form of the fact that Rodgers is no longer a young quarterback. He is currently 40 years old and is coming off a severe Achilles tear in 2023.
Rodgers is one of the toughest quarterbacks in the league, as his career has proven as such. However, he is still getting up there in age, and taking big shots like he did on Sunday might push him into missing some time.
A swollen knee is apparently not that concerning for Jets head coach Robert Saleh, but if Rodgers is sacked again and lands on that same knee in any manner - he could sustain some significant damage.
With Rodgers under center, the Jets have the best possible chance at making a run at the playoffs. That does not mean that the team should be allowing Rodgers to play through a significant injury.
As Rodgers indicated in the clip above, there "is a lot of football left." But there is a lot of football left that should inform Saleh that he can take Rodgers out for one week while he completely heals up.
The Jets are 2-2 after all. They can afford to potentially lose one game while Rodgers heals.
Despite the injury, it sounds like Rodgers is doing fine and ready to suit up for Week 5. The issue is the Jets are playing the red-hot Minnesota Vikings, and their defense could cause all kinds of issues for Rodgers.
