Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers says surgery on torn Achilles tendon ‘was great’

New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers said Thursday that surgery to repair a torn Achilles tendon in his left leg “was excellent.”

Rodgers, 39, suffered the season-ending Achilles tendon injury on the fourth play of his debut with his new team during the Jets’ 22-16 overtime victory over Buffalo in the season opener. the season.

The four-time NFL MVP posted a photo and statement on an Instagram Story the day after his surgery, performed by Dr. Neal ElAttrache.

“Surgery went very well yesterday,” the Jets quarterback said in his post. “Thank you for all the love, prayers and support. And thank you to (GOAT) Dr. ElAttrache and his staff for starting me on the road to recovery.”

Rodgers, who faces several months of intensive rehabilitation, made his first comments about his season-ending Achilles injury in a post on his Instagram page on Wednesday.

“I am completely heartbroken and going through all the emotions, but deeply touched and humbled by the support and love. Please keep me in your thoughts and prayers as I begin the healing process today,” Rodgers wrote.

“The night is darkest before the dawn,” he continued. “And I will rise again.”

Rodgers’ comments came shortly after Jets coach Robert Saleh and owner Woody Johnson indicated they expect the four-time MVP to return in 2024.

“I would be surprised if this is how it would end,” Saleh told reporters.

Saleh said he hasn’t discussed the future with him, adding that Rodgers is “working on a lot of things that he needs to deal with, and that will be the last thing I talk to him about.”

Before the injury, Rodgers had mentioned numerous times that his goal was to play several years with the Jets. He is signed through 2025 and will receive $38 million in guarantees in 2024.

ESPN’s Rich Cimini contributed to this report.