Aaron Rodgers suffered a potentially season-ending Achilles injury just minutes into his much-anticipated debut for the New York Jets against the Buffalo Bills on Monday night.
The star quarterback joined the Jets from the Green Bay Packers in a high-profile move during the off-season and had been tipped to help the franchise end a 12-year wait to reach the playoffs - the longest ongoing wait of any NFL team.
However, Rodgers stayed down after being sacked by Buffalo Bills defensive end Leonard Floyd just over three minutes into the first quarter of his first NFL game for his new team, before being helped off the field by the medical team.
The Jets confirmed during the match that an X-ray had shown no broken bones, but head coach Robert Saleh confirmed afterwards that the four-time NFL MVP had damaged his Achilles and that he was concerned the injury could be a season-ending one.
"We're concerned with his Achilles. It's not good," he told reporters.
"An MRI is probably going to confirm what we think has happened, so prayers tonight.
"I hurt for Aaron and how much he has invested in all of this. I'm still going to hold out hope. But my heart's with Aaron right now, nobody else."
The 39-year-old Rodgers - widely considered one of the all-time greats in his position - was replaced by Zach Wilson, who completed 14 of his 21 passes for 140 yards, one touchdown and one interception.
Wilson helped the Jets to a dramatic overtime victory at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, as rookie Xavier Gipson produced a 65-yard punt return touchdown to seal a 22-16 win in their season opener.
Barney Corkhill
