Aaron Rodgers Suffers Ankle Injury Minutes Into Jets Debut

Future NFL Hall of Fame quarterback Aaron Rodgers suffered an unsettling ankle injury less than five minutes into his inaugural game with the New York Jets. Rodgers had to be carted off the field, raising major concerns about his season and future with the team.

The highly anticipated game was off to a rocky start for Rodgers, who was taken down by Leonard Floyd in the first quarter before he could even complete a pass. While the sack didn't initially appear to be serious, Rodgers signaled to the sideline and sat down, making it clear he was hurt.

Medical staff quickly assisted him to the sideline tent, where he was examined. The Jets organization later reported the injury as an ankle issue, stating Rodgers' return was "questionable."

UPDATE: He was later downgraded to "OUT."

Rodgers had managed to release just a single incomplete pass under duress before exiting the game. Zach Wilson stepped in as quarterback following the incident, but the Jets were forced to punt shortly after. Upon being carted off to the locker room, Rodgers was visibly limping, heavily favoring his left leg.

Jets coach Robert Saleh, in a sideline interview with ESPN's Lisa Salters, maintained optimism: "We have a fantastic roster of players. Even though Aaron is a critical element of our team, we have a powerful defense and a capable offensive lineup. We will persevere."

The Jets had acquired Rodgers, a four-time MVP, in a blockbuster trade during the offseason. Coming from a stellar career with the Green Bay Packers, Rodgers was seen as the Jets' hope for ending the NFL's longest-running playoff drought. The media hype surrounding the team reached even higher levels as they were featured on "Hard Knocks," and Rodgers himself expressed great excitement about joining the franchise. In a pre-game interview aired on ESPN with tennis icon John McEnroe, Rodgers was vocal about his confidence that the Jets had Super Bowl potential.

But now, barely into the start of the Rodgers era, Jets fans are holding their collective breath, anxious about the future of their newly-acquired star quarterback.

Social media is buzzing with fans and experts alike speculating on the severity of Rodgers' injury.

Stay tuned as we continue to update this developing story.