Former head NFL doctor David Chao: Aaron Rodgers' Achilles diagnosis easy and clear
The worst case scenario might have become reality for Aaron Rodgers, according to former NFL head doctor David Chao. It’s most likely his Achilles.
“The clinical diagnosis for Achilles is very easy and clear. Unfortunately, [the New York Jets] already know,” Chao wrote on social media. “Teams always say MRI to confirm, the bad news is already known. Too bad.”
If that ends up being the case, Rodgers’ first season with the New York Jets might have ended just as quickly as it started. The MRI is set for Monday for final confirmation, but Chao isn’t hopeful.
Former NFL offensive lineman and medical expert Dr. Mark Adickes was a bit more skeptical when he reported in on the matter. He highlighted the “best case scenario,” which would be an ankle sprain. That would keep him out for a few weeks — but a lot shorter of a recovery time than the Achilles, of course. Adickes also noted a Lisfranc injury, which is the mid-foot, isn’t out of the realm of possibilities, either.
Another medical expert, Dr. David Chao, said that he expects Rodgers’ X-rays to come back negative — which they did — but he also isn’t saying Rodgers isn’t in the clear just yet regarding this being a season-ending injury. He added that the boot Rodgers was seen wearing after the injury doesn’t ease his fears for the worst case scenario for the former NFL MVP.
At 39 years old, an Achilles injury at this point in his career is a major setback. He’s never had to miss an entire season in his 18 years in the NFL, but it’s looking increasingly likelier that will be the case based on the evolution of reports going out there.
The injury wouldn’t only have ramifications on the Jets’ season, it could impact the Green Bay Packers long-term as well. During the trade process, Green Bay received a total of four picks, one of which being a conditional second-rounder in 2024. That pick would become a first-round selection if the Rodgers were to play 65 percent of the Jets’ snaps of this season.
If Chao is correct, the Packers just lost out on a first-round pick.
Until the Monday MRI reveals more, Zach Wilson is the guy once against in New York. The former No. 2 overall draft pick has been the Jets’ starter for the past two seasons before Rodgers’ arrival. Wilson will have to make due for the foreseeable future as Rodgers begins his road to recovery.