Mike McCarthy reacts to Aaron Rodgers injury: 'I feel terrible for him'
Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy was watching on Monday night as his former star quarterback went down with an Achilles tear just four plays into his new gig. Aaron Rodgers is now out for the year for the Jets, but McCarthy was hoping he’d see the QB pop back up like he did in a 2018 game with the Packers.
“You were hoping it wasn’t serious,” McCarthy said, via DallasCowboys.com. “It kinda reminded me of a play in 2018 against the Bears early in the game he went in, told me on the headset he was done for the year. He had a fracture in his knee joint. And he came out at halftime and threw three touchdowns and won the game and played the rest of the year. That’s what I was hoping was going to happen.”
Naturally, Rodgers’ former head coach reached out to him to extend his condolences.
“Yeah, I’ve definitely reached out to him,” McCarthy said. “It’s great to compete against people you care about. Him and I have been through a lot together. I have a tremendous amount of love for him. This is tough. I know he was very excited about this chapter in his life, and I was looking forward to seeing him this weekend.”
The duo were due to meet up at AT&T Stadium this weekend. Now, the Cowboys will face the Jets led by Zach Wilson instead. McCarthy told reporters he’s disappointed to miss an opportunity to coach against Rodgers. Last year, the Cowboys lost an overtime matchup against Rodgers with the Packers.
“I mean, that’s only natural to want to play against a great player,” he said. “But at the end of the day, we need to get to 2-0. Our focus has been good today. That’s what we’re looking at.”
Robert Saleh: ‘I’d be shocked’ if Rodgers ends career after injury
New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh told reporters that asking Rodgers about his mindset for next season is the “last thing” he’ll talk to him about.
“I haven’t gone down that road with him,” Saleh said, via SNY. “I’d be shocked if this is the way he’s gonna go out. At the same time, for him, he’s working through a whole lot of head space about things he needs to deal with. That will be the last thing I talk to him about.”
In an Instagram post, Rodgers appeared to erase all speculation that the injury could be a career-ending one, saying he “shall rise yet again.”
“Thank you to every person that has reached out, called, texted, DM’d, connected through a friend, etc. It has meant a ton to me, and I’ll try and get back to all of you soon,” Rodgers wrote. “I’m completely heartbroken and moving through all of 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.
“The night is darkest before the dawn. And I shall rise yet again. Proud of my guys, 1-0.”