Aaron Rodgers showed up to his first NY Jets open-media OTA session on Tuesday with a smile on his face. Unfortunately for Rodgers, his day would be cut short before it ever really started due to an apparent injury.
Rodgers warmed up with the rest of the team just before practice started but was spotted off to the side, without his helmet on, talking to the Jets' training staff during QB drills.
The 10-time Pro Bowler did return to the practice field shortly after, but he did so without a helmet. It seems like he will be unable to participate in the remainder of the practice session.
It's unclear what exactly is bothering Rodgers, but reports from those in attendance suggest he might have tweaked something during warmups. Whatever it is, it was enough to convince the Jets to hold him out for the remainder of the day.
There is no reason for NY Jets fans to be concerned about the Aaron Rodgers injury
While initial news of a potential Rodgers injury is enough to send any Jets fan into a frenzy, there's no reason at this stage to be concerned. Rodgers was spotted walking with a limp, but there's no indication that his injury is anything serious.
As Brian Costello of the New York Post notes, if Rodgers was "really hurt," he wouldn't still be on the field watching drills alongside Jets offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett.
This is very likely just a case of the Jets being overly cautious with their star quarterback. After all, it's only May. This is the second OTA practice the Jets have conducted this spring. There's no reason to take any unnecessary risks.
Rodgers is set to speak with the media after practice, and he will most certainly be asked about his apparent injury. For now, though, all indications are that he should be fine.
Breathe easy, Jets fans. Aaron Rodgers' "injury" should be nothing to worry about.