Aaron Rodgers leaves London ‘banged up’ with a sprained ankle following the New York Jets’ recent loss to the Minnesota Vikings.
The Jets’ quarterback has faced challenges in the UK, suffering defeats in both of his appearances. This time, he returned home after a 23-17 setback at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, where he threw three interceptions.
“We’re playing below our potential,” Rodgers remarked. “Too many mistakes. We’re slow starters. Too many mental errors. Just too many mistakes in general. That’s hard to overcome, and then you know for me, I’ve got to take care of the football. Can’t turn the ball over three times and win in this league.”
Vikings linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel set the tone early, returning an interception 63 yards for a touchdown in the first quarter. On the Jets’ subsequent drive, Rodgers’ pass intended for Allen Lazard was intercepted by Camryn Bynum after being thrown too high.
Rodgers reflected on another missed opportunity, saying, “I just kind of underthrew it a little bit,” regarding a pass aimed at Mike Williams.
Despite his struggles, Rodgers achieved a milestone, becoming the ninth player in NFL history to surpass 60,000 passing yards. He completed 29 of 54 passes for 244 yards, two touchdowns, and three turnovers.
However, the narrative shifted postgame as concerns grew over his health. In the third quarter, he was visibly in pain after taking a hit, clutching his left leg.
“I’m definitely banged up,” he admitted. “Got my foot caught on a pile there, but just seems to be a low ankle sprain.”
Rodgers added, “A lot of things made some noises on the way down,” highlighting the physical toll of the game.
Despite the pain, he chose to continue playing. As he headed to the injury tent, a roughing the kicker penalty on the Vikings allowed the Jets to retain possession. “I said, ‘Screw it, I’m going back out there,’” he declared.
In a previous international matchup two years ago with the Green Bay Packers, Rodgers suffered a right thumb injury against the New York Giants.
The Jets struggled offensively, managing only four first downs and 99 net yards in the first half. They salvaged some momentum with Lazard’s touchdown reception, narrowing the score to 17-7 before halftime.
Coming off a previous 10-9 loss to the Denver Broncos, the Jets faced mounting pressure to improve their performance.
Next on the schedule is a Monday night face-off against the Buffalo Bills.
“It’s early,” Coach Robert Saleh stated. “We’re five games in. Obviously, we’d like it to be a lot better, but it’s early, and we’ve got a long way to go.”
The Jets’ rushing attack was ineffective against the Vikings, totaling just 36 yards. Breece Hall recorded 23 yards on nine carries, while rookie Braelon Allen added 13 yards on five attempts.
“The run game is clearly not good enough,” Saleh remarked. “Coming out of training camp, it was supposed to be a strength for us, and it obviously hasn’t been that way.”
