Nearly a year had passed since Rodgers suffered an Achilles tear during his Jets debut, keeping him off the field the entire previous campaign.
The 40-year-old quarterback, who has won four NFL MVP awards while playing for the Green Bay Packers, completed Monday night’s play for 167 yards, one touchdown, and one interception, but it was insufficient to defeat the Super Bowl runners-up from the previous season.
“It felt amazing,” Rodgers remarked. “I’m quite grateful to be back in pads. I’m here because of so many individuals.
I sincerely appreciate the assistance that my surgeon, my family, friends, the staff, and the training team have given me in my recovery. Of course, I was eager to give it a try and experience its physicality.
“Once I threw a couple of balls and took a shot, it felt good.”
Shortly before kickoff, running back Christian McCaffrey was ruled out, meaning the home team had to win without him.
The 28-year-old’s calf and Achilles injuries prevented him from playing.
Jordan Mason, who is in his third NFL season, had an opening after that. This was his first game as a starter.
His final total of 28 carries for 147 yards and a touchdown was outstanding.
