Jets QB Aaron Rodgers extends his support to rival Jaelan Phillips following Dolphins LB’s Achilles injury

Aaron Rodgers landed on the New York Jets squad after continuously flirting with them throughout the offseason. The team was the focal point of attraction in this year’s Hard Knocks due to the excitement surrounding him. The quarterback, who used to miss the training camp session with the Green Bay Packers, became fully devoted to Gang Green with his top-notch dedication.

However, A-Rod’s commitment witnessed a major blow following his potential season-ending injury during his debut match with the Jets. Miami Dolphins linebacker Jaelan Phillips also sustained the same setback lately, and the four-time MVP didn’t shy away from reaching out to the veteran amid his struggling time.

Aaron Rodgers reportedly reached out to Jaelan Phillips

Jalean Phillips faced a tough and sudden setback during a game against the Jets when he injured his Achilles tendon, abruptly ending his season. This injury, occurring at the notorious MetLife Stadium, mirrored Aaron Rodgers’ experience just a couple of months earlier.

Showing his empathy, A-Rod reached out to the Dolphins star to extend his support during this challenging time. Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel praised him for his character and revealed the signal-caller’s efforts to connect with Phillips through mutual contacts.

“I don’t know him personally, but I’ve heard great things about Aaron Rodgers and the type of human being he is. I think he was working some channels to get in touch with Jaelan as of last night through a couple of people that have some relationships with him,” he said per OutKick.

When A-Rod tore his Achilles four plays into Week 1, everyone assumed he would miss the remainder of the season. But he defied the odds by being “ahead of the schedule” after undergoing innovative surgery. The 39-year-old has raised eyebrows among the Gang Green squad by sending a video of his practice and is reportedly looking to return to the field in mid-December. McDaniel highlighted the QB’s willingness to explore cutting-edge medical advancements as well.

“[Rodgers] is a smart guy that’s not afraid to chase the most exotic science. Jaelan Phillips, he’s not one of those old-school, always-done-it-this-way type of guys. He would be open to whatever”, McDaniel said.

Meanwhile, Jalean Phillips had been on a remarkable streak in his career year with 39 combined tackles, 5.5 sacks, four tackles for loss, and an interception across seven games before Week 12. Unlike Rodgers, Phillips might not step back onto the field this season, given the severity of his injury.

List of Notable injuries on MetLife stadium since 2020

Besides Aaron Rodgers and Jaelan Phillips, several other players sustained injuries on the infamous MetLife Stadium turf. The San Francisco 49ers bore the brunt in their 2020 season, with defensive end Nick Bosa suffering a season-ending torn ACL during a game against the New York Jets in September. Bosa’s distressing exit from the field occurred after attempting to halt a four-yard run by Frank Gore.

Shortly after Bosa’s injury, former 49ers defensive linebacker Solomon Thomas suffered a similar fate, tearing his ACL just two plays later. Thomas recounted feeling his foot trapped in the turf while pressuring the passer, leading to a twist that severely impacted his knee. Moreover, 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo also grappled with a high ankle sprain in the same match.

The New York Giants’ Sterling Shepard became another victim of the stadium’s questionable conditions, enduring a torn ACL on September 26, 2022. In a Week 3 clash against the Dallas Cowboys, while slowly moving away from the action, Shepard suddenly clutched his left knee before collapsing to the ground in evident pain.

The string of injuries at MetLife Stadium continued when the Giants wide receiver Wan’Dale Robinson faced a frightening knee injury on November 20, 2022. During a Week 11 confrontation with the Detroit Lions, Robinson’s knee buckled under the pressure of a tackle near the sideline.

During the season opener on September 11, 2022, Chicago Bears’ cornerback Kyle Fuller sustained an unfortunate ACL injury with just 1:18 remaining in the game. While covering Elijah Moore near the goal line, Fuller made a movement to gain distance, causing his knee to buckle, leading him to fall.

Meanwhile, in a match against the Carolina Panthers on October 24, 2021, the New England Patriots’ safety, Jabrill Peppers, faced a similar fate. During a punt return, the Panthers’ Sam Franklin tackled Peppers, leading to the rupture of his ACL as he planted his right foot. Alongside the ACL tear, the safety also endured a high ankle sprain during the same play.

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