Jets' Aaron Rodgers hints at plans after season-ending injury

"The night is darkest before the dawn," Rodgers captioned his post. "And I shall rise yet again. Proud of my guys, 1-0." 

Medical experts, football analysts and fans have speculated if Rodgers will retire following his serious injury, in part because he turns 40 years old in December. While Jets head coach Robert Saleh said Wednesday he would "be shocked if this is the way (Rodgers is) going to go out," Outkick's Armando Salguero noted that Saleh added he hasn't yet "gone down that road with" the future Hall of Famer. 

It was believed before Monday's events that the massive pay cut Rodgers accepted earlier this summer was meant to help the Jets pursue a Super Bowl championship with the four-time NFL Most Valuable Player atop the depth chart for at least the next two seasons. 

"Thank you to every person that has reached out, called, texted, DM’d, connected through a friend, etc.," Rodgers wrote on Wednesday. "It has meant a ton to me, and I’ll try and get back to all of you soon. 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." 

For now, previously demoted 2021 first-round draft pick Zach Wilson will start in Rodgers' place at the 1-0 Dallas Cowboys this Sunday. The Jets could pursue veterans such as Tennessee Titans starter Ryan Tannehill and/or Matthew Stafford of the Los Angeles Rams if Wilson struggles, but ESPN's Jeremy Fowler and Dan Graziano mentioned earlier on Wednesday that the four-year contract extension Stafford signed in 2022 could prevent him from making a move to Gang Green if Rodgers plans to play for the club next year.