New York Jets Endure 2 Big injury Scares at OTAs

The New York Jets appear to have averted disaster. Recently acquired quarterback Aaron Rodgers and wide receiver Allen Lazard both suffered injuries during Tuesday's organized team activities, but early indications are neither is serious.

I’m told Aaron Rodgers has a strained calf, per sources. It’s considered minor as of now. The anticipation is he should be back fairly quick. #Jets
— JosinaAnderson (@JosinaAnderson) May 23, 2023

I’m good y’all 🙏🏽 not sure why they didn’t report that I practiced the rest of the day at 100% but I’m good lol

Just got hit in the gonads 🫠
— Allen Lazard 👑 (@AllenLazard) May 23, 2023

Rodgers was seen limping and talking with the Jets' strength coach on the sideline. He was eventually diagnosed with a calf strain, which may hinder him in upcoming practices but shouldn't be a long-term concern.

Lazard hit the ground at one point and was in obvious pain, drawing the attention of several trainers. He managed to finish practice and later revealed in colorful terms that he was struck in the groin.

Rodgers and Lazard joined the Jets earlier this offseason, the former via a blockbuster trade and the latter via a four-year, $44 million deal in free agency. The pair played five seasons together with the Green Bay Packers. Over 57 career appearances, Lazard hauled in 169 receptions, 2236 receiving yards, and 20 touchdowns, all primarily from Rodgers.

Practices like Tuesday's show how tenuous even the best-laid plans are in the NFL. Rodgers and Lazard were arguably the Jets' two biggest splashes of the offseason and carry the team's title aspirations squarely on their shoulders. Now that the dust has settled and the pair appears okay, the Jets can go right back to preparing for what should be a competitive season in a loaded AFC East.