Jets’ starting quarterback missed a few plays after being stepped on

The New York Jets’ fans in attendance held their collective breath.

Future Hall-of-Fame quarterback Aaron Rodgers went down to one knee during Saturday’s open training camp practice in Florham Park. Seemingly experiencing pain in his foot, the four-time NFL MVP was temporarily replaced by backup Zach Wilson.

With Wilson set to take the reps, Rodgers retreated to the sidelines for a few minutes until putting his helmet back on and returning for the entirety of final team period.

“Little pinky toe. He’s alright,” said head coach Robert Saleh after practice. “I saw it, I knew he was fine.”

Upon re-entering the playing field, the 39-year-old field general connected with tight end Jeremy Ruckert on a red zone touchdown pass. Rodgers ended practice by hitting Allen Lazard for a score.

The injury scare happened while Rodgers was engineering the offense in 11-on-11 team competition. Pressured on his drop back by Jermaine Johnson, Rodgers had his left foot stepped on.

Fortunately, no serious harm was inflicted, but any time a quarterback goes down in practice, even for a moment, concern instantly emerges.

“That’s 32 teams. That’s every single season. Stay off the quarterback. That’s why they wear red, but every once in awhile it happens,” said Saleh.

Rodgers did not suit up for the Hall of Fame Game on August 3 and that will likely remain the case for most, if not all, of the NFL Preseason.