Aaron Rodgers pulled from first game back as New York Jets comeback turns sour

Aaron Rodgers did not even see out the New York Jets ' first game of the NFL season. His long-awaited comeback was cut short to protect the quarterback in the fourth quarter with the game out of reach.

The Jets offense, finally seeing Rodgers back in action after his 2023 season was cut short after just four snaps due to a torn Achilles, got off to a nightmare start when the fateful fourth play saw Rodgers' first completion end with a Breece Hall fumble. Yet they had the perfect response, marching down the field with a seven-minute, 75-yard drive ending with a Hall touchdown run.

Rodgers found wide receiver Garrett Wilson four times for 45 yards on the drive, which appeared a signal the Jets meant business as they took the lead. But their offense stalled and their defense had no answers for the 49ers' rushing attack.

• Aaron Rodgers has "something to prove" after feeling like he "let everyone down" last season
• Aaron Rodgers' 'hardest' Jets remark speaks volumes as he makes worrying admission

Despite reigning Offensive Player of the Year Christian McCaffrey being ruled out of the game shortly before kickoff , backup Jordan Mason carved up the Jets in the run game. Eight successive scoring drives from the 49ers meant the Jets were 32-13 behind with less than five minutes left in the game - and the decision was made to pull Rodgers from the game.

Backup quarterback Tyrod Taylor, signed in the offseason from the New York Giants, was introduced to the game in relief of Rodgers. The move made some sense, protecting the 40-year-old from any danger of picking up an injury.

However, some fans felt Rodgers needed more reps with the offense clearly still experiencing some growing pains after he did not feature at all in preseason action.

Rodgers ended his first game back with 13 completions from 21 passing attempts for 167 yards and one touchdown, a 36-yard pass to Allen Lazard, and one interception. Taylor finished 6/8 for 36 yards and a late touchdown throw to Lazard.

Speaking ahead of his comeback, Rodgers said: "I think you always have something to prove. It just kind of changes who you're proving that too, I think, the older you get."

But things did not go to plan. He will now prepare for a Week 2 matchup against the Tennessee Titans in Nashville on Sunday.