GREEN BAY, Wis. — Aaron Rodgers is enjoying Sunday in opposition to the Chicago Bears regardless of his newest damage, this one to his ribs, and the Inexperienced Bay Packers quarterback would not plan on that altering the remainder of the season.
Besides in the event that they’re out of playoff competition.
At 4-8 and teetering on the verge of elimination, that might grow to be a actuality sooner slightly than later — at which level Rodgers mentioned he understands {that a} dialog will virtually definitely be had about his standing for the rest of the season.
That is largely due to Jordan Love, the third-year backup quarterback who hasn’t performed a lot significant soccer in his profession. He confirmed some promise in reduction of Rodgers after he left Sunday’s sport in opposition to the Eagles due to the rib damage.
“Look, I would love to complete the season out, however I perceive this can be a enterprise and there is lots of us sort of older guys who play a good quantity and so they would possibly wish to see some youthful guys play,” Rodgers mentioned Wednesday. “Hopefully we do not have to have that dialog. But when that dialog comes up, I am going to method that with an open thoughts and with none bitterness or resentment. Clearly, like I mentioned, I wish to win out and we do not have to have these conversations. I perceive if we do not that is a chance to have that dialog.”
To make certain, Rodgers by no means mentioned he would welcome that — simply that he would perceive it is one thing the workforce must contemplate.
The one different time Rodgers didn’t end out a season when the Packers have been out of playoff competition was 2017. He got here again from a damaged collarbone in Week 15 in opposition to the Panthers however after the Packers misplaced that sport and have been eradicated from the playoffs with two video games remaining, Rodgers went again on injured reserve. That was merely procedural, and Rodgers would have tried to maintain enjoying in the event that they have been nonetheless within the hunt.
When requested if that may be a greater plan of action to ensure he is totally wholesome for subsequent yr, Rodgers mentioned: “I imply, that is an assumption that this place will not look any completely different subsequent yr. Once more, that is a part of the dialog.”
Rodgers has not mentioned whether or not he plans to play in 2023, however he has a assured $59.5 million ready for him if he does. Rodgers didn’t observe Wednesday however mentioned he threw a number of passes and felt a lot better than he did when he exited Sunday’s sport. He mentioned if the advance continues, he may observe both Thursday or Friday this week.
He wouldn’t say whether or not he has damaged ribs or an damage to the cartilage within the rib cage however hinted that it might be the latter, just like what Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert had earlier this season.
“Presumably, yeah,” Rodgers mentioned when Herbert’s damage was talked about.
Whatever the specifics, Rodgers mentioned he’ll in all probability put on some kind of rib safety for the primary time in his NFL profession.
“Yeah, I in all probability will, to guard it a little bit bit extra,” he mentioned. “I have never worn rib pads since school. I am undecided I wish to begin now, however I am going to in all probability positively have one thing overlaying it up.”
