The Packers and Aaron Rodgers have not made a decision to unseat the four-time NFL MVP quarterback if Green Bay is eliminated from the playoffs — a scenario sources say the team and Rodgers would work through together in the coming weeks.
Rodgers will play against the Bears today, despite a broken thumb on his throwing hand, which he’s been playing through since early October, plus a bruised rib from last week’s loss in Philadelphia. X-rays at the stadium and a subsequent CT scan showed Rodgers no cracked or fractured ribs, sources say. And while Rodgers remains in pain, he’s extremely tough, saying last Tuesday he intends to play despite Green Bay’s 4-8 record and dwindling postseason hopes.
The Packers have their bye week in Week 14 and have time to assess everything — including the playoff picture and Rodgers’ health after a week out — before engaging in talks about potentially former first-round draft pick Jordan Love to play. And Rodgers, who has praised improved communication with the team since the 2021 offseason drama, would have a big voice in that decision. If Rodgers wants to play and feels physically capable, it’s a good bet he’ll keep playing.
While it would be valuable to get love-game action, the Packers don’t really need it to influence their decision-making or rank a player they traded to pick 26th overall in the 2020 draft. You’ve seen his progress over three years of practice — an improvement shown when he offloaded an injured Rodgers against the Eagles and completed 6 of 9 passes for 113 yards and a touchdown.
Rodgers, who has endured all sorts of injuries throughout his career, said he left the game out of concern he might have a lung injury given his trouble turning and breathing. Rodgers experimented with different pads this week and will likely wear something to protect his ribs in Sunday’s game against the Bears. An injection is also an option to numb the pain. If Rodgers continues to experience more or different pain after the game, they could do additional testing during the reunion.
Rodgers turned 39 this week and will receive nearly $60 million in fully guaranteed salary and bonuses in 2023 as part of the contract extension he signed in March, putting him in control of how and where his career ends . He has been contemplating retirement for the past few years, recently saying he would only make a decision after this season is over.
Love, 24, is signed as part of his rookie contract for the 2023 season and the Packers have until early May to exercise his fifth-year option for 2024.
“Listen, I’d love to finish the season,” Rodgers said last week, “but I understand that this is a business and there’s a lot of us that’s a little bit older and that’s playing a decent amount and they might want to see some younger boys play. Hopefully we don’t have to have this conversation, but when it does I will approach it with an open mind, without bitterness or resentment. Of course, like I said, I want to win and then we don’t have to have these talks.
“But I understand if we don’t, it’s a way to have that conversation.”