Aaron Rodgers, Packers taking knee injury 'day by day'
-- Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers was held out of practice on Wednesday while he tries to recover from the knee injury he suffered Sunday night.
Instead, he did rehab work on the side and extensive exercises with the medical staff inside the stadium. That could be his regimen for the rest of the week, but it shouldn't impact his chances of playing this coming Sunday.
Rodgers denied needing to practice in order to play, which strays from the norm in Green Bay. Typically, players need to practice throughout the week in order to be eligible to play on game day. Rodgers, however, plays arguably the most premier position on the roster and is a rather significant cornerstone to overall success.
It's why the Packers aren't taking any chances on his knee, which Rodgers says is "sprained."
"I want to play obviously," Rodgers told Packers.com of this Sunday's meeting with the Minnesota Vikings. "You're just taking it one day at a time. See how it feels tomorrow and see how it feels Friday, Saturday and then hopefully ready to go Sunday."
There's reason for optimism for Rodgers' status entering week two, and even more so considering he has yet to offer up any advice for his backup, DeShone Kizer.
"Haven't even thought about that," Rodgers said.
One major key here is that if the Packers didn't feel Rodgers was at a major risk of aggravating what was widely speculated to be a mild MCL sprain, there's little-to-no chance they would've allowed him back in the game against the Bears. Barring any setbacks throughout the week, it's hard to imagine a scenario in which Rodgers doesn't get the start on Sunday.
The general theme from both Rodgers and coach Mike McCarthy as that they're taking the process of his rehabilitation one day at a time.
"I would say it's day by day," McCarthy said on Wednesday. "Anytime a player comes off a game where he's injured, there's the hope of playing. He'll be given the whole week to get ready."
The belief is that Rodgers' mobility could be limited for as long as a month. In accordance with that, the Packers may continue to implement various pistol and shotgun formations into the offense to help work around Rodgers' injury and make it more accessible.
It's in a similar fashion to the calf injury Rodgers had down the stretch of the 2014 season. The Packers began to run more pistol looks on offense as opposed to making Rodgers take snaps from under center and put more pressure on and possibly further strain his calf.
"Obviously, I’ve dealt with foot injuries, calf injuries, hamstrings -- lower extremities -- and played with it, so hopefully I'll be able to be back out there Sunday," Rodgers said. His goal is to be able to move around in the small circle [pocket] he was working in during the second half against the Bears.
If he feels he can do that without much hindrance, there shouldn't be much of a question whether or not he's cleared to play against the Vikings.
There hasn't been any evident discussion on Rodgers wearing a brace, but he said that there are certainly options available and that they'll make a decision on that later in the week.
__________________________
Zachary Jacobson is a staff writer/reporter for Cheesehead TV. He's the voice of The Leap on iTunes and can be heard on The Scoop KLGR 1490 AM every Saturday morning. He's also a contributor on the Pack-A-Day Podcast. He can be found on Twitter via @ZachAJacobson or contacted through email at [email protected].
Comments (47)
Lphill
September 12, 2018 at 06:26 pm
If he plays at least put a brace on for protection he proved he does not have to run to be successful, I think the O line will still be motivated to protect him , let's see Mercedes Lewis put Barr on his ass too ,
jeremyjjbrown
September 12, 2018 at 09:41 pm
If he doesn't wear a brace it will be because it doesn't offer any protection. MCL is not a reccuring issue usually, the doctor and Rodgers will do what makes sense
Lare
September 13, 2018 at 06:52 pm
But can't a brace be worn to help prevent any further injuries? If I'm not mistaken, many offensive linemen and even Tom Brady frequently wear a knee brace.
LeotisHarris
September 12, 2018 at 06:46 pm
"Rodgers, however, plays arguably the most premier position on the roster and is a rather significant cornerstone to overall success."
Jeepers, Zach. Sometimes less is more, and what you don't write is more important than what you do.
Bearmeat
September 12, 2018 at 07:07 pm
Didn't bother me....
Andrew Lloyd Peth
September 13, 2018 at 08:02 am
I was bothered. I'm getting counseling for it, and my college has arranged coping time for me in a safe room.
Johnblood27
September 13, 2018 at 08:51 am
Here, take my puppy too...
Andrew Lloyd Peth
September 13, 2018 at 09:16 am
Puppy! Oh boy!
(Picture me in a corner of my safe room, holding and petting the puppy while saying, "Oh Puppy, you're the only one who understands me...")
jeremyjjbrown
September 13, 2018 at 11:36 am
This is good for you. Keep it up.
Oppy
September 13, 2018 at 09:03 am
While I don't necessarily agree with calling out the writers in the comments section, a good deal of contemporary writing posted for public consumption could be improved upon greatly with even a meager dose of editorial process. I believe that's all Leotis is getting at.
Andrew Lloyd Peth
September 13, 2018 at 09:18 am
That's true, and Leotis is fine. We're just having fun.
Bearmeat
September 12, 2018 at 07:09 pm
I'm assuming that Rodgers plays, and that MM puts him exclusively in the pistol. I'd guess spreading out the defense with 11 personnel and Monty at RB. Lots and lots of fast throws - letting our WRs break tackles of their suspect CB 2-4's and get YAC.
Also saves our OL from having to block for 4-5 seconds.
Then, when the rush gets tired out, over the top. :)
Looking forward to this game.
jeremyjjbrown
September 13, 2018 at 11:37 am
Isn't that what they should be doing even if Rodgers is healthy?
Barnacle
September 13, 2018 at 02:29 pm
JJ
Please don’t “should” on our coach. This week is “no layup”. Imagine scripting 15 plays without knowing who your quarterback will be.
MM deserves an extension. That way he can impede Rodgers entire career.
Did you ever notice that there are far better insights in the comments than from Mashed Potato Mike?
NickPerry
September 13, 2018 at 07:24 am
I agree with this BM but I'd also like to see Marcedes Lewis on the field a hell of a lot more than 3 snaps. Last week George Kittle of the 49ers had a decent "stat game" but he also dropped what looked like a sure TD pass down the left sideline 40 yards downfield. My point is I think Graham, Lewis, and Kendricks could do some damage in this game if given the opportunity. Rodgers hardly looked at Graham Sunday Night which surprised me.
I'd feel a hell of a lot better if Aaron Jones was playing in this game.
NitschkeFromTheGrave
September 12, 2018 at 07:34 pm
These public media statements are nothing more than diplomatic warfare for the game. Nothing was found. If it was, AA would now be recovering from a surgery or at the very least a scope to remove torn muniscus. Since he wasn't even scoped it's likely a matter of simply getting past the pain of the trauma and regaining as much normal mobility as possible. It's sounding more and more like a nothing Berger, a bump in the road albeit one that took a collective gasp from all us packer fans knowing it easily could have been worse.
Minniman
September 12, 2018 at 07:38 pm
On the upside, at least Kizer is getting first team snaps - he needs as many as he can get.
Deshone, see that guy to your left (#69). He's pretty good at his job, and wheeling to your LEFT (your other left Deshone!) is an option.
....... before the downvotes start - this last comment IS said in jest and not hating on Kizer!
NJMagic
September 12, 2018 at 09:15 pm
Heck, Id upvote it regardless. I too collectively joined the collective groan when he rolled INTO Mack. Sigh....
I see the arm talent, but i think id vote for an average arm, experienced backup at this point... Then again, luckily we fans (except Jerry!) don't get a vote.
PAPackerbacker
September 12, 2018 at 07:43 pm
Rodgers comes in on a fresh injured knee and leads the Packers to victory over the Bears then I bet he will play on that very same injured, yet rested knee against the Vikings. A home game against a divisional opponent is the best chance to go one up on the Vikings for NFC North title. And if Rodgers plays against the Bears on a freshly injured knee my guess is he plays the Vikings on that very same knee after a week of rest and rehab. Kiser's inexperience offers little chance of winning against the Vikings D. The Packers will be up for the challenge. And there will be adjustments made to protect Rodgers by blocking schemes and quick, short passes. No flat starts this game.
dobber
September 13, 2018 at 07:43 am
I agree: he finished last week's game and I don't see him missing this week's game. There will be some gamesmanship on the part of MM and the Packers (probably list him as questionable), but they won't be fooling anyone.
PackfanNY
September 12, 2018 at 07:51 pm
This is more than the Packers (or myself) could have asked for after sitting there in Lambeau Field thinking his season was over. Jesus, I was contemplating 0-1 and facing the Vikings without Aaron Rodgers. I really thought of yet another season without the starting quarterback and all the empty Sundays ahead. I'll take 1-0 and the hope that he is well enough to play Sunday any day after the initial feeling of hopelessness.
Tundraboy
September 13, 2018 at 12:41 am
Know what you mean. A fresh start at 1-0
EddieLeeIvory
September 12, 2018 at 07:52 pm
I am a man of love.
And I like a lot of players on the Vikings.
But I hate that team. And I want bad things to happen to #55.
And I want a win. 2-0 with 2 division wins is huge. And we have to win at home.
Lphill
September 12, 2018 at 07:55 pm
Kizer moved the ball , the INT was dumb and the fumble also but that can just be due to not expecting to play so soon and some jitters , he made some nice throws.
Andrew Lloyd Peth
September 13, 2018 at 07:47 am
Agreed.
My biggest concern was his pocket awareness. The sack blamed on Bulaga was Kizer's fault, as Bulaga had effectively steered Mack deep. Kizer just rolled right into him rather than hanging in the pocket (which admittedly was collapsing) for a moment longer and then gunning a throw.
And the panicked INT was crazy bad.
But Kizer also showed some excellent touch and ability on other downs, and will likely be much more ready if he plays this week.
Is he ready to beat a team like Minnesota? No, but I'll pick Minnesota to throttle this team regardless of who we have at quarterback. We're rebuilding nicely, but Minny has arrived.
jeremyjjbrown
September 13, 2018 at 11:38 am
Kizer's sack, int and Trubisky's butt fumble where some pretty damn bad QB play.
Oppy
September 13, 2018 at 09:13 am
Kizer is the classical coach killer QB.
He has just enough arm talent and will flash on a few plays, enticing a front office and coaching staff to fall in love with the potential.. but the stage is too big, the lights too bright, and the pressure of competition will draw out the wild throws and the abhorrent decisions when the game is on the line and everything hinges on executing this down, right now, for all the chips.
DeShone Kizer is a path paved with the tears of Packers fans.
Andrew Lloyd Peth
September 13, 2018 at 09:20 am
C'mon, Oppy. He's very young and new to our system. Don't you think you're rushing your analysis a bit?
(Not that I ever do that)
Oppy
September 13, 2018 at 09:48 am
I'm typically hesitent to make any harsh judgements about young players because I believe football is a game that takes years to master, even once players reach the professional ranks.
However, I'm all in with my gut on this one. Hope I'm wrong.
This is how Kizer has played his entire career- shows good arm strength, generally accurate, but lets too many throws get away from him, makes extremely questionable decisions, and has always thrown more picks than TDs.
I was extremely hopeful when we got Kizer for Randall in trade. At training camp practices, I watched Kizer's throws during drills and I was slightly concerned by a few errant throws at the nets, but I wrote it off- he's young, maybe he's trying different things. I saw some promising signs in the first preseason game, and defended much of the bad with "he's learning new footwork and mechanics, head swimming with new system." Preseason game two, I started seeing the same issues- letting throws get away from him, dashing 5 yards too deep out of the pocket at the snap of the ball for no reason.. bad decision making. Week 3, the Oakland game: I don't care about the failings of the OL, the last four minutes of that game, Kizer made poor decision after poor decision and showed zero leadership on two separate drives in what were classic 4 and 2 minute drill "game winning" drives. I would expect that type of performance from a collegiate rookie, not even an NFL rookie, and certainly not a player with a full year of starting experience in the NFL. It wasn't that he didn't score. It's how he went about his business. I'm sticking with my gut and hope I look the fool. This guy is a coach killer.
jeremyjjbrown
September 13, 2018 at 11:42 am
You haven't rushed to anything. How many other 0-15 QBs with a 60.5 QBR are still on NFL rosters? I think not many.
Minniman
September 13, 2018 at 01:03 pm
I too am cautious about this as he seems to making the same issues as when he was at Notre Dame [if anyone watched any of his college games].
Given that GB shipped Brett Hundley off I'd say that Kizer gets this year to show that he can resolve these issues - or show progress - else he gets the same fate.
I've commented previously that do think that it's unfair to expect any backup to come in and run an offense like Rodgers.... but I guess that as Matt Flynn was able to hold his ground more should be expected of 2nd year guys. Hmmm.
Bure9620
September 12, 2018 at 08:27 pm
Rodgers is playing, he will play from the pocket and be MORE effective. I was pretty disappointed watching McCarthys gameplan last week. Same old concepts. Curl/flats, Sticks, corner routes against cover 2, inside zone runs, blah blah. Let Rodgers run around for his life playing schoolyard ball. The injury made them better. The spread out quick passing game from the Pistol was so much more effective. This is the calling card against the Vikings as well. Really interested to see how the Queens play Graham. I am guessing Harrison Smith mostly in man with a LB pass off? They will likely play man on the outside. Many tight ends have given them issues, Kittle was open ALOT last week.
Daren726
September 13, 2018 at 07:00 am
We only got to see a couple of the scripted plays before they had to get away from it. This week will be different because of the limited mobility. Let’s wait to pass judgement on McCarthy
Barnacle
September 13, 2018 at 02:46 pm
726
MM has earned his grade. We do not need to “wait” to judge him. He retained ineffective coaches and almost got our franchise player crippled a few times. Without Rodgers, we are dead ducks. MM’s game planning stinks and is dangerous.
Plus his vaunted QB school has produced mostly duds.
PAPackerbacker
September 13, 2018 at 09:06 am
The TE's should have a good game against the Vikings D. And quick slants to Cobb and screen passes should work well. Adams and Cobb both excel at YAC. And once the short passing game is established it should open up some deep passing routes. This may be a good game to use 3 TE's and get Tonyan involved in the offense. I could see him being an open receiver in the red zone. Establishing the short passing game will open some running lanes for Williams and Monty. Monty has had some good success against the Vikings. It will be fun to watch how the game progresses and see how the offense and defense adjusts. The 49er's should have won the game last week. It was within their reach. So the Vikings can be defeated. And nobody better at exploiting defenses than AR.
cheesycowboy
September 12, 2018 at 08:55 pm
The Packers can run their 2 minute offense and produce. 12 package poses problems with timing passes regardless of the defense. It should help keep 12 upright also. Sincerely,
PatrickGB
September 12, 2018 at 09:06 pm
As I was watching the game, I would tell my wife just what kind of play MM would call up next. I was right almost all the time. If I can do that then is it any wonder that other teams could do the same? What make this offense good is that the team can often out-execute the defense. Perhaps that why MM does it. And that’s why the backup QB often fails. Also, as good as Aaron was Sunday, you have to give props to the players who blocked, those got open, made the catch and RAC.
Andrew Lloyd Peth
September 13, 2018 at 01:46 am
Unless Rodgers clearly has no increased risk of further injury, I'd keep him out. I'm not just worried about Rodgers possibly aggravating the injury he has, but also that his limited mobility could risk other injuries.
If he's fine, play him. If his injury poses no increased risks, play him. But if it's anything otherwise, sit him. Rodgers is just too important for this team's future--in 2018 and beyond.
dobber
September 13, 2018 at 07:49 am
This all feels like deja vu all over again, e.g. the two weeks leading up to the Carolina game last season. Does he play? Does he not play? Can he make his injuries any worse? How important is this game? Can they sneak through another week THEN bring him back?
I'm just glad that nobody here has said, "shut him down and play for a high pick in 2019" yet.
Andrew Lloyd Peth
September 13, 2018 at 08:57 am
I say shut him down for 2 years. Then we'll get great picks in '19 and '20.
:)
Oppy
September 13, 2018 at 08:57 am
At least it's not an injury that would hamper his throwing motion like last year.
Andrew Lloyd Peth
September 13, 2018 at 09:24 am
True, very true. But I just don't want him getting killed out there. The next 6 years of Aaron Rodgers means a lot more than one Week 2 game with the Vikings.
Btw, I noticed I got a couple dislikes for my comment above. Did someone actually take me seriously, or is it just my usual Downvote Stalker Coven?
4thand1
September 13, 2018 at 09:27 am
AR has to ability to get rid of the ball quickly. I've watched him throw in a split second, the ball is out when other QBs hesitate. Also he can do that and get it 20 to 30 yards downfield. He has that rare arm strength where he doesn't have to step into a throw. Spread em out and get some nice runs too. It's all about game planning and execution. But, it's only week 2 and the cautious Packers may sit him, it's a long season. AR was asked if he needs to practice before Sunday, he said with a smirk, "nope".
jeremyjjbrown
September 13, 2018 at 11:47 am
I'd also like Rodgers to remember that an Intentional Grounding is a way better outcome than taking a hit.
Qoojo
September 13, 2018 at 10:53 am
Hopefully next year Gute invests a couple of mid to high picks on OL.
Additionally, Rodgers needs to adjust his game to not take so many hits like all the good old QBs do eventually. You simply do not beat time, and there's a reason why there aren't many NFL players in their upper 30s.
LeotisHarris
September 13, 2018 at 10:57 am
I hate having these thoughts in my head, but this Viking team is destined for the Super Bowl this season. They'll trip on their dicks on the big stage, sure. They will not do so against us. Ever. We'll always get their best and unfortunately that defense is for real.
If Aaron can't fully run for his life, I'd sit him.
BoHunter
September 15, 2018 at 11:41 am
I don’t know how much PT Jones would have gotten even if he was eligible. He can’t pass block like Jswagdaddy. GO PACK!