Groin injury and all, Aaron Rodgers expects to finish year as Packers' starting QB
-- Even despite being eliminated from playoff contention and essentially left for dead in terms of the NFC playoff race, don't expect Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers to go down so quietly.
With a road trip to New York to face the Jets on next week's schedule, Rodgers wants to be the one at the helm of the Packers' offense. The same goes for the following week -- the season finale against the Detroit Lions at Lambeau Field.
Basically, Rodgers wants to start the Packers' final two games to close out the year.
"I'd like to be out there and lead us the last two weeks," Rodgers said. "I want to play. I expect to start and play."
Rodgers expressed his desire to finish off what he started last week as well, offering an adamant "hell no" in response to the Packers starting DeShone Kizer at the expense of benching Rodgers to preserve him for next year, which will be his age 36 season.
Perhaps something that could factor into that decision albeit not very much? Injury.
In Sunday's loss to the Chicago Bears, Rodgers confirmed that he tweaked his hamstring on the Hail Mary throw to end the first half.
"Yeah, my groin just tightened up a little bit. I was trying to stretch it out throughout the game," Rodgers said. Multiple broadcast angles showed Rodgers wincing as he tried to maneuver various extremities throughout the game.
Rodgers' injury could've been a factor behind him missing throws in the second half. He overthrew Randall Cobb twice and once to Marquez Valdes-Scantling on a deep heave where the rookie had his opposition beat downfield. He also missed Equanimeous St. Brown, the other rookie receiver seeing extensive snaps, who he tried to connect with in-stride while throwing on the run. The play was called back due to holding.
Earlier this season, Rodgers suffered a knee injury against this same Bears team, only to return down 20-0 and engineer a miraculous rally to win the game. On Sunday, Rodgers was never knocked out of the game, but he did help the Packers climb out of a 14-3 hole to tie the game at 14.
Rodgers was riding an NFL record 401 pass attempts without an interception before finally throwing one to Bears safety Eddie Jackson on the 402nd attempt. It marked his first interception since the Packers' meeting with the Buffalo Bills back in September, and just his second on the year.
__________________________
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 (97)
albert999
December 16, 2018 at 06:17 pm
Rodgers post conference was a joke
Tired of his same ole shit references
He played like a 3rd string
Draft a new QB first round
Make him earn his job
He’s nothing like he was and not close to what they are paying him
Point-Packer
December 16, 2018 at 09:31 pm
Mike McCarthy wasted and ruined Aaron Rodgers. Reserve judgement on #12 till next year. Remember how many garbage years Favre gave to GB? A LOT.
Bure9620
December 16, 2018 at 08:42 pm
Okay Thats funny
Point-Packer
December 16, 2018 at 09:04 pm
If you don't think Wisconsin's blind love of Favre (interceptions and all) and their tendency to quickly to turn on #12 isn't partially politically driven, you ain't paying attention. Favre was a liability for many many years and never faced the criticism that #12 is currently getting. Partially due to style of play? sure. But if you contrast the two, I'll take Rodgers at his worst over Favre at his worst any day. And Favre at his worst was very often between 97-2008. With some anomalies here and there.
Oppy
December 16, 2018 at 09:16 pm
I would like to chime in here that I watched Favre devolve into a diva, and it is exactly why over the last 4 years I have been slowly pulling away from Rodgers.
It's because of Favre that I'm so disenchanted with Rodgers today. I see it happening. It's happening all over again. It's different, but the same.
I want the cycle to stop. I'm done with Diva QB's. Done.
Point-Packer
December 16, 2018 at 09:19 pm
Like Tom Brady? He's diva nature has been a HUGE liability... And he's the biggest diva of them all. Ever. Game changer? He has a real coach on top of him that demands respect due to performance. MM? no. Mike Sherman? no. Result. SBs.
Oppy
December 16, 2018 at 09:33 pm
There's a big difference between guys like Brady and Brees and guys like Rodgers.
#1, they don't have carte blanche freedom to change any play at the LOS. #2, they generally execute the offense as designed and take what the defense gives them (don't hold the ball when there is an open option in progression).
#3 They both hand the ball off to their RBs (Both Saints and Pats are tied at #8 in the League in rush attempts.)
Hard to call guys who run the offense and hand the ball off Divas.
fastmoving
December 17, 2018 at 01:06 am
Brady may be a lot of things. But beeing a diva is non of them. espacially compared to AR......
But the HUGE liability is the most fun part. you dont follow football, right.....
And when AR turns 41 he did not play football since 5 years......
indycar02
December 16, 2018 at 09:38 pm
Movie stars and big $$$ ruins 'em all.
HankScorpio
December 16, 2018 at 09:42 pm
Oppy,
I'm the same way. I watched it happen with Favre and made excuses for him until it was broken beyond repair. I'm not under the delusion that whether I make excuses had/has any bearing on anything. But I'm not going to make those excuses again.
Oppy
December 16, 2018 at 10:43 pm
HankScorpio, that's exactly it. You nailed it.
Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me.
I already have enough shame to deal with. :)
barutanseijin
December 16, 2018 at 10:35 pm
Actually, you're exhibit A of Packer fandom's blind worship of whoever happens to be the Packers QB.
Sam Freeman
December 17, 2018 at 11:01 am
What do you mean about politics? I have no idea what you are talking about! Thank you!
Oppy
December 16, 2018 at 09:12 pm
Please Stop it.
When people inject politics into sports conversation, it's a complete shit show and the forum suffers as everything devolves into a crap flinging contest.
I would ask kindly that you consider editing your post, for the good of the website. Please?
Point-Packer
December 16, 2018 at 09:17 pm
Not a chance in hell.
Oppy
December 16, 2018 at 09:19 pm
You're just like Rodgers. More concerned with your own vanity than the well-being of the team. Good job, you're a rugged individual who does it your way, just like Favre.
Point-Packer
December 16, 2018 at 09:20 pm
Way to defend MM for four years too long. You were his chief cheerleader. Look at his coaching staff. A team of nobodies that no one is hiring.
Point-Packer
December 16, 2018 at 09:23 pm
Winston Moss? Out of the league. Zook? Going to coach some crap mid level college team. Capers? HAhahahahahahahahahah - out of football.
Oppy
December 16, 2018 at 09:28 pm
...And none of this has anything to do with a simple request you consider taking politics out of a post on a sports forum for the good of everyone else.
Point-Packer
December 16, 2018 at 09:30 pm
Fine.
Oppy
December 16, 2018 at 09:35 pm
Point Packer,
thank you. I appreciate it. You know how things around here get when stuff becomes political.
Barnacle
December 17, 2018 at 04:30 am
Opy
What political post are you complaining about?
Oppy
December 17, 2018 at 08:06 pm
The person who posted it kindly edited the post and removed the political content, which I appreciate greatly.
jyros
December 16, 2018 at 09:52 pm
Put AR on IR and sit him in the booth to call plays the last two games and gauge the genius.
HankScorpio
December 17, 2018 at 06:35 am
What's the cap hit on that? if you can tackle consistently, I'd say let's run you out there to take a look for the last two weeks.
Horse
December 17, 2018 at 05:02 am
That shot to Graham on the goal line was the equal of his best in XLV. Graham's inability to haul it in, resulting in a deflection/INT, was emblematic. When GB absolutely had to move the ball downfield and they went to the crossing/quick pass game, GB moved downfield. The passes were laser-like and on target.
Whatever it is, it's in AR's head. That's fixable.
croatpackfan
December 17, 2018 at 06:52 am
I believe everything is much easier fixable than problems in the head!
Oppy
December 17, 2018 at 08:12 pm
The velocity was fine.
The accuracy and placement was not good.
He put the ball behind graham, forcing him to reach back to grab it- right where the defender who was trailing him was, as well. That ball was basically a 50-50 ball at that point.
Rodgers has been doing this all year- failing to lead the wr crossing the field in stride, and instead placing the ball behind the WR where the defender is, forcing the target to slow down or stop, twist around, and make a contested catch. Or flinging it too high. Or putting it in the dirt.
As you said, though, there are other throws where he's on the money. But too often, his throws have been iffy this year.
albert999
December 16, 2018 at 06:20 pm
Paying him WAAAAAAAAY to much money
IGNORANT
Hematite
December 16, 2018 at 06:26 pm
Make him play.
Make him earn the money that was squandered on him.
sonomaca
December 16, 2018 at 06:31 pm
Uh, no. Rodgers is still great. This is a very tough defense, on the road. That said, no reason to play Rodgers. Looking for draft position in the top 10 at this point.
dobber
December 16, 2018 at 06:40 pm
I would argue the reason to play #12 is that they've got to get his head on straight and get him playing better football. Two weak opponents should help with that. Otherwise, with how little he's likely to play in the preseason, he's not going to get this worked out until, at soonest, game 6 next fall in a new system with a new coach.
Jets defense? Not that great.
HankScorpio
December 16, 2018 at 06:52 pm
Playing him is a win-win. Either he gets back on track and (presumably) a leg up on hitting the ground running in 2019. Or he doesn't and they stand to benefit with draft position after they continue to lose.
They won't learn much about Kizer or Boyle they don't already know.
sonomaca
December 16, 2018 at 08:06 pm
Pack have a legit shot to draft in the 8-10 range. That’s big. Could trade back if a QB is still in the board. Could get legit edge, safety, receiver.
Also, I want to see about Kizer and Boyle. Why beat up on a bunch of Jets scrubs. That’s pointless.
fastmoving
December 17, 2018 at 07:11 am
Man, if you want to draft high you have to play AR
sonomaca
December 16, 2018 at 06:34 pm
Speaking of which, the 49ers are determined not to get Bosa.
If Pack finish too high, lose chance to get Metcalf, josh Allen,
Bert
December 16, 2018 at 06:41 pm
Whether AR likes it or not I think playing Kizer the last two weeks would be wise. Let's see what he can do as a starter. Better now than waiting to see what he has next year when it counts. No more Hundley surprises, please.
HankScorpio
December 16, 2018 at 08:11 pm
I have a hard time believing Hundley was a surprise to anyone associated with the Packers. They knew what they had. They just hoped they never had to play him so they could bluff their way to flipping him for something of value.
Bert
December 16, 2018 at 08:39 pm
Maybe. But if they knew he was THAT bad seems like they would've kept Hill around or at least tried to get someone better. Hanging on to a complete bust for three years so you can flip them for something of value is downright looney.
HankScorpio
December 16, 2018 at 09:02 pm
Yes, it was downright looney. Especially after they got caught with their pants around their ankles in 2013 when Rodgers broke his collarbone for the first time.
They did a lot of looney things with personnel over the past few years.
croatpackfan
December 17, 2018 at 06:55 am
Mike McCarthy wanted to keep Hill, it was Ted Thompson mistake...
jeremyjjbrown
December 16, 2018 at 06:43 pm
Shut him down.
albert999
December 16, 2018 at 06:45 pm
You guys are a bunch of pussys
F#12k Rodgers
When are you getting off the Rodgers love train and getting on the real train of the FUTURE
Draft offensive line, pass rusher, Defensive back,
FIRE ZOOK
albert999
December 16, 2018 at 06:46 pm
QB first pick in draft
albert999
December 16, 2018 at 06:48 pm
Tired of Rodgers ego laid back ...bullshit
MM went....now how AR responsible
complete joke
albert999
December 16, 2018 at 06:49 pm
sorry ...not how...hold
spell check
albert999
December 16, 2018 at 06:50 pm
Trade Rodgers for 2 first round picks
albert999
December 16, 2018 at 07:06 pm
look at the league and what other teams are doing
look at ours
and especially our QB
LeotisHarris
December 16, 2018 at 07:52 pm
Who hurt you, albert? Do you see the person in this room?
albert999
December 16, 2018 at 08:22 pm
nobody hurt me
look who really hurts the team
Denise Chanterelle
December 16, 2018 at 07:10 pm
Listening to our soon to be ex-interim HC say "you know" so much in the post game interview made my head spin! MM pulled that stunt all the time too which I grew so tired of and actually no, I don't know, so you could you please elaborate more for once?!! Sheesh.
albert999
December 16, 2018 at 07:21 pm
CLEAN HOUSE
albert999
December 16, 2018 at 07:23 pm
AR is not the future of this team
a young kid is,,,,,,he can get us maybe to 1 more SB if things fall our way,,,,,big way
Bears are strong for YEARS
HankScorpio
December 16, 2018 at 07:49 pm
I doubt the Bears will be "strong for years". They could have easily lost today to a team that has many Packer fans looking for a ritual Seppuku knife.
Fire_Gute
December 16, 2018 at 07:52 pm
I'm guessing you're just trolling but I'll play. This bears team is the same one you will be seeing for the foreseeable future. They don't have a 1st or 2nd next year and don't have a 1st in 2020. 2 2nd and no 3rd. And not a whole lot of cap space either, none if Trubisky turns out to be a player. So yes, they look good this year, but this is it for a while
Point-Packer
December 16, 2018 at 07:45 pm
Why? Put in that ass-clown who has always sucked going back to his Freshman year at ND and tank the last two games and get a better draft pick.
Fire Zook. Like three years ago. For the love of god.
Let Graham go (he sucks)
Let Perry go (whatever is worse than sucking)
Either resign Clay at a team deal or let him go.
Sign Cobb at the bargain barrel price he is worth, or let him go.
Dump Bulaga and never think about his injured ass again.
Bring in some mid-level FA's.
Draft well - which means unlike Ted Thompson.
Fix Aaron Rodgers.
Pray that all happens.
Re-load or turn into the Browns.
albert999
December 16, 2018 at 08:23 pm
perfect
barutanseijin
December 16, 2018 at 10:43 pm
They should be so lucky. The Browns are ahead of the Packers now.
fastmoving
December 17, 2018 at 01:17 am
What do you want? a better draft pick or not playing AR? you canT have booth.............
DragonSilk
December 16, 2018 at 07:59 pm
Rodgers is still great, but showing signs of age. If he keeps up like this year playing until 40 is going to be tough. He teaks his hamstring and his groin tightens up? Didn't know they were connected. Mine aren't.
albert999
December 16, 2018 at 08:24 pm
what’s great?
Fire_Gute
December 16, 2018 at 08:04 pm
Yes on all of the above. Except the Browns part, it's time to accept the fact that they are probably better than us right now.
Zook is the worst.
Perry and Graham should catch an Uber out of town together.
I could see Clay back at about 5 million per year
Cobb needs to go no matter what
I love Bulaga. He's number 2 on my super unofficial Packers I want to have a beer with ranking. He's the anti Nick Perry, he will duct tape himself together to play. But it's over.
We have 40 million to spend of FAs. 50 of we cut perry and Graham. Make it count
sonomaca
December 16, 2018 at 08:09 pm
Good TE’s are found in the late first. If can land one, cut Graham.
Point-Packer
December 16, 2018 at 08:18 pm
I'm fat and 36 and am 90% sure I could beat Jimmy Graham in a foot race. Cut Graham period.
albert999
December 16, 2018 at 08:26 pm
graham
gone
Fire_Gute
December 16, 2018 at 08:59 pm
I ran a 4.8 in college. I'm 38 now, have had 3 reconstructive knee surgeries, and would bet money I could beat Graham in a footrace
Point-Packer
December 16, 2018 at 09:01 pm
When Keith Jackson came to GB in 95, he was as round as he was tall. Could still motor down the middle of the field and take advantage of the Tampa 2 trend - splitting safeties and opening up the outside. Jimmy Graham - all sculpted 6 7' of him - can't outrun Stephen Hawking (RIP). Horrible signing by Gute. Graham is done in the NFL after this year.
Oppy
December 16, 2018 at 09:02 pm
I am fat and in my mid-to-late 40's with bad knees, no cartilage in my ankles, and stenosis of the lower spine, and I'm 100% sure Graham would smoke me in a foot race.
I know he looks slow out there, but he is 6'7" and running next to NFL DB's and LB's who are not old, fat, and completely beat up (yet).
Sure, he's not NFL fast anymore, but I think he's probably a lot faster compared to us schmoes than he looks out there competing against world-class athletes.
Point-Packer
December 16, 2018 at 09:07 pm
I'm fat in my mid 30's - good knees, cartilage in my ankles and a strong back. I could surely give Jimmy Graham a fight in a foot race. Given his play on the field, there isn't a LB or DB who couldn't beat him. Hell, even AJ Hawk if he was still playing.
Oppy
December 16, 2018 at 10:53 pm
Without having eyes on you, I'd say you're probably closer to giving Corey Linsley a fight in a foot race than Jimmy Graham.
For the record: Linsley would smoke me in a foot race.
fastmoving
December 17, 2018 at 01:23 am
you mean you getting fat fast.............. if your in your mid 30s
HankScorpio
December 16, 2018 at 09:20 pm
If they cut Bulaga and Graham they will realize about $12 mil in cap savings.
'
It cost them $100k in cap space to cut Perry but it they designate him as a post June 1 cup, it is $7.3 mil savings this year and that much in dead money in 2020. With Mike Daniels being the only notable 2020 FA, I'd designate Perry as a post June 1 cut on the theory that the cap will jump again. So taking the dead money in 2020 is a smaller % than doing it in 2019.
Rick1
December 16, 2018 at 08:11 pm
This team needs so many players that are hungry and love the game. Cobb has stole 40 million dollars from the packers and won’t play hurt and gets a real injury with the concussion today. He won’t play the rest of the season. He is a pass dropping bum that got his payday and has shut it down. Those rookies are hungry and better players and more valuable long term.
albert999
December 16, 2018 at 08:25 pm
cobb$ of corn that has been wasted
shuck him
Point-Packer
December 16, 2018 at 08:30 pm
Man, how dumb was Ted Thompson for trading up for Jason Spriggs? The only compliment anyone can ever give him is along the lines of "he didn't suck as bad as I thought he would". Ted Thompson was a a disaster his last 3 years in GB. Huge part of why GB is turning into the Cleveland Browns. Once Rodgers is gone, the full transformation will be complete. Look out for three horrible decades of GB football post Rodgers. And then thank Ted, Murphy and that shit storm of a coach, Mike McCarthy.
Fire_Gute
December 16, 2018 at 08:57 pm
I agree Spriggs is absolutely terrible. The only reason he doesn't bother me as much as most of Tt's busts is because he actually played the same position in college as he was projected to play in Green Bay, he wasn't hurt all the time in college, and he was projected to be drafted where he was drafted. But,man does he fucking suck
Fire_Gute
December 16, 2018 at 08:57 pm
Double post
Point-Packer
December 16, 2018 at 09:08 pm
I'm not sure he was projected to be drafted as high as he was.
Fire_Gute
December 16, 2018 at 09:21 pm
He had the fastest 40 for lineman the year he was drafted, benched 225 over 30 times, aced the combine and was supposed to be a 2nd rounder. Despite the bench numbers, his one knock was needing more playing strength.
alaskan tundra
December 16, 2018 at 08:57 pm
There are a lot of Roger's critics on here,,sometimes its deserved. But you can forget getting rid of him or trading him,,,that is not gonna happen for at least 2 years,,Period. So quit your mindless chatter about it,,,and remember we basically rode his back for his entire career. This team has a huge holes to fill,,,quarterback aint one of them. Lets see what happens with a new coach,,new draft and new FA talent,,,one year can make a huge difference,,,just look at the Bears.
Point-Packer
December 16, 2018 at 09:10 pm
Only the Chargers trade HOF Qbs. Don't be the chargers.
Fire_Gute
December 16, 2018 at 09:12 pm
I'm glad someone else is thinking clearly about Rodgers. It would be a 60 million dollars cap hit to trade him next year, 35 the year after and 23 million in 2021. That's dead money
The same people who say trade Rodgers say we can't cut Graham or Perry even though we will gain cap space. We're not drafting anybody, Rodgers isn't going anywhere for a long time.
MVS should be a 3 or 4 this year, ESB should be a 5 who is inactive most days. Graham shouldn't be here and Cobb should not be a starter. I don't understand when people say how much talent there is on this team. This is what happens when you draft 7 dbs in 10 1st and 2nd round picks over 5 years and get one player out of it.
jyros
December 16, 2018 at 10:34 pm
Jag’s would trade 1st rounder and 3rd for AR.
Since'61
December 16, 2018 at 10:51 pm
At this point the Jags would trade a first and a 3rd for Bart Starr.
Fire_Gute
December 16, 2018 at 11:01 pm
They probably would. But nobody is eating 60 million in dead money. So Aaron isn't going anywhere for a while
Since'61
December 16, 2018 at 10:56 pm
I would sit Rodgers. Playing him hurt does not help anything. Play Kizer and or Boyle to get the draft picks and validate chucking Kizer and Boyle.
These last 2 games are glorified preseason games. None of the teams involved are playing for anything. Veterans will play to avoid serious injuries that could end their careers.
It’s time to send in the clowns, don’t bother they’re here. Thanks, Since ‘61
albert999
December 17, 2018 at 08:36 am
well said my friend
Kyle Graham 1
December 16, 2018 at 11:19 pm
I can’t believe how quickly packers fans turn on Rodgers. This man has been the entire team for the last 7 seasons. Seriously when has he had a top 10 defense? Or even a capable defense? 2016 he had to play lights out to get us to the playoffs and he damn near took us to the super bowl. It’s embarrassing as a lifelong fan of the pack seeing so many haters on here. Rodgers deserves every penny. He was under paid for the last 6-7 years anyways. Ted Thompson set this team back a few years and next year we will be out of the mess he left our team in. Don’t lose faith. The new head coach and some assistant coaching changes will be huge. We need a fresh start. And Rodgers needs a defense. We have a core of really talented players. Rodgers, Aaron jones, Adams, bakh, linsley, Clark, Daniels, Martinez, Josh Jackson, Jaire Alexander, breeland, and Scott. We got a great foundation going forward. Take a deep breath and relax. The pack will be back
edp1959
December 17, 2018 at 05:43 am
They are not fans, you can tell from the ignorant comments being made.
We won't hear squat from them next year.
GoldenRetriever
December 17, 2018 at 02:36 am
Anyone read Tom Silverstein’s obit on Rodgers’ abysmal season? Ouch.
https://www.packersnews.com/story/sports/nfl/packers/2018/12/16/silverst...
bodei1newbie1
December 17, 2018 at 04:54 am
rodgers is always trying to go deep and miss a couple of short passes to his receivers i think it's time for murphy and gusty to find somebody to reel in rodgers or it's going to be the same old stuff next season
barutanseijin
December 17, 2018 at 05:35 am
I watched the Cleveland game, the Steelers vs the Pats and the Packers. Rodgers was the worst QB i saw. Brady has 5+ years on him but plays younger. At this point in his career, Rodgers' accuracy is iffy, he has less zip on the ball and, worst of all, plays stupid. OK, your OL isn't the greatest, so get rid of the damn ball!
stockholder
December 17, 2018 at 09:17 am
Will the Packers win a super-bowl or will Arron Rodgers leave first? Going into the draft.= Since that question has popped up. It's time to see if the packers need to draft a QB. It's time to see if Gute did make a good trade. Kizer should get the playing time over A-Rod in the last two games. Why this won't happen. A-Rods ego/contract. Gute blew it. Murphy doesn't want a QB controversy.
Point-Packer
December 17, 2018 at 08:02 pm
Controversy? Lol. Have you ever watched Kizer play QB? Good god.
albert999
December 17, 2018 at 09:49 am
https://www.aol.com/article/news/2018/12/17/packers-great-leroy-butler-s...
fthisJack
December 17, 2018 at 11:22 am
The next coach's most important hire is a QB coach that will square Rodgers away. his mechanics are horrible and if it wasn't for him....this team would probably be in the playoffs. how many open receivers did he miss completely or throw behind? he is their No. 1 problem!
leaerin4
December 18, 2018 at 08:33 am
There's no way Rodgers should be playing the last two weeks. WHY BOTHER? Play Kizer and let him audition for other teams. Boyle's a keeper We need the 2019 draft and free agency to bring in players to fix the offense. First and foremost an EDGE rusher is our first pick and Bosa is my guy and with both first round picks maybe we'll be able to jump up and get him. It's time for Cobb to be traded or released. LeVeon Bell would be my free agent pick on offense,not just as a running back but he's like Kamara catching the ball out of the backfield. Time to open up the pocketbook and work the finances to bring in some pro bowl quality players. GO PACK GO!!