Aaron Rodgers concerned about knee getting worse as season progresses
The outlook on Aaron Rodgers’ knee injury is considerably more positive than in the immediate aftermath of his being carted off the field against the Chicago Bears in Week 1.
But it also looks like a problem that isn’t going away any time soon.
Aaron Rodgers admits concern about knee sprain
Rodgers talked about his sprained left knee with reporters on Wednesday and admitted that he’s worried that the injury could linger.
“Yeah, obviously that’s a concern,” Rodgers said. “Hopefully, it goes the other way though. … Obviously it won’t be 100 percent, so I’ll just adjust accordingly to how I’m feeling and try to get through.”
It’s the dilemma of such a critical player suffering that sort of injury so early in the season. Clearly, the Packers would like for Rodgers to get back to 100 percent as soon as possible. But with almost every game in the NFL’s 16-game season carrying stakes, Green Bay has determined that it can’t afford to have Rodgers sit as long as he’s able to play without significant chance of re-injury.
Rodgers resting knee during week
For now, Rodgers is getting his rest during the week.
The Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel reports that Packers head coach Mike McCarthy called off practice on Wednesday to give players a break after playing an overtime game in high heat and humidity in Sunday’s tie against the Minnesota Vikings.
Had they practiced, Rodgers would have gotten a rest day regardless, according to the team’s injury report. So he’s getting three full days off from using his knee since Sunday’s game, a plan that may be in use until his knee does show some improvement. Rodgers’ health is paramount to any downside from missed reps.
Knee injury likely to impact play on Sundays
One of Rodgers’ many strengths is his mobility and knack for extending plays with his legs when the pocket breaks down. Having a gimpy knee obviously is a hindrance on that front.
But he still had a strong performance Sunday against a stout Vikings defense, hitting on 30-of-42 pass attempts for 281 yards, a touchdown and no interceptions.
But Rodgers admitted Wednesday that his knee could limit McCarthy as a play-caller.
“He’s got to know what’s up – meaning, what plays are up,” Rodgers said of McCarthy. “Can we do some action? Or can we not? And that just depends on how my knee feels.
“I don’t think you can say because I did some of those things in the game [against Minnesota] that automatically I’ll be able to do that and more on Sunday. It depends on how I’m feeling.”
Rodgers expected to play through pain
In an NFL where players are constantly asked to sacrifice their bodies for gameday, even a star of Rodgers’ status is not immune.
The gameplan might see some minor limitations, but make no mistake: Come Sunday, Rodgers will be on the field.
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