Green Bay Packers legend Brett Favre is a virtual lock to be inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2016, but Aaron Rodgers isn’t excited about the prospect of a fifth preseason game.
Since Favre will probably be the headliner of the 2016 class, Green Bay could be selected to appear in the exhibition that follows the ceremony. According to Alex Marvez of Fox Sports, Rodgers and the Packers hope to avoid the Hall of Fame Game next year but know it might happen because of Favre, even if Rodgers doesn’t suit up.
“We hope we don’t get it. But we know it’s going to be tough because No. 4 is going to be going in.”
That’s not a surprising comment from Rodgers, who will be without elite receiver Jordy Nelson during the 2015 campaign and could be missing Randall Cobb initially.
Nelson sustained a torn ACL during Green Bay’s second outing of the preseason and will be sidelined for the year, while Cobb exited the third contest due to a shoulder injury. The receiver is expected back for Week 1, but unlike Favre’s eventual Hall of Fame induction, Cobb’s return isn’t a certainty.
Following Nelson’s injury, Rodgers said the most unfortunate part of Nelson’s injury was that it came in a meaningless game.
Per Marvez, the veteran quarterback is in favor of cutting down the preseason, especially since teams show little of what will be seen during the regular season. Rodgers said:
“How much of a real game are you really simulating? I’d say a lot less than people think.”
The length of the preseason will remain a hot topic throughout the year and offseason, and perhaps Rodgers and a collection of other NFL players will receive their wish of a shortened session.
However, if nothing happens, the Packers must prepare for a spot in the 2016 Hall of Fame Game, even if their star quarterback doesn’t throw on his pads.