Aaron Rodgers underwent successful surgery to repair his broken collarbone, and now the Green Bay Packers have a decision to make.
Should the team place its All-Pro quarterback on injured reserve and open a roster spot? Or are the Packers willing to risk having him relegated to the sideline while healthy?
During his press conference Friday, McCarthy said Green Bay is discussing all long-term options for Rodgers.
In a given season, NFL teams can activate two players sent to injured reserve after an eight-week period. Since the league is entering Week 7, the Packers have a limited window before Rodgers being placed on IR means he’s unavailable for the remainder of the regular season.
However, the team could elect to keep Rodgers on the active roster and continue ruling him out. Although he would occupy a space on the 53-man roster, Rodgers would be eligible to practice whenever he feels healthy enough and is medically cleared.
Given that Green Bay (4-2) seems destined for a tight race with the Minnesota Vikings (4-2) and Detroit Lions (3-3) in the NFC North, the team wants Rodgers back as quickly as possible, if possible.
Additionally, the Packers close the regular season against those division rivals. It’s likely the two matchups will determine the playoff fate of all three franchises. They’d look awfully foolish if Rodgers is sitting on IR but could play in the game.
Granted, there’s no guarantee Rodgers can even return this season. But if everything went well, like McCarthy said, and the surgery speeds Rodgers’ recovery as hoped, he’ll be ready to lead the Packers in a critical stretch.