The Green Bay Packers could potentially bring Aaron Rodgers back to play this Sunday against the Carolina Panthers. But will they?
According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Media, the team is carefully approaching this decision, which it views as a “risk-reward” move.
Per Rapoport, Rodgers is “pushing very hard” to return to action this weekend. His recovery has gone as expected — he’s 80-percent healed, which is the “safe” threshold for this injury. And by all reports, the Packers would love to have him back.
But here’s the crux of the matter:
“While everyone wants Rodgers to play, their thinking is more long-term,” Rapoport wrote. “He is the franchise, he’ll be their QB for years to come, and there is still a steep uphill climb to the playoffs — though a recent win streak did help.
“And yet there are still loud and protective voices who wonder if it’s worth putting him on the field to potentially injure himself again for a small chance at a great reward. Those voices are weighing in with caution because putting him at risk might not be worth it.”
The Carolina Panthers are fresh off a tremendous win over the Minnesota Vikings. Their defense continually pounded Case Keenum in that game. The last thing anyone wants is for Rodgers to end up going through a situation similar to the one Tony Romo went through after he came back from a collarbone injury a few years back.
Even if Rodgers doesn’t play this weekend, he could still return in Week 16 or Week 17. But at this time, the Packers appear to be more interested in his long-term health than any short-term gains. It’s probably wise. Especially because without him, this team just isn’t a championship contender. Period.