Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers underwent arthroscopic knee surgery in the days following the team’s Jan. 16 playoff loss to Arizona, Jason Wilde and Rob Demovsky of ESPN.com report. A source indicated that the procedure was a “clean-up of an old injury.” Rodgers should be ready for the Packers’ offseason program in April, according to Wilde and Demovsky. Rodgers told Wilde that he’s “doing well” and “recovering on schedule” (Twitter link via Demovsky).
More from around the NFL:
- The Jets still have faith in quarterback Geno Smith, according to owner Woody Johnson. “Geno, I think, had a pretty good year,” Johnson said Friday, per Ohm Youngmisuk of ESPN.com. “We will see in the summer how he (does) but I think the coaches are pretty optimistic about what he has learned and maturity. We know he can throw a ball. I think he has taken it to a new level and we will see how it plays out.” Smith, whom the Jets chose in the second round of the 2013 draft, appeared in 31 games in his first three seasons and put up poor numbers. The 25-year-old has one more season left on his contract, and he’s likely to back up Ryan Fitzpatrick again. Of course, the club first has to re-sign Fitzpatrick, a pending free agent, which it’s expected to do.
- The Jaguars made a significant splash last offseason when they signed free agent tight end Julius Thomas, formerly of Denver. This offseason, the Jags could target another Broncos free agent – defensive lineman Malik Jackson – writes Gene Frenette of Jacksonville.com. Jackson, 26, finished the regular season 17th out of 123 qualifying interior D-linemen by Pro Football Focus’ standards (subscription required).
- 49ers linebacker NaVorro Bowman isn’t worried that new head coach Chip Kelly‘s fast-paced offense will keep the team’s defense on the field too much, writes Conor Orr of NFL.com. “Nah, I think people are blowing it out of proportion,” Bowman told Around the NFL on Friday. “I think any defense you play in, if your offense is getting off the field quicker than you gotta get off the field quicker. You gotta hold yourself to that standard.” Bowman’s words aside, it’s worth noting that the Kelly-led Eagles finished the 2015-16 regular season with 1,148 defensive plays, the most in the league.