The Aaron Rodgers waiting game progressed to another checkpoint on Saturday after the Packers’ franchise quarterback returned to practice, Ian Rapoport of NFL.com reports (on Twitter).
He’s officially been designated as a player who will return off IR, but hurdles remain toward the All-Pro passer suiting up in another game this season.
Rodgers has not been cleared medically and, per Rapoport, won’t be scanned until after the Packers’ Week 14 game against the Browns. He did not practice with the first team, per Rapoport (on Twitter). As Rapoport notes, the Packers designating him as their second IR-return player doesn’t mean he will come back. It means he’s progressed without any setbacks. He could return as early as Week 15 and now can’t return any later than Week 16.
A Rodgers return will depend on Green Bay’s standing in the NFC playoff race. The Packers will almost certainly have to beat both the Buccaneers and Browns at home to make it a Rodgers re-emergence practical. Mike McCarthy said the possibility of getting their quarterback back “definitely” can inspire his currently undermanned team, so it appears — barring a setback or Rodgers’ impending medical reports showing troublesome signs — the longtime coach is on board with this plan.
The Packers are 5-6 and currently two games behind the Falcons for the second wild-card spot, so their performance — along with the 7-4 Seahawks’ — could well have bearing on the Packers’ decision. But if Green Bay can get to 7-6 with Brett Hundley, a Rodgers return is starting to appear very possible.
If the Packers lose to Tampa Bay this weekend, they need to just keep Rodgers on IR and let him fully heal for next season. They still have a small chance of making it if they win out but another loss pretty much puts the nail in the coffin. No need to risk another injury for Rodgers in a lost season
I just don’t see them winning against the Bucs unless Huntley plays like he did against the Steelers. If he does that for sure they should beat the Browns which would set up a Rodgers return but if they lose the Bucs I think it’s pointless to bring him back. Would love to see him return and push them into the playoffs though. The guys one of the best if not the best in the league and the game needs him. Football isn’t the same when we lose a great like Rodgers.