Packers Question of the Day: Rodgers' Return

Short and sweet. Should the Packers even bring back Aaron Rodgers, regardless of whether or not the tests conducted on his healing right clavicle show positive signs?

The Packers virtually need Rodgers to even have a shot at winning their final three games, as the likelihood they finish "running the table" against Carolina, Minnesota and Detroit with Brett Hundley seems almost like an insurmountable task.

Is it worth the risk of re-injury?

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Zachary Jacobson is a staff writer/reporter for Cheesehead TV. He's the voice of The Leap on iTunes and can be heard on The Scoop KLGR 1490 AM every Saturday morning. He's also a contributor on the Pack-A-Day Podcast. He can be found on Twitter via @ZachAJacobson or contacted through email at [email protected].

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Comments (54)

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Since'61's picture

December 12, 2017 at 08:57 am

Zach - Listening to Mike Francesca on NY WFAN yesterday he said that Rodgers would come back even if the Packers were out of the playoff race. Rodgers wants to play regardless of the standings and this is why he has been practicing, even in last week's padded practice.

Rodgers return makes the games watchable even if he loses and that is all that matters to the league. Play to entertain the fans is more important than playing to win and certainly more important than allowing a player to heal properly.

The league is desperate for a hero right now. With so many star players on IR, now Wentz went down, the kneeling controversy, falling ratings, the league is more desperate for Rodgers return than even us Packer fans.

If Rodgers is cleared, he'll play, re-injury risk or not. There is more than healing driving Rodger's return.

If we look at the Packer's chances even with a healthy Rodgers and our mediocre defense they are paper thin.
Making the playoffs as a 5 or 6 seed means playing 5 of the next 6 games on the road to get to the SB. Then probably facing the Steelers or Patriots in the SB.
That would be a lot to ask of any team even with a healthy Aaron Rodgers. At some point the Packers would get worn down and blown out as they did against the Falcons in last season's NFCCG. But bitter disappointment is better than bored fans and no hope at all.

If Rodgers returns it will be to save the show, not the Packers season. Thanks, Since '61

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RCPackerFan's picture

December 12, 2017 at 08:57 am

I think no matter what Dr McKenzie should push Rodgers to return. Because that's what he does... :)

In all seriousness, if McKenzie feels good and says he has little risk to re-aggravate the injury then Rodgers will play.

If he feels he has a higher risk of re-injuring it, he won't play.

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daveh's picture

December 12, 2017 at 09:05 am

I for one think it would be a mistake to bring Rodgers back. Be honest do you really believe the Packers win out? If they do , no way they go on the road and win a playoff game...my opinon...We have a weak defense with this MASH group.

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dobber's picture

December 12, 2017 at 10:12 am

In this particular case, the Packers are still in the running to make the playoffs. If he's cleared, he plays. In the end, any professional sports franchise with any integrity is in the business of winning football games and trying to win titles. He gives them their best chance to win.

There's a significant chunk of the Packers fan base that agrees with you. I'll pose this point: when Eddie Lacy was the only offense the Packers had against Dallas a couple years ago, people were applauding him and his grit for playing on a gimpy ankle...until mid-week or later when they said he was done for the year, because a LB fell on it...again. Then, MM was stupid for putting him out there. You telling me that Lacy didn't want to play and that MM made him play? I seriously doubt it...and ARod, of all people, will understand the risks he's taking by playing.

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Tundraboy's picture

December 12, 2017 at 12:15 pm

Wish I could give a 1000 likes. Apparently there is someone giving dislikes for no reason.

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RCPackerFan's picture

December 12, 2017 at 12:17 pm

Oh yeah... There is a perpetual disliker.

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Bearmeat's picture

December 12, 2017 at 12:33 pm

I just disliked your comment for the humor value.... ;)

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dobber's picture

December 12, 2017 at 12:45 pm

I don't get it....

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RCPackerFan's picture

December 12, 2017 at 01:13 pm

Honestly I thought I'd have more then 2 at this time.
The Non Koolaid Drinking Homers must be avoiding the site for another week after another W. :)

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dobber's picture

December 12, 2017 at 01:17 pm

OH, YEAHHH!!!

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TKWorldWide's picture

December 12, 2017 at 07:09 pm

Dilly dilly!

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rdent's picture

December 12, 2017 at 02:15 pm

I noticed that. Recently a person made a post and got a like and no dislikes,I agreed with the post and got a dislike and no likes.lol.

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RCPackerFan's picture

December 12, 2017 at 02:12 pm

lol. well obviously you were supposed to disagree with it.

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rdent's picture

December 12, 2017 at 05:37 pm

I agree.

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carlos's picture

December 12, 2017 at 04:49 pm

That’s funny rdent. I think it was my post. I hope Rogers can come back and play great. Anything can happen this time of the year. Just protect him. That’s my only concern.

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HankScorpio's picture

December 12, 2017 at 10:08 pm

I think Rodgers believes the NFC is in such a state as to allow the Packers a chance, no matter if anyone else believes it. Philly just lost Carson Wentz. The Vikings always find a way to lose. The Rams are unproven.

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daveh's picture

December 12, 2017 at 09:06 am

I for one think it would be a mistake to bring Rodgers back. Be honest do you really believe the Packers win out? If they do , no way they go on the road and win a playoff game...my opinon...We have a weak defense with this MASH group.

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Ds300916's picture

December 12, 2017 at 09:06 am

I trust the Doctors' medical opinion on scans that we will never see more than any analyst who says he should or should not return. Dr Pat McKenzie is not the type of doctor to clear Rodgers if there is substantial risk.

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croatpackfan's picture

December 12, 2017 at 09:28 am

Yes, if Aaron wants to play...

Even w/o playoff chances...

I support Mike McCarthy idea to put Dr. Pat McKenzie on IR...

Give us Aaron, pleaseeeeeee.....

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Spock's picture

December 12, 2017 at 10:24 am

If Rodgers is cleared HE will want to play. MM's mantra has been if a player is cleared to play he will play. I honestly don't expect Rodgers will be cleared for this game, but who knows? On a side note: Congratulations to Mark Tauscher and Ryan Longwell getting inducted into the Packers hall of fame (I'll even forgive Longwell (reluctantly) his playing in purple as the Packers refused to pay him his money and the man had years left to play.) Tauscher was one of my favorites.

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RCPackerFan's picture

December 12, 2017 at 12:22 pm

Great call on the congrats to Tauscher and Longwell!!

Listening to Tauscher this morning on Wilde and Tausch was special. Great moment for him.

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carlos's picture

December 12, 2017 at 04:52 pm

Gotta love the Taush. Congrats to both. Love listening to Taush on the pregame radio show.

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Handsback's picture

December 12, 2017 at 10:28 am

If Aaron plays, we'll see some great play from the offense. The defense has gotten weaker so I don't expect to see a lot of wins before the season ends.
Frankly, "Since '61" makes the right point about the NFL needing Rodgers to play. Right now too many empty seats and the viewership is way down. Can't have players like Rodgers and Wentz out without people cutting their TVs off or changing channels.

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Finwiz's picture

December 12, 2017 at 10:31 am

So the league is pressuring the Packers to clear Rodgers medically, and GB just automatically complies when they never have been anything but conservative in the past? I don't buy it.

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dobber's picture

December 12, 2017 at 11:05 am

Neither do I.

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carlos's picture

December 12, 2017 at 04:58 pm

I watch sports mostly on tv. When the talk shows start talking NBA I switch the channel. It’s depressing for awhile after football season ends.

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Tundraboy's picture

December 12, 2017 at 11:24 am

I'm hopeful, but the Dr must clear it and ARod is not stupid enough to play if he doesn't feel he is able. With Adams rising I want to see what ARod return can do for Jordy as well. , That could along with the new running game could make beating Carolina, despite the way they have been playing of late, a reality. Last stand for the season.

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rdent's picture

December 12, 2017 at 11:24 am

Short and sweet, NO!

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Razer's picture

December 12, 2017 at 12:07 pm

I agree. While it has been entertaining, this team has made it here on fumes. The Panthers will take what they want from this defense and that donkey Newton will be dancing like a fool. It is too bad because this Packers squad has a lot of heart and grit.

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Lphill's picture

December 12, 2017 at 11:55 am

No he should sit it out until next season if we had a top 10 ranked defense then yes , but with this banged up defense , no .

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pacman's picture

December 12, 2017 at 01:55 pm

I don't think he should play unless doctors say there is VERY minimal risk. And I don't want him to play so they can get a better draft choice since I can't see any possibility of going to the SB.

Packers have known about this day since the operation and new all the scenarios. The only reason to delay is to mess with Carolina. But they have been expecting Rodgers. So messing with them mean he's not playing but Packers don't want to let them know until the last minute.

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dobber's picture

December 12, 2017 at 02:15 pm

You're right: it gets them past game-plan day for most teams (Tuesday) and forces them to potentially change based on who's taking snaps with the #1s tomorrow. Whatever the case, Rodgers or Hundley, the current regime in GB would force everyone to wait, anyway. Hell, if Hundley's playing I might let ARod take snaps with the #1s on Wednesday and give Hundley a day off, just to make them scramble a little. I just don't expect #12 to be cleared.

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Razer's picture

December 12, 2017 at 02:41 pm

Not sure that Carolina will be scrambling if Hundley plays. Maybe that is what you meant by "little"?

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dobber's picture

December 12, 2017 at 02:51 pm

True in the sense that there's not a lot of game-planning to do for #7...

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HankScorpio's picture

December 12, 2017 at 10:39 pm

"Packers have known about this day since the operation and new all the scenarios. The only reason to delay is to mess with Carolina"

Consider this possible reason for a delay: Dr. McKenzie is consulting with others, who respond with an opinion at varying speeds. The medical opinions are mixed. Rodgers is lobbying hard that he's aware of the risks and wants to play the whole time all the information is being compiled and examined by whoever is making the final call. The whole process takes 1.5 days to arrive at a decision

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Doug Niemczynski's picture

December 12, 2017 at 02:20 pm

First of all Brett Favre would play second of all during the Super Bowl Charles Woodson broke his arm he went right back up to the line and he was ready to play again that's determination that he wanted he wanted at Super Bowl ring and nothing was going to stop him!!

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Ds300916's picture

December 12, 2017 at 03:17 pm

Charles Woodson did not return to that game. If you go back and watch the highlights you can see him on the sideline rooting his team on while wearing a sling.

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Doug Niemczynski's picture

December 12, 2017 at 04:35 pm

A

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Doug Niemczynski's picture

December 12, 2017 at 04:38 pm

If you go back and you tube the superbowl you will see charles woodson bresh his shoulder. .is about ready to line up and the packers call timeout they check woodson out on the sidelines and then he comes walking back on to the field of play.

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Finwiz's picture

December 12, 2017 at 03:26 pm

Word is now filtering out that there is a debate/discussion going on in Packer HQ about risk/reward with ARod, He isn't 100% and could play, but is the risk worth the minimal chance at making a run in the playoffs? Let's say he's 80% - should he play? This isn't some big revelation, but I really doubt he's going to play, and IF he does play, I wouldn't be surprised to see Rodgers start the game, and alternate series with Hundley, where they run some no-huddle with read option, to keep Carolina off balance.

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RCPackerFan's picture

December 12, 2017 at 03:31 pm

I thought this was an interesting tweet.

https://twitter.com/Peter_Bukowski/status/940669206462369792

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dobber's picture

December 12, 2017 at 03:50 pm

If they feel ARod is good enough to alternate series, he's good enough to play the whole game.

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Finwiz's picture

December 12, 2017 at 04:00 pm

I'm just viewing it from the POV of limiting the probability of injury, and you keep Carolina off balance at the same time. Just a wild azz thought, probably hasn't a snowballs chance in he!! of happening.

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stockholder's picture

December 12, 2017 at 03:41 pm

Yes he should play. Is he a pussy? He's a winner. And any winner would play. Look for Hundley to start. Look for A-rod to suit up.

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HankScorpio's picture

December 12, 2017 at 09:46 pm

I won't be looking for that.

McCarthy would deserve to be fired if he was allowed Rodgers to suit up but started Brett Hundley.

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stockholder's picture

December 12, 2017 at 10:12 pm

Hanky - I never said anything about MM. Do you really believe A-rod will come out and be 100 %. (Old A-Rod. ) I don't. Just because the bone may be Healed. No one has heard if A-Rod has Practiced with the #1 yet. ? Their going to bring him up to game ready first. I'm sure you know what game ready is. DAAA. Arod was just cleared!

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HankScorpio's picture

December 12, 2017 at 10:12 pm

Whether he's returning at 100% or not, he's not returning to watch from the sideline.

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Finwiz's picture

December 12, 2017 at 03:43 pm

Yeah that's the guy they were reporting on the radio. I say they are shutting him down for the year, based on past history with injuries. If they were 9-4 or 10-3, with a top 10 defense, it would be a different story. But as it is now, heal it up and wait for 2018. The guys worth 150 mil - why would you take that chance of some career ending thing happening. JMO.

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pacman's picture

December 12, 2017 at 03:57 pm

Less filling

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Qoojo's picture

December 12, 2017 at 04:58 pm

If the packers had one more win, I would say it might be worth the risk. They need to win out. then have 2 out of 3 of these: Seattle lose 1, Atlanta lose 2, Panthers lose 2 (1 of which is losing to packers). Atlanta holds tie breakers over packers and seattle, and clearly wins a 3 way tie. Then saints could fade and complicate things.

Either way, the most the packers can do is play spoiler in first round. Not worth risking future for that.

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Cartwright's picture

December 12, 2017 at 07:20 pm

Rodgers is a competitor. He wants that ball in his hands. If the doctors clear him I doubt if McCarthy would even have to balls to tell the man he isn't playing. Every season has its story and Rodgers hasn't finished writing his. Look how it turned out last year, it seemed rather bleak, yet we were one game away. I'm surprised to hear die hard packers fans packing it in. We just won 2 games in a row in overtime and almost stole one in Pittsburgh . The team is pumped. Bring back the general, his soldiers are waiting.

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HankScorpio's picture

December 12, 2017 at 09:28 pm

He just announced on Instragram that he's been cleared to play.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BcoIJo2ljDF/

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RCPackerFan's picture

December 12, 2017 at 09:35 pm

He’s BACK!!!!

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