coming into the game against philadelphia eagles, Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers was playing through an intentionally broken thumb, which he said earlier in the week would not prevent him from being out on the field.
What the Packers Didn’t Anticipate rogers is leaving the game 40-33 loss with a rib injury in the start, something that could keep him out for weeks to come.
It’s not a certainty, and telling from Rodgers’ press conference after the game, he wants to be back on the field next week against the Chicago Bears.
Aaron Rodgers #12 of the Green Bay Packers is sacked by Brandon Graham #55 of the Philadelphia Eagles during the 3rd quarter at Lincoln Financial Field on November 27, 2022 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
(Michel Leff / Getty Images)
He told reporters, “As long as I’m well tomorrow, I would expect to play this weekend.” “I may not be able to go on Wednesday, but as long as there is no major structural damage, I will be back there.”
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Rodgers explained that it was a mix of a clear shot to the ribs and landing on him on separate plays, one in the second quarter and again in the third.
“It’s becoming difficult to breathe and to move your upper body,” Rodgers said. “I was also worried about a punctured lung, so wanted to get that checked out.”
Jalen Hurts breaks Eagles record in win over Packers, Aaron Rodgers leaves game with injury
Fortunately, the lung is fine, but Rodgers acknowledged that initial tests could not definitively show that his ribs were not broken. More tests will be done on Monday to make sure the diagnoses are correct for back-to-back NFL MVP.
Now 4-8 on the season, there is also speculation as to whether Rodgers wants to continue playing with playoff hopes high with each loss. He even said that the team may have to win its next five games and still need help from elsewhere around the league to make the wild card berth.
But, as long as there is hope, the 38-year-old signal caller wants to stay under the centre.
Fletcher Cox #91 of the Philadelphia Eagles sacks Aaron Rodgers #12 of the Green Bay Packers during the 2nd quarter at Lincoln Financial Field on November 27, 2022 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
(Michel Leff / Getty Images)
“I don’t really want to take my mind there, but as long as we’re alive mathematically, I want to be there,” he said.
Head coach Matt LaFleur said Rodgers apologized to him because he couldn’t carry on in the game, but he didn’t want to hear it.
“This is one of the toughest friends I’ve ever had. I never question his toughness.”
But Lafleur also didn’t want to speculate about his quarterback position next week and moving on, as Jordan Love could make his first start since Week 9 of the 2021 season — the only start of his career that came at 26th overall. Started as pickup. 2020 NFL Draft.
“If Aaron is healthy and ready to go, I expect him to be there,” Lafleur said.
Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love throws during the second half of an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday, Nov. 27, 2022, in Philadelphia.
(AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
When Love entered the game in the fourth quarter for Rodgers, he quickly found rookie star Christian Watson for a 63-yard catch-and-run. He would finish the game 6-of-9 for 113 yards with that touchdown pass.
Lafleur said of Love, “I’m not surprised that he went out there and played well and performed well. We see it on a daily basis. People don’t necessarily agree with it, but I see it every day.” Am.”
Rodgers also said that he was “proud” of what Love had accomplished.
Packers’ Aaron Rodgers Admits To Playing Through 5 Weeks With Broken Thumb
Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers reacts during the second half of an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Sunday, Nov. 27, 2022, in Philadelphia.
(AP Photo/Chris Szagola)
Regarding his thumb injury, Rodgers said it felt better this week than last, so it looks like he’s making progress as he continues to play through it.
But the Packers’ mind has shifted to the latest, more serious Rodgers ailment, which may unwittingly sideline him.
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He went 11-for-16 for 140 yards with two touchdown passes and two interceptions in the loss.