Aaron Rodgers Injury Updates: Packers Haven't Ruled Out QB Returning This Season
The Packers are hopeful that two-time NFL MVP Aaron Rodgers can return to the field in Week 15 after having collarbone surgery Oct. 19.
The two-time All-Pro quarterback returned to practice Dec. 2 as the Packers decided to make him one of the two players they take off injured reserve this season. The first spot was already used for offensive tackle Jason Spriggs.
Chris Mortensen of ESPN.com reports that Rodgers will go through a "trial practice week" and serve as the scout team quarterback leading out to Green Bay's Week 14 matchup with the Browns.
Coach Mike McCarthy told reporters Rodgers has a specific plan and goals to achieve before getting back on the field and, "he's going at it 120 miles an hour," according to Rob Demovsky of ESPN.com.
Before the Packers faced the Steelers Nov. 26, Rodgers was throwing passes for about 15 minutes, according to Demovsky.
On Nov. 16, Pro Football Talk reported Rodgers was "making really good progress" in recovering from his injury.
The 33-year-old is eligible to return from injured reserve in Week 15 when the Packers play the Panthers and McCarthy is optimistic it could happen.
“I know the training staff and the strength and conditioning staff are very pleased with where he is,” McCarthy said, via Demovsky. “He’s moving right along.”
On Oct. 15, Rodgers broke his collarbone when Anthony Barr of the Vikings hit him while throwing a pass. Rodgers had 13 screws and two plates put into his collarbone, according to Ian Rapoport. Additionally, Rapoport reports that Rodgers' collarbone was also displaced.
Rodgers said on Conan O'Brien's late-night show that after he was hit by Barr, the Vikings linebacker gave him the middle finger. Barr said he didn't "even look or say a word" to Rodgers after the hit and he just walked back to the huddle.
Since Rodgers went down, Brett Hundley has taken over at quarterback for the Packers and the team has gone just 2-4 in his starts. For the season, Hundley is completing 61.2 percent of his passes for 1,269 yards, five touchdown and eight interceptions and two rushing scores.
Rodgers had a 66.3 completion percentage, 1,385 yards, 13 touchdowns and only three picks when he was playing.
