Latest news involving Aaron Rodgers is worse than we thought
Aaron Rodgers finally ended one of the bigger mysteries surrounding the Green Bay Packers when he confirmed earlier in the week that he has been playing with a broken thumb since the injury initially occurred against the New York Giants. But, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, the injury is worse than just a broken […]
Aaron Rodgers finally ended one of the bigger mysteries surrounding the Green Bay Packers when he confirmed earlier in the week that he has been playing with a broken thumb since the injury initially occurred against the New York Giants.
But, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, the injury is worse than just a broken thumb.
Rodgers has what is defined as an avulsion fracture, which happens "when extreme force causes the ligament to rip away from the attachment, taking some bone with it. Essentially, it is a fracture and a torn ligament, resulting in joint instability," according to Rapoport.
Per Rapoport, if the thumb hasn't healed by now, then surgery is basically the last resort for a full recovery.
But according to Rodgers himself, that option isn't on the table, which means he will play through the injury.
"I think I've had worse injuries I've played with," Rodgers told reporters earlier in the week. "Definitely a challenge, but the days off helped. Feeling better this week."
The Packers are currently 4-7 and are facing a daunting Week 12 matchup against the 9-1 Philadelphia Eagles. They are currently four spots out of the final NFC Wild Card spot and a loss to the Eagles makes that hill even harder to climb.
Meaning, the Packers may have to make a decision soon: They may have to shut down Rodgers and make Jordan Love the starting quarterback.
The Packers have to decide whether or not they want to approve Love's fifth-year option in 2023. Love's current sample size is nowhere near impressive, so it would make sense to let him show the franchise what he's capable of over the final five games of the season.
Love's fifth-year option won't be cheap, either. 2022's basic option tender came in at $19.6 million and it's only bound to go up in 2023. Fifth-year options are guaranteed, too. So, the Packers are on the hook for the money unless they find a trade partner, which is never guaranteed.
It's a big decision and the Packers can't afford to mess it up.
You can check out Rapoport's full column, here.
Featured image via Dan Powers / USA TODAY NETWORK
