NFL 2017/18: Will Aaron Rodgers return this season for the Green Bay Packers?
When Aaron Rodgers left the game in the first quarter in week six against the Minnesota Vikings after taking a hit from Anthony Barr, Packers fans feared the worst. Rodgers was diagnosed with a broken collarbone and it looked like he would be out for the season.
He underwent a collarbone surgery on Thursday, October 19. Rodgers has been rehabbing well according to head coach Mike McCarthy. The Green Bay Packers' current record is 5-4. However, if they go 3-1 or 4-0 in the next four games, would Rodgers decide to come back in week 15 against the Carolina Panthers?
Well, the next four games for the Green Bay Packers are against the Baltimore Ravens (4-5), Pittsburgh Steelers (8-2), Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-6), and the Cleveland Browns (0-9). Green Bay can definitely go 3-1 in those games. However, if they win only a game or two, Rodgers won't come back because of how tough the NFC Wild Card race is.
They already lost to the Atlanta Falcons, Detroit Lions, and Minnesota Vikings, but Green Bay did beat the Seattle Seahawks. They are going to have a difficult time winning tie-breakers as it is and I see why the Packers have to go either 3-1 or 4-0 for them to consider bringing Rodgers back into the fold.
Rodgers has completed 128-of-193 passes for 1,385 yards, 13 touchdowns and three interceptions, along with 83 rushing yards on 18 carries in the 2017-2018 season.
Brett Hundley, meanwhile, has completed 75-of-122 passes for 701 yards, two touchdowns and four interceptions. Hundley has also rushed for 85 yards on 10 carries and two touchdowns. Hundley is more of a dink and dunk passer than a deep ball passer. He doesn't stretch the field like Rodgers does.
Jordy Nelson has not had a touchdown catch ever since Rodgers got hurt. Nelson still has six touchdown receptions in the year. In three full games after the Minnesota one, Nelson only managed 8 receptions for 68 yards receiving.
Randall Cobb only has one touchdown reception in the year. It was from Rodgers. In three full games after the Minnesota one, Cobb has 10 receptions for 125 yards receiving.
Davante Adams has six touchdown receptions in the season and both of Hundley's touchdowns were caught by Adams. One of those came in the Minnesota game and in three full games after that, Adams has caught 14 passes for 155 yards receiving and a touchdown.
I believe that if Green Bay go 3-1 or 4-0, Aaron Rodgers will return this season. If not, Green Bay should shut him down and let him get ready for the 2018 season.