Aaron Rodgers: Green Bay Packers may shut him down

Nobody likes hearing this, but it might be best to shut down Aaron Rodgers. Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

Hey, Aaron Rodgers, everyone’s talking behind your back … and they’re not saying nice things about you and the Green Bay Packers.

We know you want to play and that you’ve indicated that this coming Sunday might be the the big day that we’ve all been dying to see for a month – the day when you step under center once more to lead the team that at one point not so long ago was cruising toward an NFC North Division title and another spot in the tournament.

That was before your clavicle so unceremoniously met Chicago Bears defensive end Shea McLellin.

So don’t ask your higher-ups what they are reported to be thinking these days … you won’t like what you hear. You see, this morning NFL.com’s Ian Rappoport told the world that sources are saying you “would be lucky” to play next Sunday and if you don’t and the Packers lose once again the team may just shut you down for the year and start planning for next year.

Here’s one of the things that Rappoport tweeted:

It’s not out of the realm of possibilities that Rodgers doesn’t play. We all know how the Packers doctors will keep players off the field for extended periods … well beyond when reports indicate they would be back. And when you’re talking about the best player at his position, the team is going to err on the side of caution 10 times out of 10. What that means for the team is that they will mail in 2013 and look toward getting everyone healthy and making a shot at winning in 2014.

The problem with that is two-fold. First, Rodgers is pretty adamant that he will play again yet this year, regardless of the team’s record. Secondly, if the Packers are looking toward next year, that’s problematic in the fact that the team will face 16 free agents who will hit the street come March. How many of those free agents will the team come to terms with? Maybe a couple? If they’re smart, they sign Sam Shields and possibly B.J. Raji.

A Green Bay Packers fan holds up a sign supporting Aaron Rodgers.

Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports photograph

Next year might be a rebuilding year once again because of the changeover in personnel. That won’t sit well with Rodgers, even though it’s his mega-salary that will have a huge effect on who does and who doesn’t get re-signed.

Aaron Rodgers will turn 30 this week. If he plays as long as Brett Favre, there are plenty of years ahead. But what happens if he comes back this year too early, damages that clavicle badly and is never the same?

That’s the question Packers officials have to consider … with the chances of their making the playoffs slipping away, is it right to shut Rodgers down?

Well, Aaron, it might be the best way to proceed, regardless of what you think. Not only that, but I’m afraid that even you couldn’t save this team that has fallen so far off the playoff map.

Think about it …