Packers should rest Aaron Rodgers in final two preseason games

The Green Bay Packers should sit Aaron Rodgers for the final two preseason games.

After making an impressive preseason debut, the Green Bay Packers should rest Aaron Rodgers for the remainder of preseason.

Rodgers didn’t take long to find his rhythm in last week’s victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers, guiding the Packers down the field with ease before connecting with new signing Jimmy Graham for an eight-yard touchdown.

Job done.

It’s clear to anyone who watched that Rodgers is ready to go. The first-team offense looks to be in good shape ahead of the season opener in under three weeks time.

Preseason is about risk-reward. At this stage, what’s the reward of playing Rodgers?

Another opportunity to get some time on the field in a real game. Another chance to show what we’ve already seen, that he is playing at a high level.

The risk? Injury. And we all know how that impacts this team.

It doesn’t matter how conservative the Packers are with the play-calling, Rodgers could get hurt in either of the remaining preseason games. He was in no mood to throw the football away last week, and was hit once and ducked under a potential sack.

Rodgers was playing like it was the regular season. On one hand that’s great, but it comes with an unnecessary injury risk. Rodgers called preseason “meaningless” back in 2015 following Jordy Nelson‘s injury.

As the Nelson injury proved back then, one play in preseason can impact an entire year. The Packers weren’t the same without him.

Green Bay has two preseason games remaining. After defeating the Tennessee Titans and Pittsburgh Steelers at Lambeau Field, they head on the road for their final two exhibition contests.

Up first is a meeting with the Oakland Raiders on Friday night. Green Bay will get the opportunity to play against Jordy Nelson.

But the Packers should rest Rodgers. He’s ready to go. The next time he plays should be against the Chicago Bears in the regular season opener.