Healthy Aaron Rodgers key to Packers’ success in 2019
Two years ago, the Green Bay Packers’ season was derailed due to Aaron Rodgers breaking his collarbone. But it appears his injuries in 2018 were worse than we thought.
When Aaron Rodgers went down holding his knee in the season-opener against the Chicago Bears, a stunned silence hit Lambeau Field. Not again, surely. The Green Bay Packers couldn’t lose their star quarterback for another year.
The long wait began as DeShone Kizer took to the field and the Packers fell behind 20-0. Forget the game. Had Rodgers suffered a season-ending knee injury?
But then, to the surprise of just about everyone, Rodgers returned and led the Packers to a miracle victory in the second half.
At the time, it was reported Rodgers had a sprained MCL, which would limit him but not cause him to miss any games. While that part was correct, he was also dealing with a tibial plateau fracture, according to ESPN’s Rob Demovsky.
The fact Rodgers continued to play with that injury shows his toughness, but also could explain why he wasn’t at his best for much of the year.
Two years in a row, Rodgers has dealt with a serious injury. One season it cost him nine games. The next year he could play through it but was limited. The result? The Packers don’t make the playoffs.
That’s not to say the only reason Green Bay missed the postseason in 2018 was because of Rodgers’ health. Far from it. But it does continue to prove how important it is for Rodgers to remain healthy.
Rodgers’ ability to extend plays is what makes him such a special player. But it also comes with an added injury risk, as we saw against the Minnesota Vikings two years ago. New head coach Matt LaFleur will need to ensure Rodgers isn’t taking too many risks to help prevent injuries.
The other step is to improve the offensive line. The good news is that the Packers have already done so by signing Billy Turner, who could start at guard. They’ve also got second-year Cole Madison back, who missed his rookie year.
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But using draft picks at guard and tackle should be near the top of Brian Gutekunst’s to-do list.
The Packers can’t afford to lose Rodgers for many games again, or for Rodgers to be limited due to injury.