Packers: Aaron Rodgers skipping OTAs comes as no surprise

While unsurprising, it’s notable that the Green Bay Packers began organized team activities (OTAs) without their three-time MVP quarterback in the building.

According to ESPN’s Rob Demovsky, Aaron Rodgers didn’t report to OTAs on Monday.

Attending OTAs is voluntary, so no big deal, right?

Well, possibly. It’s true, players don’t have to attend. But as Matt Schneidman of The Athletic pointed out, Rodgers has been in attendance for OTAs for the past 16 years. The fact he’s not there is telling.

At some point, something has to give.

Rodgers will either have to decide to turn up and play or continue to sit out. The Packers will also reach a point where they have to make a decision. If Rodgers isn’t returning, what do they do? Let him sit at home or work on a trade?

The hope is that the two sides can come to a resolution in the near future, possibly a contract extension, meaning Rodgers returns in time for the start of training camp. Whether this is a realistic possibility or just wishful thinking is anybody’s guess. I have no idea, and outside of team president Mark Murphy, GM Brian Gutekunst, head coach Matt LaFleur, and Rodgers himself, I doubt many do.

Skipping OTAs is one thing, but it will be a bigger statement from Rodgers if he no-shows the three-day mandatory minicamp next month, which runs from June 8-10. The clue is in the title, it’s mandatory. If Rodgers isn’t there, it further proves the point that he isn’t happy with the current situation.

So, we wait.

For the Packers, they move forward with Jordan Love, Blake Bortles, and Kurt Benkert at quarterback. If there’s one benefit of all of this, it’s that the Packers get the opportunity to spend more time with Love on the practice field.

When will there will be an answer to Rodgers’ future? Only time will tell. The wait continues.