The Green Bay Packers have been hit hard this season with injuries, but the one person they absolutely cannot afford to lose is quarterback Aaron Rodgers. On Monday night that nightmare became a reality after the quarterback left the game and did not return with an injury to his non-throwing shoulder. Mike McCarthy is being coy on the future of Rodgers, but the injury leaves the team very short-handed at the quarterback postition.
Rodgers left the game in the opening series after getting sacked by Shea McClellin of the Chicago Bears. Team doctors spent time with Rodgers on the bench before taking him back to the locker room. He did not return. There are various reports as to what the injury could possibly be. ESPN is reporting their was too much swelling to give a proper diagnoses and Rodgers will undergo an MRI. NFL sources are also saying it could be a broken collarbone which could leave Rodgers out for a significant amount of time.
Rodgers was replaced by backup Seneca Wallace after the injury. He ended the drive with an interception. Wallace finished the game going 11 for 19 in passing for 114 yards and no touchdowns. Eddie Lacy and the ground game kept the Packers within a shot of winning before ultimately coming up short.
If Rodgers injury is as bad as being assumed, the Packers will need to find a quarterback and fast. If this injury had taken place a week ago, the Packers could have made a move before the trade deadline, but now they will have to work with what is left on the free agent market.
It just so happens there is a quarterback sitting on the waiver wire that knows the ins and outs of the Packers offense. After being released by the Buffalo Bills. Matt Flynn is available if the team opts to make a claim on Flynn's contract. The Packers are likely being coy on what the ultimate diagnoses of Rodgers is so they can quickly and quietly make a ploy at another quarterback.
There are a few other options. Vince Young spent some time with the Packers after getting signed during training camp. He could be a valuable option and he is already familiar with the system. The other option, just to name who is available, is Tim Tebow. There is no chance this happens as the Packers will avoid signing anyone that could be a potential distraction. But hey, anything could happen.
Wallace is not the answer. He was merely picked up at the start of the season because the Packers were out of options. With a decent run game, Flynn could actually do some good in a setting he is very familiar in.
