With the losses beginning to pile up for the Green Bay Packers, many are wondering exactly what is wrong with the offense. Yes, the loss of Jordy Nelson has haunted them all year. Yes, Eddie Lacy is struggling in the back field. But, is that all that is going on with the unit who just fell to the Lions and now have a key matchup with the Minnesota Vikings on deck? According to head coach Mike McCarthy, any idea that Aaron Rodgers is playing hurt is not true.
According to the Packers' injury report, Rodgers is dealing with a shoulder problem. The quarterback made no moves to deny the issue as he told ESPN.com that it is not an excuse for his playing lately. McCarthy told the media that he has no concerns with Rodgers entering Week 11 as he fully believes that while the quarterback is "banged up" it is not a factor in the offense right now.
"It's not an excuse. It's a source of pride. I think that's the difference," Rodgers said, via Jason Wilde of ESPN.com. "Some people use the injuries as an excuse. But I think for the guys in this locker room who are out there battling, it's a source of pride. Some people don't like going in the training room and getting treatment. We want to be out there with our guys. There's a lot of pride in lacing it up every Sunday and knowing that it doesn't matter what you're dealing with, you're going to play through it. We've all done it over the years."
One player unable to get through the pain is Ty Montgomery who continues to deal with an ankle injury. The wide receiver has been out for a month with the injury, but did return to practice. However, the issue is still bothering him after JSOnline.com reported he suffered a setback during Thursday's practice. While Montgomery appeared to be ready to play on Wednesday, his status is now in doubt for Sunday.
"It's been pretty frustrating," Montgomery said, JSOnline.com. "It just feels like it's a guessing game on when it's going to be ready, when it's going to be time. I just have to listen to my body and be smart. My body is my job. If my body is not taken care of, I can't perform."
To make matters worse, backup wide receiver Jared Abbrederis is out with a rib injury. That leaves Rodgers short on depth heading into Week 11. Randall Cobb, Davante Adams and James Jones will have to step up along with Jeff Janis who could see added playing time on the field as well. Eddie Lacy is reported as healthy, but will not start for the Packers as James Starks gets the nod. McCarthy noted that Lacy will see plenty of playing time on the field as they try to get him going again.
