Why didnt aaron rodgers play today

Aaron Rodgers was a "little numb" following the Green Bay Packers' 13-10 loss to the San Francisco 49ers, and it had little to do with the 2-degree weather at Lambeau Field.

The Packers were once again ushered out of the postseason after the offense mustered just three points on its final nine drives, and the special teams cratered -- again.

The latest postseason exit in Green Bay ushers in another round of questions surrounding the presumptive four-time MVP's future with the Packers. Immediately following the loss, Rodgers said he'll take some time before diving into what comes next.

"I didn't think we'd be talking about this after this game," Rodgers said. "I'm going to take some time and have conversations with folks around here, and then take some time away and make a decision -- obviously before free agency or anything gets going on that front. It's fresh right now. A little shocking for sure. I was hoping to have a nice weekend for the NFC Championship, to enjoy the lead-up and then start contemplating some things, so I haven't even let the moment really sink in yet."

When it does sink in that the Packers fell short of the Super Bowl yet again, Rodgers has a lot to weigh. Baked into that process is how Green Bay has fallen flat in the postseason. The QB was asked if the way the season ended influences his thinking about the future.

"Of course it does," he replied. "But you know there are a lot of decisions to be made, a lot of players whose futures are up in the air. Definitely will be interesting to see which way some of those decisions go. But I'll have conversations with (GM) Brian (Gutekunst) in the next week or so and get a little bit more clarity. And think about my own future and how much longer I want to keep doing this."

Packers coach Matt LaFleur said from where he sits, the club hopes Rodgers returns for an 18th season.

"Certainly, we want him back here," LaFleur said. "I think we'd be crazy not to want him back here. He's going to be the two-time MVP. This guy does so much for our football team. No only what you guys see on Sundays or every game day, but what he does in that locker room. How he leads. I just know what he puts into this thing. And certainly, I'm extremely disappointed that we couldn't get over the hump, for not only him, but for everybody in that locker room."

Rodgers, however, took a longer view, noting that the Packers have a lot of tough decisions ahead, not just regarding himself but a host of other pending free agents.

"I think this thing is definitely going to look different moving forward," Rodgers said. "Green Bay has a lot of decisions, a lot of guys with opportunities. So it will be interesting to see what things look like moving forward. But I am thankful for this time, for this team. Super disappointed. Bummed out. Frustrated with how I played tonight. Frustrated with how it ended. But can still be grateful for this season and these guys."

The Packers are projected to be more than $40 million over the salary cap heading into next season, with pending free agents like star receiver Davante Adams, who could be franchise-tagged if a long-term deal isn't struck.

Green Bay Packers star quarterback Aaron Rodgers and the rest of the team are in an interesting spot this weekend. They’ve already clinched the No. 1 seed in the NFC and will receive a first-round bye and home-field advantage throughout the playoffs. Rodgers continues to deal with his broken pinky toe, although he’s yet to miss a game because of it. Will Rodgers start in Week 18, and what can fantasy football managers expect from Green Bay’s offense this weekend?

Update: Aaron Rodgers is active for the Packers Week 18 game against the Lions. However, the Packers turned to Jordan Love at halftime with the number one seed already clinched.

Why didnt aaron rodgers play today
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Aaron Rodgers’ 2021 production

Rodgers is enjoying an elite season for the Packers, as he’s currently the favorite to win the NFL MVP award. He’s thrown for 3,977 yards with 35 touchdowns and 4 interceptions on 513 pass attempts. Rodgers added 94 yards and 3 touchdowns on the ground through 15 games.

He’s been playing at the highest level in the NFL over his last six games. The Packers are 5-1 over that span, and Rodgers is averaging 298.5 yards with 3 touchdowns per game in those contests.

Additionally, Rodgers hasn’t thrown an interception since Week 10 against the Seahawks. He’s struggled a bit in his last two games, but even then, he’s posted elite numbers.

He recorded 288 yards and 2 TDs against the Vikings last week while posting 202 yards and 3 TDs against the Browns in Week 16.

Will Rodgers play vs. the Lions in Week 18?

Rodgers is in an odd spot this weekend. He doesn’t have an injury designation for his toe and will start this game. However, how long he will play is a bit unknown.

Rodgers was adamant about starting this weekend. Likewise, head coach Matt LaFleur said that he would use his normal starters, as he doesn’t feel comfortable giving them weeks off. With that said, Rodgers’ playing time will be based on the game. LaFleur explained that he could play anywhere from a few drives to the entire game. He will draw the start, but Rodgers’ playing time is completely up in the air at the moment.

How would Rodgers’ absence affect the Packers’ offense?

Rodgers is arguably the best quarterback in the NFL, and he can support multiple players in his offense. Davante Adams and Aaron Jones have consistently been top options at their positions because of their star QB. If Rodgers were only to play limited snaps, Jordan Love could see a significant amount of playing time.

Love flashed a few throws in his only start of the season, but he can’t support players in the same way Rodgers can. In that game, Love threw for 190 yards, 1 TD, and 1 INT in what was viewed as a great matchup against the Chiefs. Yet, he became an immediate downgrade for the entire offense.

Are fantasy points available vs. Detroit?

There are plenty of fantasy points available for Rodgers or Love this weekend. Detroit’s currently allowing 18.1 fantasy points per game to opposing quarterbacks, which ranks 14th in the NFL. The Lions are conceding 244 passing yards per game and 8.3 adjusted yards per attempt. They’ve also given up 28 passing touchdowns with a 5.5% passing touchdown rate.

The obvious concern for quarterbacks is a blowout, as they won’t be throwing later in the game. Ultimately, Rodgers will be a QB1 for as long as he’s on the field. Green Bay could allow him to play the majority of the contest to lock up the MVP award, but that isn’t necessarily a guarantee to happen. He’s a boom-or-bust option with elite upside in this matchup.

It will be another week for the Green Bay offense without one of its key playmakers. This time, it will be the signal-caller.

Aaron Rodgers will not be active for Sunday's clash against the Chiefs. Rodgers has helped the team out to a 7-1 record to begin the year. The reigning NFL MVP has thrown for 17 touchdowns and 1,894 passing yards with only three interceptions.

In his place, Jordan Love will be making his first NFL start. He previously appeared in just two games, once in the season-opening loss to the Saints, when he completed 5-of-7 passes for 68 yards, and again the following week in a blowout win over the Lions.

MORE: Packers' QB depth chart

Why isn't Rodgers playing on Sunday? Here's what you need to know about why he's missing the game, and when he might be returning to the Packers' backfield.

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Why isn't Aaron Rodgers playing tonight?

This past week, Rodgers tested positive for COVID-19.

The Packers placed Rodgers on the COVID list on Wednesday after testing positive, which will make him ineligible to return before the matchup against the Chiefs. 

In addition to his placement on the list, he is also unvaccinated, which means he will not be able to return to the team until Nov. 13.

The previous week, it was wide receivers Davante Adams and Allen Lazard, who were both placed on the COVID list after he tested positive.

MORE: Fact-checking Aaron Rodgers' bizarre COVID beliefs

When will Aaron Rodgers return?

Rodgers will be out for a minimum of 10 days, meaning he will not be able to return to the team untiil Nov. 13, a day before Green Bay's game against Seattle, which could throw his status of that game into doubt.

Furthermore, if he is found to have violated the league's COVID-19 protocols, there is a possibility he could face more time. According to reports, he might have violated two possible protocols, which would have been traveling on the team charter as an unvaccinated player and speaking to the media in person without a mask.

However, at this time, Fox Sports' Jay Glazer said the league is looking more into fining the Packers' QB instead of handing him a suspension.

Which other Packers are on the COVID list?

Davante Adams and Allen Lazard both returned from the COVID list right before Rodgers and cornerback Isaac Yiadom were placed on the list.

Packers COVID list

  • QB Aaron Rodgers
  • CB Isaac Yiadom