After undergoing successful season-ending surgery to repair his collarbone, Green Bay Packers starting quarterback Aaron Rodgers thanked fans on his Instagram account. Rodgers posted a photo of himself with the caption “thanks for all the love, support, thoughts and prayers.” He accompanied the caption with “#comebackstartsnow” and #riseagain.”
According to Packers head coach Mike McCarthy, Rodgers’ surgery “went very well.” Rodgers suffered the injury after he was brought down to the ground by Minnesota Vikings linebacker Anthony Barr.
This was the second time that Rodgers suffered the same injury, but the first occurred in his non-throwing shoulder in 2013.
With Rodgers out for the season, Packers will rely on backup Brett Hundley to carry them for the rest of the season. When he took over from Rodgers after he went down with an injury, Hundley completed 18 of 33 passes for 157 yards and a touchdown with three interceptions as the Packers lost to the Vikings, 23-10. Hundley will have his first career start Sunday when the Packers host the New Orleans Saints at Lambeau Field. The Packers are currently tied with the Vikings for the NFC North lead with identical 4-2 marks.
Packers to rely on Hundley to save season
During a press conference following their loss to the Vikings, McCarthy said the team will move forward with Hundley as starting quarterback and Joe Callahan as a backup.
McCarthy also slammed suggestions that the team signs Colin Kaepernick as quarterback instead of starting Hundley. McCarthy said he has already invested three years in Hundley, who was the team’s fifth round pick in the 2015 NFL Draft out of UCLA. Last season, Hundley played four games for the Packers, completing two of 10 passes for 17 yards and an interception.
Barr denies hitting Rodgers intentionally
In an interview with reporters, per NFL.com, Barr denied hitting Rodgers intentionally, saying he’s not a dirty player and the team doesn’t practice unfair tricks against opponents. According to Barr, he received around 3,000 tweets after the game, mostly criticizing him for the hit that ended Rodgers’ season.
With Rodgers now out, the Vikings are now the favourites in the NFC North. Barr wished Rodgers a speedy recovery, saying the quarterback is one of his favorite players to compete against. “I have the utmost respect for him and the entire Packers organization,” said Barr.
