NFL Rumors about Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers present some interesting news on Sunday (Dec. 24). Suddenly, social media is exploding, with many people posting rumors about the Packers releasing Rodgers. The reason for these posts stems from the Packers placing Rodgers on injured reserve after using him in Week 15 action. Did the Packers violate NFL rules in the process?

A report by ESPN analyst Adam Schefter states that multiple teams have complained about the Green Bay Packers. At issue is whether they violated the rules regarding players who are eligible to be placed on injured reserve.

If that rule is found to be violated, the Packers would have to release the player (Aaron Rodgers in this case) that was placed on IR. It has created a lot of debate about the situation, polarizing NFL fans across the country.

What do NFL rules say about injured reserve?

A clause in the NFL rules was provided by Schefter that would address this situation. “NFL rules stipulate that a player needs to have suffered a new injury that would sideline him at least six weeks to be placed on injured reserve." He goes on to note that, if that is not the case, once Rodgers is healthy, the team is required to then release him. Rodgers would then be on waivers for any team to claim.

So, by using an injured reserve slot for Aaron Rodgers, the Green Bay Packers are stating that he suffered a new injury against the Carolina Panthers.

This would be new news to NFL fans, as even Packers coach Mike McCarthy had stated that Rodgers was only “sore” in his return from IR (the first time). Is there an undisclosed injury that the Packers haven’t let fans and analysts know about yet?

Immunity for the Packers?

The NFL rules are very clear, in that a player who doesn’t suffer a new injury and winds up on injured reserve must immediately be released.

This is in the rulebook and every team is aware of the repercussions. It is also why so many owners around the league are upset that it seems the Green Bay Packers are being granted immunity in the situation with Aaron Rodgers.

It also has many New England Patriots fans wondering if the league would be this lenient if it was Tom Brady dealing with a misuse of injured reserve.

These NFL rumors will be a hot topic next week on all sports talk shows.

More NFL news

The New England Patriots have the inside track to clinching the top playoff seed in the AFC after they beat the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 15. Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski is also back in action against the Buffalo Bills in Week 16, despite getting a one-game suspension for a late hit during the first Bills vs. Patriots game of the season.
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