Packers Morning Buzz: Mobility biggest factor in Aaron Rodgers decision
Welcome to your Morning Buzz, rounding up news and views regarding the Green Bay Packers from around the web and here at PackersNews.com.
The Packers practiced in pads Thursday as preparations geared up for their crucial NFC North test against the Minnesota Vikings at noon Sunday.
We'll start with Pete Dougherty's look at the possibilities surrounding Aaron Rodgers' injured left knee.
Pete writes:
Rodgers' status against the Minnesota Vikings will come down to whether he has pocket mobility despite his injured left knee. He had enough last week in the second half against Chicago to slide around like Tom Brady. That’s enough for him to play this week, too.
The question is whether he still can maneuver now that the adrenaline is long gone, and his left knee has swollen and stiffened from the sprain and collateral damage. The Packers can’t put him on the field if he’s a statue. That would invite disaster.
This is another gray-area decision for Rodgers, coach Mike McCarthy, general manager Brian Gutekunst, and of course, team doctor Pat McKenzie. It’s one they probably won’t make until Saturday or even Sunday morning.
Be sure to read the entire column here:
The Packers' young cornerbacks will be put to the test by Kirk Cousins and the Vikings, writes Tom Silverstein:
Randall Cobb inheritng the punt-return duties from injured Trevor Davis leads our Packers notebook:
Packers coach Mike McCarthy said it's "no layup" that Rodgers will be good to go against the Vikings:
Silverstein and Ryan Wood analyzed Rodgers' chances of playing Sunday:
Ian Rapoport of NFL Network says a Rodgers decision could go down to virtually the last minute:
Photography whiz Jim Matthews has a nice photo gallery from the Packers' practice Thursday:
Newly minted Hall of Famer Jerry Kramer will be honored at halftime Sunday:
Rich Ryman has a story of interest to anyone attending a game at Lambeau Field:
ESPN's Rob Demovsky looks back at how Rodgers has responded in the first week after a significant injury:
Rodgers is one of several standout players facing decisions on how to deal with potentially season-altering injuries:
Peter King of NBC talks to Bart Starr's son about his father's health and relationship with Rodgers:
The folks at "Good Morning Football" discuss how there also will be plenty of pressure on Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins in Sunday's showdown in Green Bay:
Even with a healthy Rodgers, the Packers might not be a match for the talented Vikings, writes Tom Oates of the Wisconsin State Journal: