Should Rodgers play even if we are eliminated from the post season?

[Pugger]

If Aaron is cleared to play holding him back would set a bad precedence. Why should he get preferential treatment while his teammates are out there busting their tails in "meaningless" games?

[call_me_ishmael]

Because he's Aaron Rodgers and they're not. Seriously, how is it different than holding out players before the playoffs? It's really not. This is simple. He's not getting cleared to play if he's not already cleared AND they're eliminated from contention. Money is irrelevant here.

[QBME]

Good topic, good thread. Lot's of different angles and takes.

If GB is eliminated, don't TT and MM want to work the team to figure out where the starting point is for next year? If so, play him. Or, maybe they want to see if Brett H continues to make progress in his game, so don't play him. How is the O Line producing for all the young running backs, different looks, different conditions? Then maybe play him conservatively.

If AR is truly healed and ready to go, he's going to want to play no matter what - just a winner's mentality.

[mraynrand]

Even if Rodgers is ready, I say start Geno Smith. We want to win games here.

[QBME]

Even if Rodgers is ready, I say start Geno Smith. We want to win games here.

Hair care products to the rescue!!

[Cheesehead Craig]

There's about $18 million reasons to bring him back.

Bring back T.O.!

[George Cumby]

Even if Rodgers is ready, I say start Geno Smith. We want to win games here.

Dumbass, we’re starting Manning

[woodbuck27]

It's all very interesting.

I simply want arguably the finest NFL Player 100% ready to play and be protected.

If the Packers are eliminated from the Playoff I see no advantage in him playing unless he insists he wants to play.

[mraynrand]

Dumbass, we’re starting Manning

Peyton, Archie or Chelsea?

[Zool]

Peyton, Archie or Chelsea?

What ever happened to that 3rd Manning brother we kept hearing about? Supposedly better than his older brothers. Maybe it’s him?

[Bretsky]

If we are eliminated, NFW would I send Rodgers back out there.

I could see Rodgers coming back and if we win the last three savings some jobs and we can all be upset when Dom returns

[Joemailman]

So when MM would be asked "Why aren't you playing Aaron Rodgers?", what should his answer be?

[Pugger]

So when MM would be asked "Why aren't you playing Aaron Rodgers?", what should his answer be?

If Mike decides to shelve him for the season even after the team doctors have cleared him to play he'd have to fib and say the bone isn't healed. The fans and the media might not know the truth but you can bet everyone at 1265 will know. This just sets a poor precedence and can poison a locker room.

[Fosco33]

0% chance that Aaron returns if we are out of playoff hunt.

M3 should tell everyone straight up. Football is violent sport. We lost this season and are preparing for next year. It's not worth risking an injury to the nfls best player. And then the gbp should do like the brewers did and give fans cheaper food, parking or proshop as a 'thank you'

[mraynrand]

0% chance that Aaron returns if we are out of playoff hunt.

M3 should tell everyone straight up. Football is violent sport. We lost this season and are preparing for next year. It's not worth risking an injury to the nfls best player. And then the gbp should do like the brewers did and give fans cheaper food, parking or proshop as a 'thank you'

I approve. Your last idea would be an acknowledgement that a lot of people paid good money to watch Rodgers play and are not getting it because of a coach's decision. Maybe as a good will gesture, the medical device company Synthes could give out free mock plastic compression locking plates (for bone fixation) to fans as they come into the stadium.