Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers exited Sunday’s 40-33 loss to the Eagles early after sustaining an oblique injury in the second half, per the team.
Rodgers appeared to be in noticeable pain before exiting Sunday Night Football near the end of the third quarter to head to the locker room with trainers for an evaluation. Rodgers, who was seen on the broadcast walking in a hallway inside Lincoln Financial Field without a uniform on, ultimately missed the rest of the game despite being listed by the team as questionable to return.
After the game, Rodgers clarified to reporters that he actually sustained a rib injury in the first half, and was forced to exit after re-aggravating the injury. He also shared that he avoided any “major structural damage” after revealing that he was worried about a possible punctured lung.
“Just having a hard time breathing, and rotating my upper body,” said Rodgers, who completed 11 of 16 passes for 140 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions prior to exiting.
With Rodgers set to undergo additional testing on Monday to determine the extent of his latest injury, the 38-year-old could face a tough decision depending on the diagnosis with the Packers (4–8) quickly sliding out of the playoff picture. Rodgers has reportedly been nursing an avulsion fracture in his right thumb since Week 5, and decided to play through the injury instead of undergoing surgery.
Backup QB Jordan Love again looked impressive in Rodgers’s absence after taking over to begin the fourth quarter. The third-year pro made an immediate impact by finding wide receiver Christian Watson for a 63-yard touchdown four plays into Green Bay’s first drive of the quarter.
Love finished the game 6–of-9 for 113 yards and a touchdown.
