Aaron Rodgers digs deep to reveal true nature of toe injury
Aaron Rodgers has been dealing with a lingering toe injury, as NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero initially reported during Sunday’s Packers game vs. the Vikings. He told the media on Wednesday that he actually suffered a fractured toe.
Rodgers demonstrated his injury by pulling his foot up to the camera during his media availability.
On Tuesday, the reigning NFL MVP made his weekly appearance on Pat McAfee’s podcast, and the host asked for some clarity on the toe injury.
In response, Aaron Rodgers shut down rumors that his injury could be turf toe, while explaining his current ailment is far more painful.
“With all do respect to Tom Pelissero, I can say whatever I want,” Rodgers said jokingly. “I believe that I had mentioned that it is more painful than turf toe, and I had turf toe years ago.”
Rodgers went on to explain in graphic detail that his injury is more of a bone issue, instead of a joint issue that comes with turf toe. Now, we know that it was indeed a bone issue.
“It’s better the fifth toe than the first toe, or the second or the third or probably the fourth toe,” he said to McAfee.
This is a significant development to follow as the Green Bay Packers continue to make a push toward the playoffs. The 8-3 Pack take on the LA Rams on Sunday before a bye week.
Despite the painful injury, Rodgers had an impressive performance in the Packers’ three-point loss to the Vikings. Rodgers ended the game with 385 yards passing and four touchdowns without an interception.
Rodgers exits game early at halftime
On Sunday, after completing a spot-on touchdown pass to Josiah Deguara ahead of the half, Aaron Rodgers jogged into the locker room and missed the kneel down. Many speculated whether it was his toe injury that had him in a hurry to get off the field.
The Packers drove down the field for a nine-play, 74-yard touchdown drive, capped by Rodgers’ 25-yard pass to Deguara. It was the second-year Packers tight end’s first career touchdown.
After the extra point, which put the Rodgers and the Pack down by six, the reigning NFL MVP headed for the locker room. However, with 30 seconds left, the defense held Minnesota to a three-and-out.
Instead of getting back out onto the field, Rodgers’ back up Jordan Love checked in for the kneel at the Green Bay 35-yard line.
On3’s Sean Labar contributed to this report.