Severity of Aaron Rodgers' toe injury revealed

Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers has been playing through a painful toe injury since his return to the lineup. Originally, Green Bay hoped a well-timed bye week would allow the proper amount of healing to take place. However, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports the injury may plague Rodgers for the remainder of the season.

“Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers’ toe injury is expected to last for the remainder of the season, sources told ESPN,” wrote Schefter. “One source told ESPN that doctors can’t completely numb the fractured left pinkie toe because Rodgers has to feel his foot to throw. Otherwise, it drags and he can’t feel it plant.”

The week off helped Rodgers get some rest, but it’s evident that his injury requires more than that. Moreover, Schefter revealed that Rodgers plans to play through the pain. After the season, he’ll evaluate the best strategies to move forth with.

“If Rodgers had elected for surgery during the season, the operation would have required a pin be placed in the toe. And the three-time league MVP can’t play with the pin,” wrote Schefter. “Rodgers therefore will delay his decision to have surgery until after the season. If it even is needed at that time.”

In his games since injuring the toe, Rodgers‘ play hasn’t been hindered. He’s continued to play at an MVP level, while the Packers have continued their winning ways. Time will tell if the injury gets worse. However, it seems like a minor speed-bump — not a full derailment of the Packers’ season.

Preview: Bears at Packers

Aaron Rodgers will welcome the Chicago Bears for a Sunday Night Football fight this weekend. It’s the first time Rodgers faces Chicago since his infamous “I own you!” celebration he broke out at Soldier Field.

Still, Rodgers has backed up that statement his entire career. When rumors persisted of the Packers quarterback being unhappy in Green Bay, prayers were sent to the heavens hoping Rodgers would be wearing a different uniform. The star quarterback has terrorized the Bears over the years, amassing a 21-5 record when playing Chicago.

As the Bears twirl at the bottom of the NFC, Rodgers and the Packers are in a battle for the No. 1 seed in the conference. Tonight’s game could be likened to the Bears’ Super Bowl for 2021 — beating their most-hated rival would be a feather in the cap of rookie Justin Fields.

However, Aaron Rodgers usually shines when the lights are the brightest — especially against the Bears. Returning from their bye week, it’s tough to see the status quo changing in what could be Rodgers final opportunity to defeat the Bears as a member of the Packers.