The Chicago Bears know that their chances of winning the NFC North anytime soon rest on one of two things. Either they build a defense strong enough to stop Aaron Rodgers, or that Rodgers somehow magically exits the division in the near future. Amazing as it may sound that second idea just gained way more possibility than anybody could’ve predicted.
By now most people know the story. Rodgers broken his right collarbone in a game against Minnesota a couple months ago. Many felt he wouldn’t be able to return for the rest of the season. Of course they also said the same thing in 2013 when he did it to the left side. That basically meant he’d likely return if the Packers managed to stay in the playoff hunt.
Well thanks to a couple improbable victories under Brett Hundley, they did exactly that. Rodgers returned for a huge game against the Carolina Panthers. Unfortunately it didn’t go well. He threw three costly interceptions and the Panthers prevailed 31-24. Following an Atlanta win the next night the Packers were officially knocked out of the playoff race.
It was then they may have committed a rare NFL rules blunder that could, in theory, cost them their quarterback.
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Chicago Bears might be rid of Rodgers due to a technicality
According to Adam Schefter the Packers might’ve made a mistake by putting Rodgers back on Injured Reserve after the Carolina loss. This despite no indications he’d aggravated his previous injury or suffered another. This would mean they violated an NFL rule that could result in an unprecedented move.
“Had the Atlanta Falcons lost to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Monday night, keeping alive Green Bay’s playoff chances, it’s possible Rodgers could have played Saturday night against the Minnesota Vikings. But the Packers opted to shut him down, which teams complained was a violation of NFL rules.
It is not believed that Rodgers suffered any type of new injury against the Panthers. If Rodgers didn’t suffer a new injury but was placed back on injured reserve anyway, NFL rules stipulate that the Packers would have to release him — which nobody expects will happen. It is why multiple teams raised the issue. Teams wanted to know why the Packers were being granted immunity.”
Now it’s important to understand the Packers hold a lot of sway in the league. It’s highly unlikely Roger Goodell and NFL brass would pursue this matter with enough rigor to actually make Green Bay cut Rodgers. At the same time, the mere fact the possibility exists is equal parts hilarious and hopeful that Chicago could have a very Happy New Year.
