(Update: Aaron Rodgers is officially listed as questionable for Week 12)
Aaron Rodgers may have a realistic chance to play in Week 12, according to Pro Football Doc Dr. David Chao, after the quarterback was spotted in limited practice wearing a splint on his non-throwing hand that suggests his injury is less severe than initially feared.
Chao said Rodgers appears to have a non-displaced distal radius fracture, and the type of splint he’s using is an encouraging sign. “The thumb is completely free, so it is not a scaphoid fracture, and this bodes well for his playing this weekend against the Bears,” he said.
During the portion of practice open to the media, Rodgers was the only quarterback taking shotgun snaps, while the others worked under center. Chao noted this is intentional: snaps under center can jar the wrist more violently, whereas shotgun minimizes that impact.
Whether Rodgers plays will ultimately depend on whether he can demonstrate adequate ball security and mobility while wearing the splint. “It will be a coaching decision whether he plays with that splint in shotgun,” Chao said. “It’s up to Mike Tomlin if Aaron Rodgers plays this week.”
Because the thumb is free on the splint, Chao believes ball security concerns may be reduced.
Even if Rodgers isn’t cleared for the Bears matchup, his return appears close. “If he doesn’t play this week, it seems like he’s a go the following week,” Chao said.
Based on the video and the type of splint Aaron Rodgers is wearing, he has a legitimate chance to play this week. Because his thumb is free, the decision now comes down to whether Mike Tomlin believes Rodgers can securely handle the football.
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