Rodgers’ absence from practice taking its toll
GREEN BAY - Wednesday marked the fifth day of practice Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers has missed since he sprained his left knee Sept. 9 against the Chicago Bears.
It might not seem like a lot, but when your best player isn’t on the field during the heart of the practice week, you can’t help but wonder if it affects the offense’s performance.
Coach Mike McCarthy thinks it affects the entire team’s performance.
“He’s clearly the guy that probably stirs the drink down there on Hinkle Field,” McCarthy said. “He’s so competitive. Once again, the quarterback position has to bring that to your program. You cannot grow during the week if your quarterbacks aren’t bringing it.”
When it comes to practice snaps, Rodgers is loath to give up more than a few to his backups in normal circumstances. Besides using the time to get his timing down with receivers, running backs and the offensive line, he gets to feel how certain plays will work and what adjustments might need to be made.
Rodgers isn’t being afforded that opportunity during the two mid-week practices, which are the most important of the week.
Each of the last two weeks, Rodgers has spent Wednesday through Friday rehabbing his knee and then practicing on Saturday. If he didn’t do it that way, he might not be able to play on Sunday.
“I do love to compete,” Rodgers said. “There’s no doubt about it. It is difficult and different for me to not be out there. I’m one who always loves being out there because you’re not just competing but you’re working on things with the guys and working on the game plan, especially on days like Wednesday and Thursday.
“So that’s been obviously a struggle for me.”
Bulaga in, Graham out
Right tackle Bryan Bulaga was a surprise participant and tight end Jimmy Graham a surprise non-participant in practice Wednesday.
Bulaga left the game at halftime Sunday against Washington because of a back injury and McCarthy had given no indication that his starting right tackle might be back this week. Though he was a limited participant, Bulaga was going through all the drills the other linemen were doing.
Graham didn’t appear to suffer an injury Sunday, but he missed the entire workout with what was listed as a knee injury. McCarthy did not address the injury during his news conference before practice.
Right guard Justin McCray (shoulder) did not practice and his status remains in question. McCarthy hasn’t said who would start for McCray, but Byron Bell finished the game Sunday.
Cornerback Kevin King (groin) was in attendance but did not participate. He said he was able to run inside the Don Hutson Center and is getting better.
Safety net
Running back Aaron Jones received a hearty thank you from Washington quarterback Alex Smith during the middle of the game Sunday.
Smith was running to the sideline when linebacker Clay Matthews gave him a two-hand shove just before he went out of bounds. Smith went flying toward the bench where Jones was sitting.
Jones stood up and caught Smith, then fell back in a sitting position with Smith on his lap.
“I was watching it on the screen and I saw a bunch of the guys sitting next to me getting out of the way,” Jones said. “I looked up and here he was coming. There was a fan behind me and an oxygen tank.
“He could have really gotten hurt. I don’t want anyone to get hurt. I would want someone to do the same if it was me on the sideline.”