Packers QB Rodgers could return this season if ‘healed completely’

GREEN BAY, Wis. — Without a sling, and with considerably less pain than he originally endured, Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers addressed the media Friday for the first time since breaking his right collarbone 19 days ago.

“It’s good to be back,” Rodgers said. “Good week for me last week having surgery and then getting to stay out west for the initial rehab and checkup. But it’s good to be back here with the guys.”

Rodgers underwent surgery in California to repair an injury he said was significantly different from the broken left collarbone he suffered in 2013. An unspecified number of plates and screws were inserted to stabilize the fracture, he said, and the procedure was performed at a facility of his choosing.

He remained in California through the bye week before returning to Green Bay earlier this week.

“The first couple days were really hard. The pain, obviously, was intense. But you settle into starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel.”

Whether Rodgers can return this season is contingent upon his rate of healing, and more specifically how quickly the bone fuses around the newly installed hardware. The Packers have placed Rodgers on injured reserve, guaranteeing he will miss a minimum of eight weeks.

“The only reason to come back would be that I’m healed completely,” Rodgers said.