Packers' Aaron Rodgers will play against Jets
Packers QB Aaron Rodgers suffered a groin injury against Bears. Credit: Getty Images/Jonathan Daniel
FLORHAM PARK, N.J. – Aaron Rodgers plans to play Sunday against the Jets.
There was some question about whether the Packers would shut down Rodgers for the final two games. They’re out of the playoffs and Rodgers has been dealing with a knee issue and he suffered a groin injury in Sunday’s loss to the Bears.
But Rodgers was a full participant in practice Wednesday, and he told reporters in Green Bay that he wants to finish out the season on the field.
“I think it’s a lot about leadership,” Rodgers said. “If I want to be listened to and followed and looked up to, how can I stand here and say, that these games don’t matter for playoffs, I’m going to cash it in? It’s not the way I lead.
“I’m super competitive. I want to be out there with the guys. I look forward to being out there.”
On a conference call with Jets writers, interim Packers coach Joe Philbin wouldn't directly answer questions about Rodgers' status. But the Jets are preparing for Rodgers to play, and looking forward to trying to stop him.
“To me he is the best quarterback in the league,” Jets second-year safety Jamal Adams said. “He’s going to be ready to play. He’s a hell of a competitor and I’m definitely looking forward to going up against him for the first time. I used to watch him as a little boy.”
Shell sidelined
The Jets placed right tackle Brandon Shell (knee) and linebacker Jeremiah Attaochu (concussion) on season-ending injured reserve. They promoted linebacker Anthony Wint from the practice squad and claimed linebacker Emmanuel Lamur off of waivers from the Raiders.
Shell hurt his knee in the second half of Saturday’s loss to the Texans, and was carted off the field. Todd Bowles described it "pretty bad.” He said he couldn’t get into specifics, but Shell likely would need surgery that could lead to him missing the start of next season.
Special honor
When Bowles called kicker Jason Myers to tell him he made the AFC Pro Bowl team, he immediately asked his coach if returner Andre Roberts did too. Myers and Roberts both made their first Pro Bowls.
“It feels real good,” Roberts said. “It’s my ninth year and fifth team. It’s just an honor.”
Injury report
Quincy Enunwa (ankle), Darry Roberts (toe) and Kevin Pierre-Louis (shoulder) did not practice.
Al Iannazzone covers the Jets for Newsday after spending nearly two decades on the NBA beat with Knicks and Nets.
