Packers' Rodgers breaks collarbone, may be out for season

[October 16, 2017]  (The Sports Xchange) - Green Bay Packers All-Pro quarterback Aaron Rodgers suffered a broken right collarbone during Sunday's game against the Minnesota Vikings, the team said.

The Packers said in a tweet that there was a chance Rodgers could miss the rest of the season.

Rodgers suffered the injury in the first quarter after taking a hard hit from Vikings linebacker Anthony Barr. Rodgers, rolling out to the right on a second-and-nine play from the Green Bay 39, was hit by Barr after releasing a pass that fell incomplete.

"Losing Aaron Rodgers speaks for itself. In my opinion, he's the best player in football," Packers head coach Mike McCarthy said.

Rodgers appeared to land on his throwing arm and laid on the turf for several seconds before trainers attended to him. He left the field under his own power and exchanged words with members of the Minnesota defense on his way to the sideline. There was no penalty called on the play.

After a brief examination on the sideline, Rodgers was taken away on a cart. He was replaced by third-year pro Brett Hundley.

It was the second broken collarbone of Rodgers' pro career. He missed seven games in the 2013 season after suffering a similar injury versus Chicago when he broke his left (non-throwing) collarbone.

 

Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) is taken off the field on a cart in the first quarter against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports

Rodgers, 33, led the Packers to the Super Bowl title after the 2010 season. A two-time league most valuable player, he has earned All-Pro honors six times.

He was 2-for-4 passing for 18 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions in Sunday's game. He has thrown 13 touchdown passes and had three interceptions this season.

"We pray for Aaron Rodgers' speedy recovery," Vikings defensive end Everson Griffen said. "He is one of the best quarterbacks in the game. I pray for him. I love playing against him. He is a competitor."

(Editing by Gene Cherry)

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