The Green Bay Packers’ playoff hopes are on life support, but they could be getting a huge boost come Week 15 with Aaron Rodgers’ return.
The Packers are 5-6 and things aren’t looking good for them in the AFC playoff picture. Green Bay likely has to win out to have any chance of getting a wild card berth, with the NFC North already a lost cause thanks to the 9-2 Minnesota Vikings.
However, there could be major help on the horizon. Adam Schefter of ESPN reports that All-Pro quarterback Aaron Rodgers is on the mend form his broken collarbone and with any luck, could be starting under center come Week 15 against the Carolina Panthers.
Packers targeting Week 15 at Carolina for return of QB Aaron Rodgers, contingent on Green Bay being in playoff contention and the QB receiving medical clearance, per league source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 3, 2017
Without Rodgers, the Packers have gone completely in the tank. After starting 4-1 with Rodgers slinging the pigskin all over creation, Green Bay has only won a single game with Brett Hundley on the field, taking down the Chicago Bears at Solider Field.
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The Packers have not missed the playoffs in this decade, but it looks that without a borderline miracle, that’s where this season is headed. The only chance would be to beat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Cleveland Browns with Hundley, and then sweep the Panthers, Detroit Lions and Vikings in the final three weeks with Rodgers at the helm.
If Green Bay doesn’t find a way to make the playoffs, there will be lingering questions about the job security of head coach Mike McCarthy. McCarthy, who has been under heat for years, might be under the brightest light yet.