Packers are moving on from Amari Rodgers

The Packers gave Amari Rodgers ample chance to retain the lead punt returner job but they’re finally yanking him from that role.

Fans in Green Bay had to be wondering how many fumbles Amari Rodgers could get away with this season before the Packers went with a different option.

It turns out, the answer was four.

After Rodgers fumbled against the Cowboys on Sunday, the Packers turned to Keisean Nixon for the remainder of the day. On Monday, head coach Matt LaFleur confirmed that Rodgers won’t be fielding punts anymore.

Amari Rodgers loses punt return duties with Packers

The fumbled punt didn’t prevent the Packers from beating the Cowboys. They won 31-28 on a Mason Crosby field goal in overtime. However, it certainly made it harder for Green Bay as Dallas scored a touchdown on the ensuing possession.

Rodgers was lucky to have the punt return job at this stage. He had fumbling problems last year and they continued this year. The final straw came on Sunday.

Special teams coach Rich Bisaccia addressed the change with the media.

“I really like Amari Rodgers. Jersey No. 8 has put himself and put us in some bad situations, so you have to coach the man first and then coach the player,” he said.

The Packers will take on the Titans on Thursday. It’s pretty clear Rodgers won’t be returning punts but GB hasn’t committed to Nixon being the return man either.

Green Bay drafted Rodgers in 2021 out of Clemson. The third-round selection has played in 26 games over the last two years with one start at receiver. He has eight catches in his career, including four in 2022.

Without his role on special teams, it’ll be interesting to see where Rodgers goes from here. He hasn’t been able to break through as a front-line receiving target despite injuries and a lack of stars on the Packers depth chart.