One team Aaron Rodgers already shut down could use him more than ever

A team that quarterback Aaron Rodgers ruled out joining could really use him right about now considering the latest injury news they received.

The NFL world is waiting for Green Bay Packers quarterback to return from his “darkness retreat.” Why? Because after that, he might announce his plans for the 2023 season. That being, staying with the Packers, requesting a trade elsewhere, or deciding to retire to join Tom Brady and J.J. Watt in the loaded 2028 Pro Football Hall of Fame class. Rodgers is already linked to the New York Jets and Las Vegas Raiders as potential landing spots if he is to request a trade elsewhere. There’s one team that may really need him right about now.

Early this offseason, Rodgers participated in the Pebble Beach Pro-Am golf tournament and was asked by the CBS Sports broadcast what his plans were. Rodgers said with a laugh “I’m not going to San Fran.” That, of course, is in reference to the 49ers.

On Wednesday, NFL Network insider Tom Pelissero reported that 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy had his scheduled elbow surgery postponed due to “ongoing inflammation.” Purdy will now meet with Dr. Keith Meister in early March. Pelissero points out that signs are pointing to Purdy having a UCL repair that will have him ready for the start of the 2023 season.

49ers’ Brock Purdy has elbow surgery delayed

However, the hope is that Purdy only needs an internal brace procedure, which has a six-month recovery timeline. If there is a “hybrid surgery” that’s needed to perform some reconstruction, that could further extend the time Purdy can miss.

Purdy suffered a UCL injury to his throwing elbow early on in the NFC Championship Game against the Philadelphia Eagles. When attempting a pass, Purdy had his arm hit by Eagles linebacker Haason Reddick. The rookie quarterback was replaced by Josh Johnson, who later had to leave the game in the second half after suffering a concussion. Purdy had to re-enter the game later on, but he couldn’t throw a forward pass due to the injury.

The 49ers‘ quarterback depth chart took hit after hit this past season. Trey Lance, who is the QB1, is returning from a fractured ankle suffered in Week 2. Jimmy Garoppolo, who broke his foot in Week 13, is set to be a free agent this offseason, and is unlikely to return. Now, the team is waiting to see how Purdy’s surgery goes in early March to determine how much time he could miss.

As for Rodgers, it’s unknown what his decision will be. Not only that, but it’s unknown when his decision will be announced. When it comes to the quarterback market in the offseason, it’s always interesting, as evidenced by the chaos last year.