Aaron Rodgers proclaimed after leading the Packers’ stunning come-from-behind victory over the Bears that he will play next week against the Vikings.

There will be swelling overnight. He will receive extensive treatment and might be limited or miss practice, but no one can doubt he will play next week.

The only real question is how mobile he will be after suffering an apparent MCL sprain Sunday.

Packers fans and the entire football world held their collective breath when the NFL’s highest-paid player and arguably its most exciting quarterback went down Sunday night.


Rodgers was on the ground when a defender landed on his left leg.

Rodgers was elusive when asked post game what was hurt.

“My knee, felt something in it,” he said.

By video, it appears Rodgers has a left MCL sprain. I would expect a Grade 1 or 2 (mild) sprain.


.@AaronRodgers12 is back for 2nd half. No big ACL type brace but appears to have a hinged sleeve with metal stays on side like would be used with a mild MCL sprain. pic.twitter.com/0UcOepjn01 — David J. Chao, MD (@ProFootballDoc) September 10, 2018

The brace he was wearing when he returned to the game and how he moved supports this analysis.

No surgery is needed. I have virtually no doubt he will play next week, but he will need the next few weeks to fully heal. His mobility could be limited for 2-4 weeks.

Expect him to continue wearing the brace.


Some expressed concern given Rodgers’ history with the same knee.

But even though Rodgers was taken to the medical tent and then carted inside, by video the injury did not look bad to me.

Fortunately by video, no risk for re-injury to ACL there on that.

But I thought defensive players could no longer fall with their body weight on QBs without penalty? https://t.co/IT43Mn6SdW — David J. Chao, MD (@ProFootballDoc) September 10, 2018

Fortunately the video impressions of a not-serious or season-ending injury proved true, as Rodgers came back to play in the second half and led his team to a come-from-behind victory after the Packers were down 20 points.


No one ties their right shoe in a hurdlers stretch unless it hurts to bend your left knee. #AaronRodgers pic.twitter.com/xKL6UQFWrL — David J. Chao, MD (@ProFootballDoc) September 10, 2018

He moved gingerly and even tied his shoes in an awkward fashion. He clearly did not step into throws the same way as usual.

He also appeared to be wearing a hinged sleeve.

Over the next 2-4 weeks, as he heals, cutting and side-to-side moments will be affected, but he should be able to play. And clearly, he can still lead the Packers to victory.