Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers is having a fantastic season but, according to the latest NFL rumors, this could be his last. In other news, Sam Darnold isn’t worried about his future, while Cam Akers is reportedly anxious to make his return to the field.
NFL Rumors: Aaron Rodgers, Sam Darnold, Cam Akers
Aaron Rodgers Teases Retirement
Aaron Rodgers has been at the heart of NFL gossip for over a year now. Between trade requests, a toe injury, and a highly unscientific stance on COVID-19, the quarterback has always found a way to stay in the spotlight. Earlier in the week, the one-time Super Bowl champion wouldn’t commit to playing in 2022.
“I’m just enjoying this season for this season, and playing next year will definitely be in the though process,” Rodgers said, adding that he didn’t want to end his career on a low note.
For those that missed the offseason drama, Rodgers spent a good portion of the summer trying to facilitate a trade away from the Green Bay Packers. After a trade failed to come to fruition, the quarterback returned and has played some of the best football of his career. Through 14 games, Rodgers has completed 68% of his passes for 3,689 yards, 33 touchdowns, and four interceptions. If this is the final year for Rodgers in Green Bay, he’s going out on a high note.
Gotta be the 37 seconds that #Packers fans will never forget…
Nobody does it like Aaron Rodgers pic.twitter.com/6c4aoRKCoT https://t.co/93xnhgdLsk
— Eli Berkovits (@BookOfEli_NFL) December 28, 2021
Sam Darnold Not Worried About Future
Carolina Panthers quarterback Sam Darnold is going to start for the remainder of the 2021 season, but that doesn’t mean he’ll be starting in 2022. While he is under contract, Darnold’s combination of injury and ineffectiveness means that the Panthers could very well look for a new starter next year. However, Darnold isn’t letting the thought of a backup role get him down.
“I’m really focused on this week, to be completely honest with you,” Darnold said. “I’m focused on New Orleans and focusing on what we can do to win the ball game on Sunday…If I go out and start to worry about what these next couple of games mean and what the implications are for next year, that does nothing for me on Sunday.”
Regardless of what Darnold does over the next two games, it’s safe to say the Panthers will bring in some form of competition. After a 3-0 start, Darnold’s performance plummeted before suffering an injury against the New England Patriots. The team then signed Cam Newton to decent money, but the former MVP couldn’t do much of anything in his return to Carolina.
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Cam Akers Ready To Return After “Miraculous” Recovery
Achilles injuries are usually a kiss of death for running backs, but Cam Akers appears to be the exception to the rule. Just five months after his initial injury, the former second-round pick is back on the active roster. While he might not suit up in Week 17, head coach Sean McVay recently applauded Akers’ seemingly superhuman recovery.
“He has done a nice job. He’s been working really hard, obviously…What he’s been able to do is pretty special.”
Despite returning to the active roster, McVay said that the team isn’t going to rush him into service. “I know he is anxious to get out there. I have no idea when we’re going to get him back of if [he’ll play]…Let the medical staff, coaches, GM’s, and all that kind of stuff, figure that out. As far as what I’m seeing from him, really only have we gone fast one time where he’s been out there..last week he got a little bit of run in there and he looked good to me.”
With Akers clearly still working his way back and Darrell Henderson battling an injury of his own, look for Sony Michel to continue to lead this backfield. The former New England Patriot has performed admirably over the past month, recording 91% of the running back touches while providing strong support as a pass blocker.
Sony Michel is a dawwwwg pic.twitter.com/jj0GIXl2IP
— HoldenCantor (@HoldenCantor) December 29, 2021
Main photo:
Embed from Getty Images
