Aaron Rodgers Oct 9, 2022; London, United Kingdom; Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) leaves the field after the game against the New York Giants during an NFL International Series game at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

It’s been a pretty bad season for the Green Bay Packers and quarterback Aaron Rodgers so far. While Rodgers has seemed off for most of the year, we apparently now know that it’s because the reigning NFL MVP has been playing with a broken thumb.

The word on Rodgers’ thumb actually first leaked when a kid who met the quarterback through Make-A-Wish reportedly admitted that Aaron told him it was broken.

Rodgers also discussed his thumb during Tuesday’s appearance on The Pat McAfee Show, saying “My thumb is what it is. It’s been an issue since the Giants, but it’s not an issue that I’m going to rely on for an excuse or need.”

Wednesday, Rodgers came clean with reporters, admitting that his thumb is indeed broken but he has no plans for surgery.

“I think I’ve had worse injuries I’ve played with,” said Rodgers. “Definitely a challenge but the days off help. Feeling better this week.”

It certainly provides context for the moment during that game when cameras captured the trainers working on Rodgers’ thumb and then trying to block its view.

He’s also previously shown signs of his thumb bothering him during games.

Packers beat writer Ryan Wood broke down Rodgers’ stats before and after the injury and they provide a stark difference. Whereas before the thumb injury, Rodgers was completing 67 percent of his passes, averaging 231.4 yards per game, and holding a 95.7 rating, the six games after the injury have seen those numbers drop to 62 percent, 230.8 yards per game, and a 91.1 rating. Rodger has more touchdown passes in the last six games but he also has more interceptions.

[Matt Schneidman, Ryan Wood]

About Sean Keeley

Along with writing for Awful Announcing and The Comeback, Sean is the Editorial Strategy Director for Comeback Media. Previously, he created the Syracuse blog Troy Nunes Is An Absolute Magician and wrote 'How To Grow An Orange: The Right Way to Brainwash Your Child Into Rooting for Syracuse.' He has also written non-Syracuse-related things for SB Nation, Curbed, and other outlets. He currently lives in Seattle where he is complaining about bagels. Send tips/comments/complaints to sean@thecomeback.com.