Green Bay Packers coach Matt LaFleur said Friday that quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who sat out Thursday night’s preseason game against the Baltimore Ravens with back tightness, is expected to be on the field when the team returns to practice Sunday.
“That’s the plan. A lot of it’s going to be predicated on how he feels,” LaFleur said Friday. “I think he feels better, but we’ll see Sunday.”
Rodgers was planning to play the first quarter Thursday night in Baltimore but was scratched pre-game. The Packers described the decision as a precautionary one.
Rodgers may play next Thursday night when the Packers travel to Winnipeg to play the Oakland Raiders. If he doesn’t, he’s unlikely to see the field before the regular season kicks off Week 1 in Chicago.
Although LaFleur said he’d like to get Rodgers some reps during the preseason, he also said it wasn’t a necessity. The condition of his back and the playing surface in Winnipeg will likely determine how much Rodgers actually plays against the Raiders.
LaFleur believes there are some benefits of Rodgers getting on the field for preseason reps.
“I think those guys all going out together, prior to the Chicago game, just to work any kinks out. Just to try and get into the flow of a game,” LaFleur said. “Having him hear the playcalls when he’s actually the guy out there. Getting in and out of the huddle. Just getting into that flow.”
The Packers are scheduled to practice at 1:30 p.m. on Sunday. It’s an open practice at Ray Nitschke Field.
