Big Injury Adds to Aaron Rodgers’ List of Growing Pains as Packers Prepare for a Showdown Against Chicago Bears

Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers’ playoff hopes are almost over. Nothing short of an impossible comeback can rescue the season for the Cheeseheads. And things have only gotten worse after tackle David Bakhtiari’s minor injury turned out to be way more than just that.

Offensive tackle David Bakhtiari’s absence will be a major factor for Aaron Rodgers and the Packers’ offense against the Bears. Bakhtiari underwent an unexpected last-minute surgical procedure that has put a dent in his hopes of playing against Chicago on Sunday. David Bakhtiari had to undergo an appendectomy operation after complaining about a minor strain in his abdomen.

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Bakhtiari expressed his frustration on Twitter for the sudden development in events. “Thought I may have strained my abdomen or something this morning, so I brought it up to our team Doctor. Next thing I know, I’m having surgery. Did not expect this,” tweeted the 31-year-old 2013 4th-round draft pick. However, the surgery went well and fortunately will probably cause David to only miss a few games.

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Aaron Rodgers has not had a season that is up to the standards he has set in previous seasons. The reigning back-to-back NFL regular season MVP has 9 interceptions this season to go with his 21 touchdowns after Week 12 this year. This included a career-high 3 interceptions game against the Detroit Lions. On top of that, A-Rod had a partially broken thumb and was sidelined during last week’s game against the Philadelphia Eagles for a rib injury.

However, A-Rod declared himself ready to face the Chicago Bears. And his 23-5 record against the Bears gives him the needed motivation to show up on Sunday. With David Bakhtiari missing, Aaron Rodgers has to take his pocket game to the next level. No 12 has to find his receivers without throwing his o-linemen under the bus. WR Christian Watson has recorded 6 touchdowns in his last 3 games over 300 receiving yards. He will be A-Rod’s go-to guy.

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The Green Bay Packers also have to step up defensively to stop Chicago’s running game, especially if QB Justin Fields is on the field and fit from his shoulder hit. Aaron Rodgers turned 39 yesterday and will be looking to seal the birthday weekend with their fifth win this season against the 3-9 Bears.