Just as Green Bay's season was beginning to get going, it appears it has halted just as quickly. The Packers main man, Aaron Rodgers, failed to get up after a big hit from Minnesota Vikings' Anthony Barr, suffering a possibly season-ending broken collarbone. It just shows how quickly Super Bowl dreams can be dashed.
Rodgers had also broken his collarbone on the left side, his non-throwing side, meaning a quick comeback was easier. Injuring his collarbone on the same side as his throwing arm just complicates matters.
How can Green Bay keep their season alive, and can they have Rodgers back for a play-off run if they get there?
My first thought when Rodgers went down was to pick up Colin Kaepernick. Kaepernick hasn't played, or been with a team, since leaving the San Francisco 49ers, a team he led to the Super Bowl back in 2013, back in March (the reasons for this are debatable), but there's no doubt he is the best unemployed quarterback available. He's born in Wisconsin, so there is a lot adding up to him being Rodgers' replacement.
Tony Romo's name has been thrown around a bit, but, in typical Romo fashion, that has been intercepted by his high-flying broadcasting career. Another Wisconsin native who may have left the NFL too early, thanks to rookie Dak Prescott, Romo's popularity has only grown since joining CBS' broadcasting team with his ability to predict plays before they happen.
Neither of these two have participated in any training camps, so they will be rusty coming into a team that is nearly halfway through it's season. It sounds nice, but it's not going to happen.
So, Brett Hundley? What does the former UCLA star offer the Packers?
Hundley has played back-up to Rodgers for the last three years, only participating in 6 games and has a ratio of one touchdown to three interceptions. Sunday against the Saints will be his first NFL start.
If the Vikings game last Sunday is anything to go by, Packers fans don't have a lot to look forward to, but he was thrown in with next to no preparation. The Saints defence isn't brilliant, which gives hope of keeping the Packers rolling into their bye week.
He was drafted by the Packers because of his similar style of play he showed at UCLA to Aaron Rodgers, but giving him the same tasks as a future Hall of Famer is far too big a task for a young quarterback starting his first match. But he is showing confidence. If nothing else, he is talking a good game.
"I've been doing this my whole life."
"I will lead this team."He has a lot to learn. Against the Vikings he held onto the ball for too long, meaning that McCarthy may look to have more plays that see him roll out of the pocket and exploit his athletic ability.
He will be a free agent in the 2018 off-season, meaning that he has a lot to play for. Could he keep the season going long enough for Rodgers to return? He has upcoming games against teams whose defences are suffering with injuries, maybe all is not lost yet.
What we have learnt is that no matter how well you prepare, all it takes is one hard hit to throw your season upside down.
How do you think the Green Bay Packers will cope without Aaron Rodgers? Share and comment.
You can read my other blogs at ScriptEye and I Can't Write Words here.
Green Bay still have two top class receivers in Jordy Nelson and Randall Cobb and an above average D. If you look at the success that the Jags have had this season, even with the dead weight of Blake Bottles at QB, there's definitely hope for the Packers if they can get more out of Ty Montgomery and their usually underutilised run game.
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