Aaron Rodgers looked like his usual, legendary self Sunday night as the Green Bay Packers hung 45 points on the Chicago Bears.
He threw four touchdowns, with two going to star receiver Davante Adams.
It was a vintage performance for Rodgers that also keeps the Packers in the race for the top spot in the NFC.
So why should there be any cause for concern?
The concern arises from Rodgers’ injured toe.
That has been a story for a month now and Rodgers has only recently returned to practice because of the ailment.
Yet he has been playing like an MVP the entire time, making it easy for fans to forget he is hurt.
NFL insider Ian Rapoport gave Packers fans a reminder of the situation Monday morning after Rodgers himself mentioned some increased pain following Sunday night’s win.
From @GMFB: #Packers QB Aaron Rodgers had a little setback with his broken toe last night, and he'll have it examined today. pic.twitter.com/WJMMucMQB4
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 13, 2021
Rodgers mentioned the toe felt worse than it has before.
Should Packers fans panic?
Fighting Through The Pain
Rapoport mentions how Rodgers can undergo surgery, but that it is a bit of a last resort.
The surgery is not major, which is why it could be a possibility.
During his post-game peas conference, Aaron Rodgers said he suffered a setback Sunday night to his fractured toe and it “feels worse”. Surgery is, in his words, “a last resort, for sure.” But the toe is expected to be re-examined.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 13, 2021
Yet this situation may all come down to pain tolerance.
Rodgers said it felt worse than before, but still threw for 341 yards and four touchdowns.
An issue would arise if Rodgers’ ability to throw the football is affected by the injury.
If he starts throwing interceptions or taking more sacks because of the pain, something must be done.
The Packers have already assured themselves another NFC North title.
Now the focus is on getting the top seed in the NFC.
That battle features Green Bay, Arizona, and Tampa Bay.
But is letting Rodgers play hurt worth the extra bye in the middle of January?
Green Bay finishes the season in Week 18 with a matchup against the Detroit Lions.
That may mark the week where he can get his toe fixed, or even get some extra rest before the postseason.
That is true whether the Packers lock up the top spot or not.
NEXT: 3 Reasons Why Aaron Rodgers Owns The Bears