Packers’ Aaron Rodgers explains why playing just one series in a preseason game ‘is a waste of time’

Aaron Rodgers has not played in a preseason game for the Packers since 2018 and would sit out the entire preseason again in 2022.

However, he’s also not opposed to getting Green Bay’s offensive action in the game. He just wants to make sure it makes sense when he does it.

The 38-year-old quarterback explained Tuesday at Packers training camp that when he plays preseason, he wants to play more than just one series. Why? Because he doesn’t think that kind of limited action is beneficial, according to ESPN.

I definitely don’t see any advantage in playing just one series. When we play, we should play and play a quarter, a couple of series, two to three series. Getting ready for just four plays is a waste for me.

“I’m not saying this to send Matt a message; I already told Matt the same thing,” Rodgers later added. “Let’s see what happens when we get there.”

The potential change to Rodgers’ normal preseason routine follows major changes on Green Bay’s offense. Former No. 1 receiver Davante Adams was traded to the Raiders, giving players like Allen Lazard, Sammy Watkins and Romeo Doubs the role of the team’s top three receivers in 2022.

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Elsewhere, the offensive line will have several new starters, at least until tackles David Bakhtiari and Elgton Jenkins return from knee injuries and keep them on the PUP list.

The Packers were already considering changes to their preseason approach prior to these changes. After all, Green Bay were beaten 38-3 by the Saints in Week 1 last season, and that came after the team seeded their starters for most of the preseason.

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Rodgers acknowledged those factors have left Coach Matt LaFleur with a difficult decision when it comes to resting or playing starters. Still, the quarterback made it clear that he only wants to play if there’s more than a series or a handful of snaps at stake.

I think it’s kind of a no-win for the outside of the building. When someone gets hurt [it’s], ‘I can’t believe they played against our boys.’ But if we go out and have a stinker [it’s]’I can’t believe they didn’t play it.’

You just have to do what’s best for the squad and Matt will do that. He’ll lean on the leaders of the football team and if he feels like we need to go out and play, we’ll go out and play. But I don’t want to just go out and play three tracks. This is a waste of time for me.

LaFleur has already announced that Rodgers will not play in either Week 1 or Week 2 of preseason, so all eyes will be on his status as he heads into the final week of preseason against the Chiefs.

It’s understandable that the Packers want to protect their investment. Rodgers signed the most lucrative deal in NFL history to stay in Green Bay this past offseason. It’s a $50 million AAV deal.

The Packers know what they have in Rodgers, even if he doesn’t get a lot of reps in the game with the new guys.

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Right now, LaFleur and the Packers are kicking the can out and putting that decision off for another day.

“We’ll probably look at it after New Orleans,” LaFleur said. “So don’t ask me for a few weeks.”