The Minnesota Vikings have not completely ruled out Aaron Rodgers just yet. It appears they are considering handing over the quarterback duties to J.J. McCarthy for the upcoming season, provided last year’s first-round pick is healthy and capable of meeting the expectations that head coach Kevin O’Connell will set for him.
Taking the initial steps is one thing, but mastering them is another. That’s why the door must stay open for Rodgers. Even though McCarthy has all the potential, if he doesn’t fully grasp a high-level offense before the season starts — or at least shows significant progress early in the season — it wouldn’t make sense to start him.
Former Packers linebacker A.J. Hawk appeared on Pat McAfee’s ESPN show and mentioned that the Vikings might still believe they will need Rodgers at some point. “The Vikings had the chance to completely shut the door on Aaron Rodgers, but they didn’t,” Hawk said. “I know Aaron Rodgers has a lot of respect for everyone in that Pittsburgh Steelers organization.”
