Is Aaron Rodgers Healthy Or Injured? Will Rodgers Play In Week 8 Fantasy Football?

Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers may have you asking if you should “discount double-check” yourself before you wreck yourself for the remainder of the 2022 fantasy football season.

The 2021 NFL MVP suffered a thumb injury in his Week 5 loss to the Giants and his status is still in question heading into Week 8. Rodgers returned to practice on Thursday after being listed as a DNP Wednesday, maintaining a similar pattern to the past two weeks.

Rodgers is experiencing a drastic disparity in production from his 2021 numbers. He finished the season last year as QB6 in fantasy football. He currently stands at QB18 through 7 Weeks.

Is the thumb injury to blame for Rodgers’ disappointing production? Should you start him in fantasy football for Week 8? Here’s what we know.

How Has Aaron Rodgers Performed So Far in Fantasy Football?

Aaron Rodgers’ 13.8 fantasy points per game mark his worst average since Allen Lazard was in middle school in 2008.

The loss of star receiver Davante Adams left the Packers with a questionable receiving group. Rodgers is struggling to build a rapport with his young receivers, and he is not known to force chemistry.

Adams was the target of Rodgers' dreams in previous seasons and commanded a 28% target share in 2021. This year, six players account for roughly 10% or more in target share each, challenging Rodgers to establish a rhythm while spreading the ball out among his current options.

The thumb injury may also be a factor in Rodgers’ ability to target receivers downfield. He is currently averaging a career-low 2.8 completed air yards per pass attempt (CAY/PA), down from 3.7 in the 2021 season.

Will Aaron Rodgers Play In Week 8? Should I Start Him In Fantasy Football?

“History never repeats itself, but it does often rhyme.”

Rodgers' practice participation in previous weeks suggests he is likely to continue playing through the injury. Aaron Rodgers sets his own standard for game day availability, and his thumb injury is not likely to force his hand in Week 8.

Rodgers hasn’t missed a full game due to injury since 2017, but he has a history of pushing through some pain. Last season, Rodgers played while managing a fractured toe through Week 10 and beyond. Rodgers gets his work done through the air, however, and any injury to his throwing hand should impact his overall efficiency.

The team’s recent offensive challenges are enough to merit seeking a fantasy replacement. Rodgers breathes a sigh of longing for Davante Adams as the Packers prepare for a tough matchup against the Buffalo Bills in Week 8.

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