Packers’ Aaron Rodgers, Falcons’ Devonta Freeman among Players on IR

Packers QB Aaron Rodgers in 2017.
Aaron Rodgers with the Packers in 2017. Photo by Scott Kinser/CSM/REX/Shutterstock (9295518t)

The Green Bay Packers head coach Joe Philbin declined to confirm where Aaron Rodgers would play against the New York Jets on Sunday after suffering a groin injury in Sunday’s loss to the Bears.

I’m hopeful he’s going to practice, and I’m hopeful he’s going to play,” – Philbin said as to whether the quarterback would practice on Wednesday and play on Sunday.

With no shortage of quarterback alternatives, the Packers could sideline Rodgers for the remaining two weeks of the season and give him ample time to recover from the injury.

Meanwhile, the Atlanta Falcons confirmed running back Devonta Freeman would not return to the NFL this season on the same day.

“He won’t make it back,” head coach David Quinn said.

The running back has been out for the better part of this season, only playing in two games and logging 68 yards for 14 carries and 23 yards receiving for five catches. The Falcons haven’t performed well since his injury, currently ranked 30th in the league for rushing yards.

Other players to stay in the IR include Dolphins running back Frank Gore who has a foot injury and Browns cornerback Denzel Ward who suffered a concussion. Odell Beckham Jr. also missed Wednesday’s practice session but Giants coach Pat Shurmur couldn’t confirm whether the receiver will be placed on injured reserve.