The Green Bay Packers were dealt a tough blow Sunday, losing to the division rival Minnesota Vikings on a last second field goal, 34-31. It was a back and forth game with twists and turns throughout, including four lead changes. Unfortunately for the Packers, they finished just short.
The loss dropped them out of the top spot in the NFC at 8-3. The Arizona Cardinals, via a win vs the Seattle Seahawks Sunday, propped them to a 9-2 record and the top spot.
Despite the tough loss, there are some key takeaways that point in the right direction for Green Bay, with one potentially major setback.
First, and most importantly, Aaron Rodgers toe injury did not seem to hamper his performance Sunday. It was reported that Rodgers had been dealing with a toe injury entering the game.
While Aaron Rodgers will play today, the toe injury is a real and concerning injury. Rodgers will likely have to deal with it for the remainder of the season, source said. https://t.co/iKRgOrdTvr
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 21, 2021
Just before halftime, Rodgers went to the tunnel a little early, as backup quarterback Jordan Love took a knee for the offense. Apparently the toe had really been bothering him. Rodgers didn't look like himself in the first half as the offense struggled. Then the 2nd half happened.
Rodgers looked like a different player, moving a bit better in the pocket and outside of it. He threw for three touchdowns in the 2nd half and finished with almost 400 yards in the game.
The toe injury is not going away, but Rodgers showed he can still play at an elite level with the injury.
Aaron Rodgers in 'a lot of pain' after aggravating toe injury: 'It's going to be another painful week next week'https://t.co/BFVCuvQsCS pic.twitter.com/XwTIW5RV6d
— Around The NFL (@AroundTheNFL) November 21, 2021
Another important takeaway from this loss to the Vikings is that AJ Dillon is fully capable of handling a full load at running back.
Dillon filled in for injured Pro Bowl running back Aaron Jones and played very well in relief. He ran the ball 11 times for 53 yards and caught six passes for 44 yards. That is a very Aaron Jones type line. The only thing missing was the touchdown.
Had the Packers not fallen behind 16-3 in the first half, they might have been able to run the ball a bit more. But Dillon at the very least showed he can be a work horse back if needed. Jones is expected to return soon, after MRI results showed only a minor MCL sprain.
But Packers fans can at least take solace in the fact that their back up running back is good enough that the offense won't miss a beat.
Not all of the news is positive. During the third quarter, starting left tackle Elgton Jenkins went down with an injury. It appeared to be serious. Jenkins was seen writhing in pain and immediately grabbed at his left knee. Jenkins was evaluated in the medical tent and eventually was carted to the locker room.
According to NFL Insider Ian Rapoport, the outlook is not great.
The fear is that #Packers stellar OL Elgton Jenkins tore his ACL, source said. Would be a significant blow, but he’ll have an MRI to determine the full extent.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 21, 2021
Jenkins was starting at left tackle because Pro Bowl tackle David Bakhtiari is still recovering from an ACL injury. That could make things very difficult going forward on the offensive line. That's especially true next week as Aaron Donald, Von Miller and the Los Angeles Rams will visit Lambeau Field.
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