For the first time since breaking his collarbone, Aaron Rodgers spoke to the media about the injury and his outlook for the rest of the season.
Rodgers is back in Green Bay to rehab and spend time with the team, which he said lifted his spirits.
On Friday, he told the media there was a mix of sadness, frustration and disappointment right after the injury.
"The first couple days were really hard," Rodgers said. "The pain was intense, but you settle into starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel."
Biggest take aways from Rodgers interview:
- optimistic for a return this season
- still doesn’t like the hit
- staying out of Brett’s way— Chris Barriere (@chrisbarriereTV) November 3, 2017
This injury is significantly different than the one in 2013, he said, both because he's older and it required a different type of surgery.
There's no way to tell if Rodgers will be ready to play in eight weeks, but he made one thing clear: if he's not ready, he won't be playing.
"The only reason to come back would be that I'm healed completely," Rodgers explained. "If that doesn't happen in eight weeks, then there's not even a conversation."
If the Packers are still in the playoff hunt and he's ready to go, he will be back, he said.
"I want to be healthy, and that's the most important thing," Rodgers said. "But if we're healthy in eight weeks and it would make sense to come back, then I'm going to come back."
Rodgers also shared that he is not happy about the hit from the Vikings' Anthony Barr that will sideline him for nearly the entire season.
However, Rodgers said he is giving Brett Hundley some space to lead the team while he's out.
"He's a fantastic friend and player, and he's got an opportunity now," he said.
Hear more from Rodgers on NBC26.
