Packers plan to stick with Brett Hundley and Joe Callahan after Aaron Rodgers’ injury

Aaron Rodgers’ broken collarbone has thrown the Green Bay Packers’ 2017 season into disarray. The Packers’ offense will have to adjust to a new quarterback for an extended period for just the second time in the past decade, as Brett Hundley takes the reins during Rodgers’ absence.

Hundley is the only other quarterback on the Packers’ 53-man roster at present, however, a fact that led to rampant speculation by Packers fans and media members about who the team might add as a backup option.

Several high-profile names were bandied about immediately, including CBS broadcaster Tony Romo and free agent Colin Kaepernick. However, the Packers’ track record suggested just one feasible course of action: promoting third-stringer Joe Callahan from the practice squad.

Indeed, that is what is the plan, according to Packers head coach Mike McCarthy. In his post-game press conference, McCarthy said as much, saying that “Brett Hundley is my quarterback, Joe Callahan is the backup.”

Callahan was the Packers’ fourth-best quarterback in training camp this year, and was beaten out by Taysom Hill. However, the Packers elected not to keep either one on the 53-man roster, taking their chances with getting one onto the practice squad. Hill was claimed on waivers by the New Orleans Saints — coincidentally, the Packers’ next opponent — leaving the team to keep Callahan instead.

For now, it is clear that the Packers will have no plans to look outside the organization for a quarterback. Callahan will likely be added to the active roster if Rodgers is placed on Injured Reserve (which would preserve his ability to return to the 53 after an eight-week period).

Stay tuned for more updates on the ongoing situation.