Aaron Rodgers' broken collarbone will require surgery, QB's season 'potentially' over

The Green Bay Packers have still left the door open for injured quarterback Aaron Rodgers to return in 2017, but that possibility looks increasingly remote. On Monday, head coach Mike McCarthy said Rodgers' broken collarbone will require surgery and could "potentially" end his season.

Rodgers fractured his right clavicle on the Packers' second drive during Sunday's loss to the Minnesota Vikings, the result of a blow from linebacker Anthony Barr. Rodgers took his time leaving the field before briefly stopping in the team's medical tent. From there, the medical staff quickly transported him to the locker room for further examination. By the third quarter, Green Bay had officially revealed Rodgers' likely season-ending injury.

The two-time MVP has broken his collarbone before, the first time during the 2013 season on a similar hit from Chicago Bears linebacker Shea McClellan. However, that injury affected Rodgers' left shoulder and did not require surgery. This time, he broke the one on his throwing side and displaced it enough that he has to undergo a procedure to correct it. With surgery coming, the Packers may place Rodgers on injured reserve in short order to free up a roster spot.

With Rodgers almost certainly sidelined for the remainder of the season, the Packers must now plan for Brett Hundley to start the remainder of their games. If Hundley struggles or even if he proves to be an effective replacement, the team could look outside the organization to help settle the position.