GREEN BAY (Wis.) -- Aaron Rodgers has never been in a pitch count during training camp.At least, for the time being, the Green Bay Packers have him on one.Rodgers is still not fully unleashed after he missed all of the offseason work in Green Bay because of his disagreement with the team."I think that we're aware of that with all of our quarterbacks. Just making sure that [of] that because having three quarterbacks that's a lot wear and tear on the arm, and we don't want 'em to burn out 'em too early," Packers coach Matt LaFleur stated Friday. He and I discussed what number we are looking for each day, or if we should be below a specific number. We have a guy who lets me know when we are at the halfway point and I then relay it to Aaron."This number is in the low to mid teens for throws in 11-on-11 team period throws. Rodgers threw 13 passes during Friday's regular-speed team period (not including those at a jog through pace), 15 during Thursday's first practice, and 14 during Wednesday. The Packers coaches have also spaced Rodgers' throws. Friday's practice was the first time that Rodgers, 37, took five consecutive snaps in an 11-on-11 session. Jordan Love replaced him on Friday, when he had four consecutive snaps in the first two days. Even without pads, there have been some highlights plays.He threw a perfect throw to Davante Adam for a touchdown on Friday against tight coverage by Eric Stokes, his first-round pick.Rodgers ended practice Friday with 10 plays, eight passes. However, it was a walk-through. In practice, you'll see at least the same number of throws in small-group sessions.Rodgers was a regular participant in the majority, if not all of the offseason programs. The Packers did not feel the need to harness Rodgers' throws in the early part of camp because Rodgers had participated in them all. In 2016, however, Mike McCarthy, then-coach, pointed out that Rodgers' pitch count was being "conscious".Rodgers isn't lazy during the offseason. Rodgers posted regular photos on social media showing his workouts, but also talked about the mental work he did.Rodgers stated that he believes it is important to improve our mental health upon his return to Packers. As Simone Biles has shown, there should be more discussion about this. As athletes, we are often told that our mental health is unimportant. Only when it's discussed in the contexts of depression does mental health get talked about. Although I never had any depression, I have great respect for those who have. It was about clearing out any clutter. This is what I did this offseason. I made changes to my lifestyle and spent time with my family. I also traveled as safely as possible and was prepared to travel if I returned.Some off-the-field work was also done.Rodgers praised the work he did with Zoom's coaching staff last offseason when it came time to revising the offense. Rodgers didn't participate in this year's revisions.LaFleur stated that the biggest challenge was getting on the same page about some of the offseason tweaks we made to our offense. "And, you're kinda working through those now."
