If Jermichael Finley's days in Green Bay are over, Packers TE Andrew Quarless is probably the safest option to begin the season. But after shining throughout the spring, the rookie Richard Rodgers could be the starter sooner rather than later.
Rodgers (6-foot-4, 257 pounds) ran the 40-yard dash in 4.87 seconds coming out of California. That's two-tenths of a second slower than Finley ran back in 2008.
But Rodgers spent a lot of time working from the slot at Cal, the same place Finley did much of his damage while in Green Bay. Rodgers also has strong hands, changed his body while at Cal, and made plays throughout the spring.
The Packers have never been shy about playing rookies under head coach Mike McCarthy. And Rodgers could be the latest to get a shot.
"Richard Rodgers ... had a very good spring," McCarthy said. "There haven't been too many days where we have not walked off the field and reviewed film and felt very good about the things he is doing.
"The game is very natural to him. I've been very pleased with Richard so far."
Whoever plays starter's snaps for the Packers at tight end will be fantasy relevant. Rodgers is having a great summer and could emerge as the starter if Finley doesn't return to the team.
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