McCarthy: Packers need to 'take care' of Rodgers' arm

Aaron Rodgers is entering his 13th NFL season and is coming off a year in which he attempted more than 700 passes. If the Green Bay Packers are to keep their franchise quarterback in peak condition, they know they have to refrain from overworking him.

"This is the most he'll throw all year," head coach Mike McCarthy said of Rodgers' training camp workload, according to ESPN's Rob Demovsky. "We've always charted Aaron's throws here, particularly the last couple of years. So we're conscious of that. But he gives good feedback. He doesn't like to not practice, the importance of him being on the field is important. But we've got to make sure we take care of his arm."

The New York Giants said Thursday they'll have quarterback Eli Manning on a "pitch count" as he enters his 14th season. The Packers won't go that far, but Rodgers said he'll play it safe if he's feeling overworked.

"I'm usually smart about the first week, as far as not getting too many (throws), but I'm competitive as well, so I want to be out there for the reps," Rodgers said. "I want to be on the same page as the young guys, the new guys. There's a great deal of communication, so if there's any issues with me throwing, of course there usually aren't, I'll tell (McCarthy).

"But no, I don't really have any restrictions on me."