Report: Teams believe Rodgers should be released after Packers broke IR rule

Multiple teams have reportedly complained to the NFL that the Packers violated rules by placing Aaron Rodgers back onto injured reserve without the quarterback suffering a new injury, and argue Green Bay should be forced to release him as a result, sources told Adam Schefter of ESPN.

NFL rules state a player is required to have sustained an injury that would put them on the shelf for at least six weeks to warrant their designation onto IR. If that isn't the case, the team is compelled to release the player.

Rodgers returned for the Packers' game against the Panthers after an eight-week layoff due to a broken collarbone, but the loss in Carolina - combined with an Atlanta Falcons win Monday - knocked Green Bay out of playoff contention. When their elimination was confirmed, the Packers shut Rodgers down for the season.

It's not believed Rodgers sustained a new injury against Carolina, though he did take significant punishment during the contest and coach Mike McCarthy said the quarterback was "sore" after the game.