Davon Godchaux was probably right, according to Aaron Rodgers.
Maybe the Patriots nose tackle could’ve chased down the 40-year-old during Sunday’s game.
And maybe Thomas Morstead’s cayenne pepper and water recommendation will change that.
Two days after Godchaux said he could “run him down and catch him,” Rodgers agreed and attributed that lack of mobility to the injuries plaguing him for most of the year, including the Jets’ 25-22 loss to New England.
But Rodgers, listed as a full participant in Tuesday’s practice with knee and hamstring injuries, said he felt better ahead of the matchup with the Texans on Thursday.
“I expect to be able to do a lot more this week … and hopefully I’ll be back to my faster-than-Godchaux speed,” Rodgers said.
While interim head coach Jeff Ulbrich didn’t want to label Rodgers’ mobility as concerning, he referenced how that skill has been one of Rodgers’ past “superpowers” alongside cadence.
He can extend plays. He can make difficult throws. But Rodgers also acknowledged that he’s not the same runner as he was during his peak years with the Packers — he topped 300 yards in 2009, 2010, 2015 and 2016, but has just 44 this year.
Still, when asked how he managed to feel healthier during a condensed week, Rodgers mentioned the cayenne pepper and water that Morstead gave him Sunday.
“I’m not sure how much that’s playing a factor,” Rodgers admitted, but that hasn’t stopped him from “gassing [Morstead] up.”
“[Morstead] gave me a little fountain of youth he said he’s been taking for a while,” Rodgers said, cracking a smile. “All legal, of course.”