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GREEN BAY, Wis. -- Green Bay Packers tight end Martellus Bennett dropped a social media bomb last Saturday when he posted on Instagram that he was "pretty sure" he would retire at the end of the 2017 season. "After conversations with my family I'm pretty sure these next 8 games will be the conclusion of my NFL career," Bennett posted on Instagram. "To everyone who has poured themselves and time into my life and career. These next games are for you. Thank you."
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On Tuesday, the typically long-winded Bennett gave just a one-word explanation about the post.
"Life," the 10th year veteran said.
Bennett signed a three-year, $21 million deal with Green Bay in the offseason and has been a gigantic disappointment. Bennett has 24 receptions for 233 yards, but he also ranks among the league leaders in drops (three) and doesn't have a touchdown reception.
Bennett, 30, has several off-the-field interests and owns a company called Imagination Agency, which specializes in children's books, digital apps and animated series.
"There'll be a point to sit down and talk to Marty," Packers head coach Mike McCarthy said.
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Green Bay has had its preferred starting offensive line together just once this season. That came in Week 6 in Minnesota, and even in that game, starting tackles David Bakhtiari (hamstring) and Bryan Bulaga (concussion) left early.
The Packers' starting offensive line all practiced Tuesday, good news for a team needing to get healthy.
"Yes, it'll be great to have those five guys," head coach Mike McCarthy said. "We've talked about this time and time again that the best offensive lines are the ones that line up and practice and play together week in and week out."
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Quarterback Aaron Rodgers was back in Green Bay for the first time since having surgery on his broken collarbone. Rodgers will do his rehabilitation work in Green Bay, attend meetings and try aiding backup quarterback Brett Hundley in any way possible.
"When he walks in the room, he has great presence," McCarthy said of Rodgers. "So it's great to have him back. I think really him stepping away and being out of town, I think, really helped him deal with his situation. But he's Aaron. It's great having him back in the building."
REPORT CARD AFTER 7 GAMES
--PASSING OFFENSE: C - Green Bay ranks 24th in passing yards per game (208.4) and 16th in passer rating (88.5). The loss of Aaron Rodgers to a broken collarbone was devastating, as backup Brett Hundley is averaging just 122.0 passing yards and has a 39.7 passer rating in the two games he's replaced Rodgers.
--RUSHING OFFENSE: C - Green Bay ranks 18th in rushing yards per game (101.6), but fifth in yards per carry (4.5). Packers head coach Mike McCarthy has leaned on his running game the past month, and that group has delivered.
--PASS DEFENSE: C - The Packers are 17th in passing yards allowed per game (223.1) and 19th in opponent's passer rating (90.2). Considering preferred starting cornerbacks Davon House and Kevin King have both missed time due to injury, Green Bay has played respectably.
--RUSH DEFENSE: D - The Packers are 26th in rushing yards allowed per game (125.7) and 21st in yards per carry (4.1).
--SPECIAL TEAMS: B-minus - Green Bay is fifth in net yards per punt (44.5), while kicker Mason Crosby had made 87.5 percent of his field goals. The Packers have returned a league-low six kickoffs, choosing to accept the touchback and start at the 25-yard line the majority of times. Green Bay is also 12th in punt return average (9.2).
--COACHING: D - Packers head coach Mike McCarthy wasn't ready for prime time after losing Rodgers in Week 6 and Green Bay suffered a huge divisional loss in Minnesota. With a full week to prepare for New Orleans without Rodgers in Week 7, McCarthy and his team looked even worse.
