The circumstances under which Bennett parts ways with the Packers are fishy.
Is it a coincidence that the 30-year-old Bennett’s injury was reported to the team three days after he said this on Instagram: "After conversations with my family I'm pretty sure these next 8 games will be the conclusion of my NFL career. To everyone who has poured themselves and time into my life and career. These next games are for you. Thank you."
Three days later, after the players had returned from their bye week, Bennett declined to elaborate on his decision with reporters in the locker room.
On that same day, Bennett reported to the Packers that he had a shoulder injury. On Nov. 2, he was added to the injury report and did not practice the rest of the week.
Is it a coincidence that the shoulder injury popped up two weeks after he saw his chances for a second straight Super Bowl vanish with the crack of Rodgers’ right collarbone on the U.S. Bank Stadium turf in Minnesota?
The Packers listed him as doubtful on the injury report Saturday and coach Mike McCarthy said Bennett was “still taking a visit or two,” intimating that the tight end was seeking a second opinion, which the team must pay for under terms of the CBA.
Bennett was not seen on the sidelines Monday night against the Detroit Lions.
Early Wednesday afternoon, McCarthy said in his news conference that Bennett had met with the doctors Tuesday and “there’s a number of opinions that he’s working through.” Later in the day, he was cut.
The only thing that could have caused the Packers to do that was if Bennett decided he wanted to have season-ending surgery. Given he had not been on the injury report all season, the Packers probably saw it as a ploy to either get cut so he could play for a contender or collect pay while on injured reserve.