Packers' Mike McCarthy ‘very cognizant’ of how often Aaron Rodgers throws in camp

Ryan Wood

USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin

Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) talks with coach Mike McCarthy during OTAs practice on May 31, 2018, at Ray Nitschke Field.

GREEN BAY - Aaron Rodgers didn’t let contract negotiations prevent him from having an active offseason.

Knowing another big payday looms, the Packers quarterback bought ownership stake in the Milwaukee Bucks this spring. He also visited the Dalai Lama and swam with sharks in the Pacific Ocean.

Coach Mike McCarthy said he didn’t see the episode of “Monster Tag” that aired during the Discovery Channel’s 30th anniversary of “Shark Week.”

“How did it go?” he asked Wednesday morning, one day before the team opens training camp.

Informed there were no close calls, McCarthy smiled.

“That’s good,” he said.

A year after Rodgers missed nine games because of a broken collarbone, McCarthy would like his quarterback’s health to remain throughout the upcoming season. He stopped short of saying Rodgers will be on a pitch count in camp, but acknowledge he’s “very cognizant” of how many times the two-time MVP throws.

With a backup battle brewing between Brett Hundley and DeShone Kizer, the Packers are expected to give plenty of reps to their younger quarterbacks in camp. McCarthy said he has no concern whether Rodgers is physically ready for the season, limiting the reps he needs.

“I haven’t seen him yet,” McCarthy said. “I’m sure he’s in great shape. I thought he was in great shape when he left here (after organized team activities).

“The interactive, cognitive training is what will be his focus.”