Free agent defensive tackle B.J. Raji will not play in 2016, but he has not "ruled out a return in the future," the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports.
"This decision was made after hours of conversation with close family members and mentors and considerable self-introspection and is one in which I am absolutely certain," Raji said. "I cannot rule out a return to the NFL in the future, but I will definitely not be playing during the 2016 season." Although a disappointing free agency probably played a part in Raji's decision, he's also battled various lingering injuries during his seven-year career. He could be planning a "get right" year off the field with an eye toward a full-health return in 2017.
The Packers' defense was sorely missing Raji's typical run-stuffing presence in the front seven this past year, ranking 26th in Adjusted Rushing Defensive Net Expected Points per play in 2015.
Source: Rotoworld.com