Aaron Rodgers believes he is going to play in the Green Bay Packers Week 14 matchup against the Atlanta Falcons. The quarterback originally targeted Thanksgiving as his official return from injury. However, the coaching staff appears to have a different opinion as to when the Pro Bowler will be back on the field, causing some conflicting reports as to who exactly will be under center for the team come Sunday.
Rodgers had been adamant that he would be ready to return either for the Packers' game on Thanksgiving or their Week 14 game against Atlanta. The quarterback has been out with a fractured collarbone that normally takes seven weeks to heal. A return against the Falcons would be just five weeks out from the original injury. While Rodgers did practice some of the week leading up to the Detroit Lions game, that does not mean he will return next week or for the remainder of the season.
NFL Network's Ian Rapoport is reporting that there are some indications Green Bay could shut Rodgers down for the remainder of the season depending on the playoff picture. ESPN's Chris Morensen added that there would have to be a "strong consensus" from team doctors and officials regarding Rodgers' next exams this week to determine his status against the Falcons.
Since the injury to Rodgers, the Packers have lost four-straight games including a 40-10 blowout against the Lions in Week 12. They are currently 5-6-1 and on the brink of getting shut out from the playoffs for the first time since 2008. If Rodgers is not cleared to play against the Falcons and Green Bay falls out of postseason contention, the quarterback will likely be finished for the year.
Rodgers continues to stress that he will return in Week 14. While attending the Los Angeles Clippers basketball game, the quarterback texted Jason Wilde of ESPNWisconsin.com and said he does not plan on playing until he is 30. That would happen on Monday so his status remains to be seen.
If Rodgers cannot go, either Matt Flynn or Scott Tolzien will take over. The rookie had shown some promise in Week 10 against the Giants, but was then benched in Week 12 after struggling. Flynn got the Thanksgiving start and went 10 for 20 for 139 yards and an interception. He was promptly eaten alive by the Lions defense, spending more time on the ground than upright.
The Packers need Rodgers healthy. A win against the Falcons would certainly keep the team alive for the playoffs, but right now nothing is a guarantee regarding Rodgers.