Aaron Rodgers was hoping for good news Tuesday after the quarterback underwent tests on his fractured collarbone. Hoping to clearance to play in Green Bay's Week 14 matchup against the Atlanta Falcons, but that did not come. The setback is certainly bad news for Green Bay, but it could also be bad news for Rodgers' season.
"At this point, it's really about the risk of going back out there," Rodgers said, via ESPN.com. "I can't say this morning was the greatest news because I was hoping for full clearance to get back out there and we didn't get that. It's Tuesday so we have a good amount of time before the game."
Head coach Mike McCarthy confirmed that doctors had not cleared Rodgers to play. The quarterback will continue practicing with the team on a very limited basis, hoping to receive clearance sometime before the week is over. McCarthy certainly wants his franchise quarterback out on the field and notes that he will play when he receives clearance, but that was only pertaining to this week. If Rodgers is not cleared this week, he might be out the remainder of the season.
"I desperately want to be back on the field, and that's been my stance from the beginning," Rodgers said. "If I'm healthy, I want to be on the field. Would hate to be in a situation where we're out of it, but this is my team. I'm the leader of this team, and I want to be out there."
McCarthy denied confirming that Rodgers would be shut down if he was not cleared for Week 14, but sources say there have been internal discussions on the matter. If the Packers lose to the Falcons their playoff chances are essentially over. There would really be no reason to rush Rodgers back on the field if the team is not in contention for a postseason spot.
If Rodgers is in fact out, Matt Flynn will get the start. The one-time Green Bay backup re-signed with the team after Seneca Wallace went out with an injury. His first start back as a Packer did not go as planned after he was destroyed by the Detroit Lions. Flynn went 10-of-20 for 139 yards and one interception in the Thanksgiving loss. He was also sacked seven times. McCarthy confirmed that despite the low numbers, Flynn would remain the starter.
Scott Tolzien sits behind Flynn. He fared well in his first start, but a slow game against the Minnesota Vikings saw him getting benched and likely not returning.
