It is raining good news in Green Bay and the timing could not be better. After injuries to some marquee players headlined the year for the Packers, the team is expecting almost everyone back and healthy in time for a showdown against the Chicago Bears. With playoffs on the line, Aaron Rodgers and Eddie Lacy will play while Randall Cobb could also make a return.
Thursday morning came the announcement that Rodgers would return as the starting quarterback for the Packers after Matt Flynn and Scott Tolzien attempted to keep the team together for the last few weeks. Head coach Mike McCarthy ended the week of speculation saying Rodgers looked great in practice all week and had been mdically cleared by team doctors following a fractured collarbone.
"To be honest with you, I feel good for Aaron," McCarthy said, via ESPN.com. "I don't think people realize the stress he's been under. He's been on board with playing for quite some time now. We were holding him out of the game, and that's tough. That's a tough thing to go through. It's the first time I've ever been through it, especially at this extent, especially with Aaron Rodgers. We're talking about the best player in football, and just to see what he had to go through. Yeah, I feel good about it."
Next on the list is rookie running back Lacy. After tweaking his ankle three times in three weeks, the running back is expected to play against the Bears despite missing Thursday's practice. McCarthy notes the sprain is not a severe high ankle sprain and Lacy should be good to go.
Lacy has been the focal point of the Packers offense in the wake of Rodger's absence. Things have been up and down for the rookie as opposing defenses have been stacking the line in anticipation for a heavy run game. That was especially noticeable against the Detroit Lions where he had just 16 yards total of rushing. However, Rodgers will make the Green Bay offense balanced once again, easing the pressure for Lacy.
Also on the list for a possible return is wide receiver Randall Cobb. After being placed on injured reserve following a fractured tibia in Week 6, Cobb has been practicing and looking strong for the team. McCarthy has nothing but praise for the wide receiver and his attitude in wake of the severe injury and a return to the active roster could come on Friday.
