Packers rule out QB Aaron Rodgers for Steelers game Sunday
The Packers have ruled out Aaron Rodgers for Sunday's game against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
It will be Green Bay's seventh straight game without Rodgers since the franchise quarterback fractured his left collarbone during the first series of a 27-20 loss to the Bears on Nov. 4.
Backup Matt Flynn will make a fourth straight start. Coach Mike McCarthy said Friday that Rodgers has not received medical clearance yet, and that the organization feels Rodgers is not ready to play.
''Just as I've stated all along. We've got two different circumstances here. We've got Aaron Rodgers' health, and obviously where we are as a football team,'' McCarthy said. ''Until we feel good about where Aaron is medically, that will not be part of the second circumstance. So as an organization, we are not ready for him to play.''
Green Bay (7-6-1) went winless for five games before rallying for two straight come-from-behind victories with Flynn at quarterback to get back into the NFC North race. The Packers can win the division by beating the Steelers this week and Bears next week.
Rodgers this week said he hasn't suffered any setbacks. He appears to be improving each week.
Rodgers looked sharp in individual drills and other parts of brief portions of practice open to media, though Flynn has taken the majority of practice snaps.
McCarthy was peppered with questions Friday about the status of the 2011 NFL MVP.
''I think Aaron clearly wants to play. I mean, he's a very competitive man,'' McCarthy said. ''He's done everything he possibly can from his end of it.''
-
NFL Offensive, Defensive Rookie of the Year bets to make now, including a long shot
2024 NFL Schedule Release: Date, when does the season start?
What Blake Corum’s addition means for Kyren Williams, Rams’ rushing game
-
Why a former 250-pound lacrosse player is Bucs’ future leader on offensive line
2024-25 NFL MVP odds: Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen early favorites
2024-25 NFL odds: Patriots open with lowest Over/Under win total since 1991
-
2025 NFL mock draft: Who are next year's top prospects
Texans owner: WR Tank Dell will make 'full recovery' after being wounded in shooting
J.J. Watt says he'd come out of retirement if Texans 'absolutely need it'
-
NFL Offensive, Defensive Rookie of the Year bets to make now, including a long shot
2024 NFL Schedule Release: Date, when does the season start?
What Blake Corum’s addition means for Kyren Williams, Rams’ rushing game
-
Why a former 250-pound lacrosse player is Bucs’ future leader on offensive line
2024-25 NFL MVP odds: Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen early favorites
2024-25 NFL odds: Patriots open with lowest Over/Under win total since 1991
-
2025 NFL mock draft: Who are next year's top prospects
Texans owner: WR Tank Dell will make 'full recovery' after being wounded in shooting
J.J. Watt says he'd come out of retirement if Texans 'absolutely need it'