GREEN BAY, Wis. -- The most recent scan of Aaron Rodgers'
left collarbone didn't reveal the good news for which the Green Bay Packers
were hoping. Though Rodgers practiced Wednesday on a limited basis and claims
to have full range of motion and his strength back, the medical reports aren't
where they need to be.
With four days before the Packers' home game against the
Atlanta Falcons, and with Green Bay one more loss away from likely being eliminated
from playoff contention, Rodgers might continue to be sidelined.
"I don't want to put any chances on it," Rodgers
said. "I think it's a collaborative thing where we have to make sure we're
all on the same page and get cleared medically before I can get on the
field."
Given that it's the result of the medical scan that's preventing Rodgers from playing, the one-time NFL MVP quarterback
needs to heal quickly in the coming days. However, coach Mike McCarthy said
"we're not going to continue doing that," when asked if Rodgers will
be scanned again this week. Therefore, it seems unlikely that Rodgers will be
ready for Sunday's game.
"I think you have to just follow the protocol of the
rehab," McCarthy said. "This is a medical situation just like every
other player, and they have a plan for him to progress and hopefully he comes
in here tomorrow (Thursday) and feels better and maybe he'll be able to do more
tomorrow, so we'll see."
Rodgers only did individual drills in Wednesday's practice
while Matt Flynn took all of the starter's reps. With Rodgers' status uncertain, the Packers will not wait until game-time
Sunday to decide who their starting quarterback will be.
"No, I don't think that's fair to Matt if we do
that," Rodgers said. "I think by Friday, or Saturday at the latest,
there will be a decision."
After Green Bay's Thanksgiving game last week, Packers
players had the weekend off. Rodgers used that time to travel back to his home
state of California, but while he was there, reports surfaced with updates on
his progress. Knowing that his medical information was being disseminated did
not sit well with Rodgers.
"There's enough people who are supposedly getting leaks
from this organization that can make their own assumptions," Rodgers said
when asked specifically about his scan.
Other reports suggested that the Packers were considering
shutting down Rodgers if Green Bay loses to the Falcons, though McCarthy denied
Tuesday that any conversations like that took place. Asked of that
possibility, Rodgers said "that's not my decision."
In the month since Rodgers broke his left collarbone at the
conclusion of the first drive on Nov. 4, the Packers have gone 0-4-1. Neither
Seneca Wallace nor Scott Tolzien nor Flynn have been able to get Green Bay a
win.
Rodgers has practiced on a limited basis three times so far,
but he's yet to take part in any team drills.
"It's tough not to be out there with the guys,"
Rodgers said. "I think that's where the frustration lies. It's tough to
not see us winning football games, but, you know, I need to take some of my own
advice: worry about the things you can control. I can't control the healing of
my bone. That's frustrating. But I've been preparing as if I was going to play
every week and trying to help Matt and Scott out as much as I possibly can.
"But it's been tough to not see us winning football
games."
