Packers' Rodgers ruled out vs. Steelers
Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers was officially ruled out of Sunday's game against the visiting Pittsburgh Steelers.
Rodgers, recovering from a broken collarbone that has sidelined him for the past six weeks, took part in limited practice Friday but still has not been medically cleared to play.
"As an organization we do not feel like we are ready for him to play," coach Mike McCarthy said. "He's not medically cleared, that's still the case today. As an organization, we don't think this is the right time for him to play."
Matt Flynn will start Sunday's game for the Packers (7-6-1), who are a half-game behind the Chicago Bears (8-6) in the NFC North. The Packers visit the Bears in the regular-season finale Dec. 29.
"He's ready," McCarthy said of Flynn. "I thought today was good practicing in the snow, similar hopefully to what we might face today."
Rodgers has been battling for several weeks to return to the field and increased his workload on the field and in the weight room this week. He will begin the process of attempting to get medically cleared again Monday or Tuesday.
"I thought Aaron Rodgers did everything he can possibly do," McCarthy said. "That man attacked the rehab aspect of it."
McCarthy declined to provide details on the decision making process regarding Rodgers' return, or who the final decision ultimately falls to, offering only that he "absolutely" agrees with the decision.
"I think Aaron clearly wants to play. He's a very competitive man. He's done everything he can possibly due from his end of it," McCarthy said. "Everything was laid out on the table, and as an organization we're not ready for him to play."
Will Rodgers be available for the regular-season finale against Chicago?
"I'm not even talking about next week, I'm focused on winning the game Sunday," McCarthy said before leaving the podium.
