Coach McCarthy not convinced quarterback has fully recovered.
Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers has been ruled out of the clash with the Dallas Cowboys this weekend due to his collarbone injury.
It had been reported for the first time since suffering the injury back on November 4, that Rodgers felt he was ready to play.
However, coach Mike McCarthy and the medical staff weren’t convinced that he was ready to make his comeback for the meeting with the Cowboys on Sunday, despite making significant progress in practice this week.
“Frankly, it’s been a difficult morning going through the conversation with Aaron and Dr. McKenzie,” McCarthy told reporters on Friday. “He feels like he’s ready to play. He’s had a good week of preparation.
“He’s very disappointed; he’s frustrated. But speaking with Dr. McKenzie, this is the right decision.”
Given Rodgers’ absence, Matt Flynn will make his third straight start after guiding the Packers to their only victory without their first choice quarterback against the Atlanta Falcons last week.
Rodgers wasn’t available for comment on Friday, but it appears as though he has accepted the decision on the basis of the advice given to him by team physician Dr. Pat McKenzie.
The 30-year-old said he still had significant pain in his shoulder area while performing some basic tasks including taking snaps and handing off the football as recently as last week.
Although he did insist that he felt better after increased practice, Green Bay aren’t looking to risk him despite the increased risk of missing out on the playoffs.
The Packers (6-6-1) are currently in third place in the NFC North, trailing both the Detroit Lions and Chicago Bears who are tied at the top at 7-6 for the season.
Chicago travel to Cleveland to take on the Browns this weekend, while the Lions head to Baltimore to face the Ravens on Monday night.
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