Flynn set to continue to deputise.
The Green Bay Packers have ruled out quarterback Aaron Rodgers for the encounter with the Pittsburgh Steelers this weekend as he continues his recovery from a broken collarbone.
Rodgers failed to receive medical clearance to return and coach Mike McCarthy has insisted that it was a collective decision which reportedly involved general manager Ted Thompson and team physician Pat McKenzie.
“He’s not medically cleared,” McCarthy said, according to ESPN. “That’s still the case. As an organization, we don’t feel that this is the right time for him to play.”
As a result, back-up quarterback Matt Flynn will make his fourth straight start in place of Rodgers, as Green Bay will be looking to overthrow the Chicago Bears at the top of the NFC North.
The two divisional rivals meet in Week 17 in a potential decider on who advances to the playoffs, and McCarthy isn’t ruling out Rodgers making a return for that clash.
The 30-year-old had split reps with Flynn on Wednesday but didn’t take any snaps on Thursday as it became more apparent that he would likely miss out.
While he wasn’t available for comment to the media on Friday, it is understood that he felt he was ready to return to the field, although it had been determined that the franchise didn’t want to risk his health if he suffered a big hit on Sunday.
The Bears currently top the NFC North with an 8-6 record, while the Packers are in second spot with a 7-6-1 record. Meanwhile, the Detroit Lions (7-7) remain in contention as the race for the playoffs heats up.
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