Aaron Rodgers hasn’t played in five weeks, and he may need even more time before he winds up back on the field for the Packers.
Rodgers, who fractured the clavicle in his non-throwing shoulder during a Week 9 loss to the Bears, returned to practice and went through much of his normal throwing routine last week, but he’s not ready to play just yet by the sounds of it.
Rodgers experienced some pain during practice last week, and said on his weekly radio show on ESPN 540 in Milwaukee on Tuesday that he knew as early as last Wednesday that he likely wouldn’t be able to play against the Falcons this past Sunday. While he felt good in throwing drills, Rodgers acknowledged that he felt discomfort in his left shoulder during full-speed drills, such as handing the ball off or even taking snaps.
“I shouldn’t be having pain doing some of the simple movements,” Rodgers said.
Rogers also noted that scans of his injured collarbone taken last week didn’t show enough healing in the bone to justify him playing on Sunday.
“That was kind of my clue that I’m obviously not ready,” Rodgers said. “The way that scan looked and the discomfort I had made me know I wasn’t ready.”
The 30-year-old is hopeful that he can return for the Packers’ game in Dallas this weekend, but he’s being more realistic about the possibility than he has been over the last few weeks.
“I’m going to practice tomorrow and try and do some of things I did last week without pain. See how my body responds to it on Thursday and go from there,” Rodgers said. “We would need a different results and different responses to be able to get on the field this week.”
Rodgers was completing 67 percent of his passes, totaled more than 2,200 yard passing and had thrown 15 touchdowns and four interceptions. The Packers are just 1-4-1 in his absence. Matt Flynn will get the start against the Cowboys, if Rodgers is unable to play.
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