The Green Bay Packers defeated the Atlanta Falcons in Week 14 to keep their playoff hopes alive for another week. So what does that mean for Aaron Rodgers? The quarterback was not active on Sunday after failing to receiver clearance from the team's medical staff. With the Packers season still alive, will Green Bay avoid shutting Rodgers down and bring him back to finish out the year?
After a disastrous start on Thanksgiving Day, backup Matt Flynn bounced back to get the much-needed win against the Falcons. Down by double-digits at one point, Flynn never panicked and brought the team back for a 22-21 victory. He tossed for 258 yards, completing 75 percent of his passes, a huge upgrade from his performance against the Detroit Lions. Of course Flynn had his hardships. There was the interception and the few fluttered deep balls that fell short. However, he ran a no-huddle offense with perfection while distributing the ball to eight different wide receivers.
Flynn may have gotten the win, but the Packers will take Rodgers back in a hearbeat.
"We know we're a good team," Flynn said, via JSOnline.com. "We know we can play with anyone in the NFL. Hopefully this gives us momentum moving forward. ... I know (Rodgers) is itching to get back at it. He gives us the best chance to make this run."
Well said, Flynn. So does Rodgers return? There were plenty of reports saying that if the Packers lost to the Falcons, Rodgers would be shut down for the remainder of the season. There would be no reason to rush a franchise player back if the team had nothing left to play for. However, the Packers still have playoff dreams and need their top quarterback to get there.
Rodgers has been doing limited practice. He even put pads on last week for the first time since fracturing his collarbone, but the medical staff has not cleared him for contact. That could come this week meaning Rodgers would get the Week 15 start.
With the Detroit Lions getting the loss, the Packers have a second chance. It was thought that both Chicago and Detroit would gain big leads in the playoff race with Rodgers out, but both teams blew the opportunities. Now, Rodgers will likely return and allow Green Bay to have the chance to run the table in the final weeks of the season.
