Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers has been medically cleared in time for Week 15, as Rodgers himself indicated on Instagram. Green Bay hasn’t yet activated Rodgers for Sunday’s game against the Panthers, but that formal transaction will likely be made in the near future.
Nearly every report from Green Bay had indicated Rodgers was progressing extremely well in his recovery from a broken collarbone, but his clearance was not a foregone conclusion. As Ian Rapoport of NFL.com reported earlier today, the Packers’ medical staff uses an abundance of caution with respect to injuries, so although Rodgers was pushing to play this weekend, the club wanted to ensure his long-term health.
Now that he has returned, Rodgers not only offers a boost to the Packers’ postseason chances, but reshapes the NFC playoff picture as a whole. Given the strength of the NFC, there’s no guarantee Green Bay will earn a postseason berth even if it wins out to finish with a 10-6 record. But two consecutive victories with backups signal-caller Brett Hundley under center have given the Packers a fighting chance, and Rodgers certainly has the All Pro ability to push Green Bay into the playoffs.
The Packers will face three NFC opponents — the Panthers, Vikings, and Lions — over the next three weeks, and they’ll likely need to win each of those contests in order to secure a playoff slot.
Go time baby!!
I stand corrected….go get em Pack.
I love it! Not a Packers fan and in fact as a 9ers fan I always hated the Packers and Cowboys growing up but the game isn’t the same without Rodgers out there and with them clinging on to hope for a playoff spot this is going to be awesome to see if the best QB (no offense Brady fans) can win out and get his team into the playoffs. This is an exciting time of the year and I can’t wait to see what happens.
Glad to see him back out there! NFC teams better hope he doesn’t push that team into the playoffs because you know damn well that team led by the bad man can beat any team on any given day. And that’s coming from a die hard vikes fan. Gunna be a fun season!!!
Should be a good finish to the season and hopefully playoffs for the Packers. Hopefully not a lot of rust
Perfect! Just in time to come and choke it in the playoffs!