Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers is doubtful to return on Sunday against the Dallas Cowboys. Based on his collarbone injury, Rodgers may be sidelined until the regular-season finale on Dec. 29 - if Green Bay is still in playoff contention.
One league source told ESPN that the Packers are "pessimistic" about Rodgers' availability on Sunday and doubt he will play. A scan last week revealed Rodgers' collarbone hasn't fully healed, and signal caller said on Tuesday he's still experiencing more pain than he anticipated.
"We would need different results and different responses to be able to get on the field this week," Rodgers said Tuesday on ESPN radio. "... I shouldn't be having pain doing some of the simple movements."
Beyond Sunday, there's a possibility Rodgers may not be cleared to play in games until Dec. 29, the regular-season finale against the Chicago Bears.
"Medical experts believe it is unlikely Rodgers will be cleared (to play Dallas) because he is six weeks removed from suffering the injury," ESPN's Ed Werder wrote on Wednesday. "A source told ESPN that complete bone formation typically requires eight to 10 weeks, meaning Rodgers would be taking a risk by playing before at least eight weeks of healing."
If Rodgers doesn't return until he's eight weeks removed from his injury, he'd be available for the Bears game. But, depending on how the NFC North standings look, the Packers could choose to sit Rodgers for the remainder of the season to ensure he is healthy and available for the offseason workouts and training camp.
Green Bay (6-6-1) is a half game behind Detroit and Chicago, who are tied for first in the NFC North with 7-6 records. As of now, the Packers are three games behind the projected NFC wild card teams, the Carolina Panthers (9-4) and San Francisco 49ers (9-4).
Green Bay has won only one game since Rodgers' injury on Nov. 4.
If Green Bay falls out of the playoff picture by Dec. 29, it seems unlikely coach Mike McCarthy would risk re-injuring Rodgers and setting back the team at quarterback for next season.
Remaining Schedule: @ Dallas (12/15), Pittsburgh (12/22), @ Chicago (12/29).
