Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers may start on Sunday against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Packers coach Mike McCarthy, who said Rodgers practiced well on Thursday, will announce the team's decision on Friday.
Rodgers is recovering from a fractured collarbone, which hadn't healed well enough last week to earn him medical clearance to play against Dallas. McCarthy, however, sounded more optimistic after Thursday's practice about Rodgers' chances of returning for the Pittsburgh game.
McCarthy said, via Tom Silverstein of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Rodgers practiced well on Thursday and looked "very good." The coach also said Rodgers, compared to last week, looked sharp and ready to play but is still awaiting medical clearance.
The Packers listed the signal caller as a limited participant at practice, and McCarthy said he would announce Sunday's starter on Friday.
"I'm clear of mind and my body feels good," Rodgers told reporters after practice, via NFL.com.
Backup quarterback Matt Flynn took the majority of reps on Thursday, and the Packers appear to be preparing as if Flynn will start under center against Pittsburgh.
Green Bay (7-6-1) has the best chance of clinching a playoff berth by winning their division. The Chicago Bears (8-6) sit atop the NFC North with a half-game lead over the Packers, who conclude their regular season on Dec. 29 at Soldier Field.
Here's how Aaron Rodgers spent the 11-on-11 period at #Packers practice that was open to media. Flynn took 1s reps. pic.twitter.com/DbhntgCIPm
— Jason Wilde (@jasonjwilde) December 19, 2013
