The injury reports on Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers have been conflicting, with Rodgers stating that he could possibly return this Sunday in Week 14 when the Packers take on the Atlanta Falcons, and team brass having internal discussions about shutting down the quarterback for the last four games of the season.
The Packers have gone 0-4-1 without Rodgers under center and are 5-6-1 thus far this season and sit in third place in the NFC North behind the Chicago Bears (6-6) and division-leading Detroit Lions (7-5). Rodgers has been sidelined with a fractured collarbone and the team has gone with Matt Flynn and Scott Tolzien in his absence. Flynn was under center Thanksgiving Day for the Packers' most recent loss, a 40-10 decision to the Lions.
According to NFL.com, Rodgers had told reporters before the Thanksgiving game that he thought he felt good enough to return nearly a week and a half later when the Packers host the Falcons this Sunday, but the team has suggested it may shut down Rodgers for the rest of the season in order to prevent further injury.
"Even though Rodgers has reinforced his determination to return, sources say doctors prefer a conservative approach and other Packers decision-makers are conflicted," ESPN's Chris Mortensen wrote, "especially without a lot of confidence the team is in position to make a Super Bowl run."
Packers coach Mike McCarthy admitted that the team's offense relies almost solely on Rodgers.
"You don't want to put everything on one man, but I think it's obvious how important Aaron Rodgers is to us," he said per Sports Illustrated.
Rodgers was 168-for-251 (66.9%) this season for 2,218 yards with 15 touchdowns and four interceptions.
After hosting the Falcons Sunday, the Packers play games at the Dallas Cowboys, at home against the Pittsburgh Steelers and wrap up the schedule on the road against the Bears.
Rodgers may not be around for any of those games.
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