Aaron Rodgers Expected To Start On Sunday

Added on Dec 23, 2010 by Scott in

NFL

Facing a must-win game on Sunday against the visiting New York Giants, the Packers are confident starting quarterback Aaron Rodgers will be available to start after being sidelined for last week’s loss to the Patriots with a concussion. Green Bay has zero margin of error; at 8-6, they must beat the Giants this week and the Bears next week in order to make the playoffs. Obviously, having a healthy Rodgers back under center will make that daunting task easier to complete.

Head coach Mike McCarthy deemed Wednesday’s practice a success, although he wouldn’t totally commit to his star signal caller playing on Sunday. Rodgers, on the other hand, was much more definitive:

“I have zero doubts taking the field,” Rodgers said. “I feel confident. I’ve been cleared. The doctors are confident. I’m going to continue to play the way I play.”

Rodgers will be wearing a special helmet designed to reduce the risk of head trauma. Multiple concussions have become a serious issue this season, so taking extra precautions to protect players is sensible. The Colts were forced to shelve receiver Austin Collie yesterday after he suffered a third concussion in two months. Rodgers has already sustained two.

The Packers lack of a running game has placed more pressure on Rodgers to make plays with his legs. He has rushed 55 times for 309 yards and four touchdowns. His ability to scramble makes him more dangerous, but it also exposes him to more hits. However, don’t expect Rodgers to be any less willing to tuck the ball and run:

“I’ve been a guy who’s slid 95 percent of the time,” Rodgers said. “I’m usually pretty smart outside the pocket. There’s some circumstances where that can’t happen or doesn’t happen, but this game is a reactionary game. It’s a collision sport. There’s going to be collisions on the field. Obviously, you want to minimize those when you’re a quarterback, but I’m going to continue to play the way I play and slide when I’m able to.”

Spoken like a true football player. Despite their recent slide, the Pack are still a threat in the NFC. With Rodgers back, don’t be surprised if they play their way into the postseason.

Source: NFL.com