Aaron Rodgers might want to play this week.
But it sounds like he’s going to have a hard time convincing his boss that’s the right thing to do.
Packers coach Mike McCarthy told reporters Rodgers might try, but it would be a “huge stretch” to think he’d be sufficiently recovered from a broken collarbone to play Thursday against the Lions. He also said that if Rodgers didn’t practice Wednesday, he wouldn’t play.
“He would like to go,” McCarthy said, via Jason Wilde of ESPNWisconsin.com. “I would say he’s slim to none. That’s what I’m thinking.”
McCarthy said he’d prepare both Matt Flynn and Scott Tolzien, though he said Flynn “deserves to start” after some solid relief work leading them back for a tie Sunday against the Vikings.
As important as this week’s game might be, letting Rodgers push himself is unwise. So while McCarthy might feel pressure to win, taking care of the franchise quarterback is a greater responsibility.