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GREEN BAY- Despite not making a single
throw in practice this week, quarterback Aaron Rodgers is prepared
to start for the Green Bay Packers on Sunday at Seattle.
Coach Mike McCarthy said the team
made a medical decision to keep Rodgers, who has a sprained right
shoulder, from throwing in practice Friday.
"Dr. (Pat) McKenzie in his
evaluation this morning felt it was best for Aaron not to throw
today. That's why his practice reps were limited," McCarthy
said. "He'll be ready to go Sunday."
The Packers listed Rodgers as
probable on their injury report.
Rodgers made only a few throws in
practice last week after suffering the injury Sept. 28 at Tampa Bay.
The first-year starter was cleared to
play last Sunday a few hours before the Packers' home game against
Atlanta and had one of his top performances this season. Rodgers
completed 25 of 37 passes for 313 yards and three touchdowns with
one interception in Green Bay's 27-24 loss.
"I feel like I'm going to be
able to be good for Sunday," Rodgers said Friday. "I
would've liked to do a little throwing, but I did as much as I could
(in practice) with the run game and took the mental reps. I feel
good about the game plan and my preparation."
The extent of Rodgers' participation
in practice the last few days was taking snaps in the jog-through
portion at the outset and handing off to a running back or dropping
back on a pass play but not making the throw.
Rookie backups Matt Flynn and Brian
Brohm handled the practice reps in live drills, leaving Rodgers to
stand back and visualize each play.
"Just take mental reps every
time," Rodgers said. "If Matt or Brian are taking a rep,
just go through what I would do as far as the read or the check at
the line of scrimmage."
Rodgers said the shoulder felt better
than a week ago Friday, though he hasn't regained full strength
after going through rigorous rehab for most of the last two weeks.
"There's definitely some marked
improvement," Rodgers said. "I'm just going to continue to
work hard in the rehab room and get ready for Sunday."
He expects to endure pain, as he did
in the last game. Rodgers acknowledged he would probably take a
painkilling pill before the game for the second straight week.
McCarthy feels Rodgers did enough in
practice, minus the throws, to have a handle on things for the game.
The Packers (2-3) are looking to end a three-game slide.
"As far as Aaron Rodgers'
preparation, we did the best we can as far as having him rep at
practice," McCarthy said. "He's a very conscientious
individual, and I'm confident that he'll be prepared to play in the
game Sunday."
Rodgers isn't concerned about going
into the game with possibly not having made a throw in a full week.
"I don't think they're really
worried about me throwing," Rodgers said. "They want me to
make good decisions and be smart with the ball. I think I've proven
I can throw the football (with a hurt shoulder). I did last
week."
The Packers are expecting the
majority of their lengthy list of injured players to be available
for the game Sunday. Besides Rodgers, other starters listed as
probable are LT Chad Clifton (hamstring), FB Korey Hall (knee), CB
Charles Woodson (toe) and LB A.J. Hawk (groin). Safety Aaron Rouse
(knee) also is probable and likely will start in place of an injured
Atari Bigby (hamstring), who is doubtful. DT Ryan Pickett (knee) is
questionable but said Friday he would play.
Rookie cornerback Pat Lee was added
to the injury report after suffering back spasms in practice
Thursday. Lee didn't practice Friday and is questionable for the
game.
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