[December 14, 2013](Reuters) — The Green Bay Packers,
still hanging on to longshot playoff hopes, were dealt a blow on Friday
with word that quarterback Aaron Rodgers was not cleared to return to
action for Sunday's game against the Cowboys in Dallas.
Coach Mike McCarthy said Rodgers would miss his sixth game since
breaking his collarbone and that the quarterback was disappointed
and frustrated by the decision since he feels capable of playing.
"Frankly, it's been a difficult morning going through the
conversation with Aaron and Dr. (Pat) McKenzie," said McCarthy,
according to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. "He feels that he's
ready to play. He's had a good week of preparation.
"Speaking with Dr. McKenzie (the team physician), this is the right
decision," the coach added, saying the call was in the best
interests of Rodgers.
The Packers are 6-6-1, with NFC North co-leaders the Chicago Bears
and Detroit Lions both at 7-6.
Matt Flynn, who will start his third consecutive game, took
all of the first team reps for Green Bay on Friday, while
Rodgers stood and watched on the sidelines with his helmet off.
Scott Tolzien took the backup reps.
Detroit hosts Baltimore this week and then the New York Giants
before finishing the regular season at Minnesota. Chicago is at
Cleveland, at Philadelphia and then has Green Bay at home in the
finale.
The Packers host Pittsburgh after their trip to Dallas before
ending the season in Chicago.
(Reporting by Larry Fine in New York;
editing by Gene Cherry)
