Quarterback given clearance by medical staff over injured collarbone.
Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers will start in the NFC North season-ending showdown against the Chicago Bears on Sunday.
During a team meeting on Thursday morning, coach Mike McCarthy announced that Rodgers would return for Sunday’s game, which will ultimately determine who will be the NFC North champion.
“We were sitting in the team room, and he told us,” Rodgers said, according to ESPN. “That was the scene.”
Rodgers suffered a broken collarbone against the Bears back on November 4, and has been sidelined ever since.
While the team accept that there is still a risk that he could suffer another knock, they have given him medical clearance to return in what is undoubtedly the biggest and most important game of the season.
Rodgers returned to practice a month ago on a limited basis but has gradually returned to full practice this week with coach McCarthy insisting that he feels good about his comeback.
The Bears currently lead the division with a 8-7 record, and despite going 2-4-1 in the seven games without their starting quarterback, the Packers (7-7-1) can go top if they win on Sunday at Soldier Field.
However, the Packers have been riddled with injuries in the last few weeks, with Clay Matthews out again with a right thumb injury while running back Eddie Lacy is struggling with an ankle knock.
McCarthy is optimistic that he could have the latter back on the field on Sunday, but the return of Rodgers will undoubtedly be the biggest news for the franchise, particularly if they can overcome Chicago and reach the playoffs.
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