The Green Bay Packers are clinging to slim playoff hopes, and they’ll only reach the postseason if Aaron Rodgers propels the team upon his return.
While meeting with reporters Friday, head coach Mike McCarthy said he’s monitoring Rodgers in practice, and the quarterback looks like himself.
As long as Brett Hundley and the Packers defeat the winless Cleveland Browns in Week 14, the NFC North power will have a chance to sneak into the playoffs.
Rodgers has been sidelined since Week 6. His collarbone injury occurred on a tackle from Minnesota Vikings linebacker Anthony Barr, who slammed Rodgers to the ground.
Green Bay feared Rodgers would miss the remainder of the season, but a swift recovery allowed the former league MVP to practice this week. Although he is ineligible to return until Week 15, Rodgers being back under center would give the Packers a spark.
But, yes, they’re going to need some help.
In all likelihood, Green Bay must notch another four victories to end the season. Scenarios exist where the team reaches the postseason with a 3-1 finish and 9-7 record, but those are improbable.
The NFC South has three franchises with at least eight wins, and the Seattle Seahawks are 8-4 as well.
Fortunately for the Packers, they already hold a tiebreaker over Seattle and could earn one in Week 15 against the Carolina Panthers when Rodgers is allowed to return. If those NFC foes held a 10-6 record along with Green Bay, the Packers would secure a Wild Card berth.
Running the table means beating the Browns, Panthers, Minnesota Vikings and Detroit Lions, but nobody should doubt a Rodgers-led Packers team until they’re officially out.