Aaron Rodgers out vs. Steelers

The Green Bay Packers’ ultra-cautious approach with quarterback Aaron Rodgers will continue for at least another week.

Rodgers did not receive medical clearance to return from his broken collarbone and has been ruled out for Sunday’s game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Lambeau Field.

In announcing the news, coach Mike McCarthy stressed that it was a collective decision by what he called the team’s decision-makers, which likely was headed up by general manager Ted Thompson and team physician Dr. Pat McKenzie. Nine different times during a five-minute news conference on Friday, McCarthy used some of the word “organization” to describe who made the decision.

“He’s not medically cleared,” McCarthy said Friday. “That’s still the case today. But as an organization, we don’t feel that this is the right time for him to play.”

Matt Flynn will make his fourth straight start. The Packers (7-6-1) can win the NFC North by beating the Steelers on Sunday and the Chicago Bears in Week 17. McCarthy would not say whether Rodgers has a chance to return against the Bears.

“Just as I’ve stated all along, we’ve got two different circumstances here,” McCarthy said. “We’ve got Aaron Rodgers’ health, and obviously where are as a football team. Until we feel good about where Aaron is medically, that will not be part of the second circumstance. So as an organization, we are not ready for him to play.”

A day after he said Rodgers looked ready to play, McCarthy said he agreed with the decision.

“I thought Aaron Rodgers did everything that he can possibly do,” McCarthy said. “What you look for in all your players. The man attacked the rehab aspect of it, has done more in the weight room, did some really good things at practice. But obviously this is an organizational decision. The conversation involved, and this is the decision. So this is where we are.”

Thompson was not available for comment, a team spokesman said.

It became evident on Thursday that Rodgers probably wouldn’t play. After splitting reps in practice with Flynn on Wednesday, Rodgers did not take many snaps on Thursday.

“I have a good sense of what’s going to happen,” Rodgers said after Thursday’s practice.

Rodgers did not speak to reporters on Friday.

“I think Aaron clearly wants to play,” McCarthy said. “I mean, he’s a very competitive man. He’s done everything he possibly can from his end of it. But he understands how the organization feels. And everything was laid out on the table and the organization is not ready for him to play.”

Said receiver Jordy Nelson: “I don’t think anyone in this locker room is surprised. It’s what we have. We’ll go out and play well and hopefully get our third straight win.”

Rodgers is nearing the end of his seventh week of recovery. He said early in the process that doctors told him a fractured collarbone typically heals in six to eight weeks.

Last week, Rodgers thought he was ready to play and said this week that he was even sharper in practice.

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