Team to see how shoulder responds

[img_r]http://graphics.jsonline.com/graphics/packer/img/news/sep08/taaron29.jpg[/img_r]Green Bay - Quarterback Aaron Rodgers has told Green Bay Packers coach Mike McCarthy that he intends to play Sunday against Atlanta, but the big question is whether McCarthy lets him.

According to McCarthy, Rodgers did not suffer any structural damage in his right shoulder during the Packers 30-21 defeat to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Sunday at Raymond James Stadium. But his shoulder remains sore and it will be at least Wednesday before his status for this week becomes clear.

Depending on Rodgers progress, McCarthy and general manager Ted Thompson might be forced to make a decision on whether to sit Rodgers for a home game against the Falcons in the hopes that he would be available for a pair of difficult games to follow: at Seattle and at home against Indianapolis.

I think Wednesdays practice will be a pretty good indicator for us, McCarthy said. Its just something well have to continue to rehab and see where we are Wednesday.

Thompson said there were no plans to sign another quarterback this week, meaning McCarthy and his staff will prepare rookie Matt Flynn for action just in case Rodgers cant play. Thompson, when asked whether there were any indications his quarterback could be out for an extended period of time, didnt rule it out.

Theyre still trying to make sure what is the right decision for us and for Aaron, Thompson said. For everybody.

Its possible Rodgers could feel better as the week goes on, but the medical staff will have to clear him and the coaches will have to feel confident he can play with minimal or no practice. Either way, Flynn will get practice time.

Were in uncharted waters, offensive coordinator Joe Philbin said about whether Rodgers could be ready without much practice time. It would be a total guess. I have no idea. Until we go through it with him, I cant sit here and say, Yeah, all he needs is Friday and hell be rip-roaring ready to go.

Just as troublesome is the risk-reward factor.

Rodgers wont be allowed back on the field unless the medical staff thinks the risk of being injured worse is manageable. If he is allowed to play, how effective will he be and how will it affect how he plays in the weeks to follow? Theres no question Rodgers, filling the shoes of a guy who started 275 straight games for the Packers, will put pressure on himself to play.

If he cant make all his normal throws, McCarthy and Thompson will have to decide whether its in the teams best interests to start him. McCarthy said pain tolerance and arm strength were the key factors in determining Rodgers status.

Its really a combination of both things, McCarthy said. Its important for him to have the strength back in the shoulder, and really to see how well he throws on Wednesday will have a lot to do with it. And then Thursday morning how he recovers.

Rodgers injured the shoulder on a third-quarter scramble in which he dived with his right arm extended in an attempt to get the ball to the first-down marker. As he landed, his forearm and elbow appeared to bear the weight of his fall, causing his shoulder to absorb the shock.

He returned on the next series and fired an impressive shot to receiver Greg Jennings on a seam route between the cornerback and safety. Jennings caught the ball and raced 48 yards for a touchdown. Jennings said after the game that it was a perfectly thrown ball that made it through a very small window.

The throw caused Rodgers a lot of pain and he played just one more series, finishing his day with a third interception on a play in which he failed to recognize a blitz and was hit in his back as he threw.

For him to muster up and throw that ball the way he did was a tribute to his ability to deal with that in that particular situation, McCarthy said of the pain. I think you could even say for our whole football team. We had a bunch of guys that were nicked up throughout the game that went back in and fought and gave us a chance to win that game in the fourth quarter.

McCarthy and Thompsons decision to go with rookies Flynn and Brian Brohm behind Rodgers is up for dissection this week. Flynn hardly looked ready to start an NFL game against Tampa Bay, completing just two of five passes for 6 yards and failing to lead the offense to a first down in two series.

Last week, he took roughly 20% of the snaps with the No. 1 offense, yielding the rest to Rodgers. This week, he will receive at least 50% of the snaps, and might get all of them depending on Rodgers status.

Im going to get all the reps they allow me to get and try to get as much out of them as I can, Flynn said.

If he starts, its doubtful the coaches will be able to pare down the offense a whole lot, although they might focus on the plays that Flynn feels most comfortable with. A lot will depend on the strategy sessions that go on today when the coaches break down the Falcons on tape.

Weve been doing the same things since he came on board in May, Philbin said. Is he as proficient as Aaron? Probably not. But well have to be smart. How much we cut down . . . I havent really looked at Atlanta yet. Well see whats the best way to attack them.