Christmas came early for the Green Bay Packers this year. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers has said that he cleared all the tests the league requires players to undergo before he can return to play after a concussion. He has been cleared by the team’s physician
and an independent neurologist to play against the New York Giants this Sunday.
Announcing his return, Rodgers sent a text message saying ‘I’m baaaaaaacckkkk.’ The quarterback had to sit out the Packers last game against the New England Patriots due to the concussion he suffered on 12 December against the Detroit Lions. The Packers
lost both games and now stand at second place in the NFC North standings two games behind the Chicago Bears.
The quarterback had suffered a concussion earlier in the season too. In week 5, Rodgers was concussed when the Packers were facing the Washington Redskins. There was speculation that because it was his second concussion of the season, he would have to sit
out at least one game, if not more. Rodgers was cleared to play after suffering the first concussion in time for next week’s game. This Sunday’s game against the Patriots was the first that Rodgers had to miss in three NFL seasons. It would have been Rodgers’
80th consecutive start.
He is expected to take over from Matt Flynn this Wednesday. Flynn played remarkably well against the New England Patriots but his efforts fell just slightly short of good enough. He led the Packers to a lead over the Patriots but quarterback Tom Brady manoeuvred
a comeback in the fourth quarter to beat Green Bay. Flynn fought until the last second but the final drive of the game ended with a sack. Coach Mike McCarthy praised Flynn for his effort but he would still be relieved to have the starting quarterback ready
for action.
Rodgers could not have returned at a more opportune time for the Packers. The 8-6 packers were 8-4 two weeks ago when Rodgers suffered the concussion. Their two games losing streak has put their playoff run in jeopardy. Green Bay must defeat both the Giants
this week and the Chicago Bears in the next to ensure a wild card spot in the playoffs.
At 9-5 and Just a game behind the Philadelphia Eagles, the Giants have a very good chance of making it to the playoffs if they can beat the Packers this Sunday. The Giants feature the strongest pass rush in the NFL and would prove to be a challenge for Rodgers.
The Giants have a sack tally of 40 with players like Osi Umenyiora and Justin Tuck securing 10 sacks each. Rodgers is looking at a tough battle ahead of him against New York.
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