Green Bay - It sounds as though Matt Flynn will be the starting quarterback for the Packers, but judging from the way coach Mike McCarthy praised the practice performance of Aaron Rodgers, he may have been sending a message to the decision-makers that it's time to clear his quarterback for play.

There is a misconception that McCarthy is the one deciding whether Rodgers will get cleared, but in the Packers organization general manager Ted Thompson gets the final say on that after consultation with team physician Patrick McKenzie.

It's very possible that Thompson has been the one who has been the most reluctant to put Rodgers on the field given he is the present and future of this franchise. Thompson gave Rodgers a $110 million contract to lead the team for the next seven years and he may not want to take a risk he could wind up with damaged goods if Rodgers is put on the field too early.

JSOnline Blog  wrote:

As I asked in another thread, does anyone know if Rodgers has any incentive bonuses in this contract?

Originally Posted by: dhazer 

Make me the Head Coach... Here is what I would do.

Being that there is a possibility that having Rodgers start the game might make the rest of the team feel a little too comfortable and confident and not create the urgency to go the extra 3% I do not start him.

Face it... Not on purpose, and not consciously of course.. But does the "D" and specialty teams feel the same urgency knowing Rodgers can bail them out, regardless.

Or is there the urgency and extra effort knowing that Flynn is coming off the bench with the field position they give him? I know.. I know.. Flynn kicked ass the last half of last week..

Still, there is more urgency to give Flynn and easier route even if it is a subliminal thought process.

I would have Flynn start. But.. Have Rodgers dressed and ready to come in. That way, "IF" the Packers jump out to a quick big lead.. Rodgers stands around contributing to the game on the sidelines and rests another week.

Originally Posted by: RaiderPride