The Green Bay Packers received a double dose of good news Thursday as quarterback Aaron Rodgers and tight end Donald Lee returned to practice, according to the team's official Web site, moving both a step closer to starting Sunday against the visiting Miami Dolphins.

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Rodgers sustained a concussion during this past Sunday's loss at Washington and did not practice Wednesday. He and Lee were among 14 players who were listed on the Packers' injury report.

Rodgers participated in the entire portion of Thursday's practice that was open to the media. The team did not go through any full-contact team drills while reporters were present.

According to NFL guidelines for head injuries, Rodgers must be symptom-free and cleared by a team doctor and independent neurological consultant before he can play again.

Lee sustained a chest injury early in Sunday's game and left for good after catching a touchdown pass.

Second to laugh paragraph - is there resolution? Has Aaron passed a doctor's exam and is he cleared to play? Or am I asking this question too early?

"zombieslayer" wrote:

He must have been. I think you have to be cleared to even be able to practice, but I could be wrong.

"zombieslayer" wrote:

Nope.. he can return to practice upon the clearance of the club.. but to play, this season, they have to clear a independent source. So he apparently has been cleared to practice.. Mike McCarthy will probably hold out any independent conclusion as long as he can.. forcing a wee bit of uncertainty upon the fins.


The more this week is playing out.. Zero's theory may hold weight.. albeit it, it put a bit of trust in the fact that Aaron can in fact pass that independent test.

"zombieslayer" wrote:

...
Nope.. he can return to practice upon the clearance of the club.. but to play, this season, they have to clear a independent source. So he apparently has been cleared to practice.. Mike McCarthy will probably hold out any independent conclusion as long as he can.. forcing a wee bit of uncertainty upon the fins.


The more this week is playing out.. Zero's theory may hold weight.. albeit it, it put a bit of trust in the fact that Aaron can in fact pass that independent test.

"pack93z." wrote:

Makes sense, considering that the QB doesn't get hit in practice.

"go.pack.go." wrote:

UPDATE: Rodgers said he's "very optimistic" he'll play Sunday. He has been cleared by both the team doctor and an independent neurologist and did not have any problems in practice Thursday. He will be monitored through tomorrow, but he said unless he suffers a setback he expects to play.