Packers QB Aaron Rodgers 'getting better,' but decision could wait till Sunday

GREEN BAY – The hope is that Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers will be able to participate in Saturday’s walkthrough, but even if he’s unable coach Mike McCarthy said Rodgers could play Sunday against the Minnesota Vikings.

McCarthy offered no deadline for deciding on Rodgers’ availability for Sunday. He could delay a decision until inactives are due 90 minutes before kickoff against the Vikings.

“He could play with no reps,” McCarthy said. “We’ve established that point some time ago in his career. So I think it’s no different. You’d like to walk off the field Saturday and have your plan set, but this is the National Football League, things happen.”

Rodgers officially was listed as questionable Friday, a day in which the Packers didn't practice. He did not practice Wednesday or Thursday, instead rehabbing his injured left knee. He has been around the team, however, and involved in the game plan.

McCarthy sounded encouraged with Rodgers’ progress Friday morning.

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“Aaron’s getting better,” McCarthy said. “He was in the meeting this morning. I would say he feels better than he did at the beginning of the week. Tomorrow’s practice will be a pretty big indicator. So we’ll see how today goes, but nothing has changed.

“He’s clearly in the day-to-day. Hopefully he’ll be able to do work tomorrow.”

If Rodgers doesn’t play, one reason could be to give him enough rest to fully heal. It’s only Week 2 of a long season, and the Packers need their quarterback at full capacity as soon as possible.

Asked whether Rodgers’ injury is something that will linger long term, McCarthy said he hopes that isn’t the case.

“I’m hopeful that in time — whatever that time frame is — that it can clear up,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Packers remain relatively healthy outside their quarterback position.

Receiver Davante Adams and inside linebacker Oren Burks also were listed as questionable Friday but are expected to participate in Saturday’s walkthrough after practicing in pads Thursday. Adams has been nursing a shoulder injury, while Burks was inactive last week because of a shoulder injury. Safety Josh Jones (ankle) was ruled out.

McCarthy said the rehab the injured players do Friday will be important to their availability Sunday.

“Today’s the day,” McCarthy said, “that they really spend the extra time and get after those things.”