Aaron Rodgers ‘looks ready’ but still not cleared

Oct 27, 2013; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) throws during the third quarter against the Minnesota Vikings at Mall of America Field at H.H.H. Metrodome. The Packers defeated the Vikings 44-31. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

Though still not cleared to play, Aaron Rodgers appears to be a step closer to suiting up Sunday for the Packers.

According to Mike McCarthy’s post-practice press conference via Tom Silverstein of the Journal Sentinel in Milwaukee, Rodgers practiced well today and looked sharp.

As good as Rodgers might look in practice, it still does not matter until he is medically cleared, and the Packers know that. Matt Flynn still took the majority of first team reps at QB Thursday.

Rodgers’s broken collarbone has taken longer that expected to heal. Now nearing seven weeks since the injury, the coaching staff may seem optimistic, but like last week, if he’s not cleared by the Friday before game day, he likely will be a no-go.

If Green Bay had not won their last two games, Rodgers would likely have been shut down for the season. But thanks to a comeback win in Dallas last week and an ongoing Detroit Lions collapse, he and the Packers are now only a half game behind in the NFC North.

A win this week against the Steelers, and the Packers have a chance to win the division with a Week 17 victory against the Bears. But a loss Sunday could mean Rodgers and the Packers are at home for the playoffs for the first time since 2008.

McCarthy is expected to officially name a starter tomorrow.