How the Packers handle Aaron Rodgers' injury will be fascinating. The organization, and coach Mike McCarthy in particular, won't rush Rodgers back if his shoulder isn't healthy enough to throw in a game. So far, they are taking the cautious approach by not letting him do much in practice. But let's say Rodgers is able to throw Friday or Saturday. My guess is McCarthy probably won't play him Sunday against the Falcons. When Ben Roethlisberger played against the Cleveland Browns the week after spraining his right AC joint, he had terrible late-week practices. Rodgers may have suffered a similar injury, but he doesn't have the big-boned body of Roethlisberger. Plus, Rodgers' numbers have dropped in the past couple of weeks. After completing better than 70 percent of his passes the first two games, Rodgers' completion percentage dropped to 56.4 against the Cowboys and 51.9 against the Bucs. Matt Flynn and Brian Brohm are splitting the first-team snaps. There's a good chance Flynn will start, but it's too early to make the call.
Big return: Bryant McKinnie returns to the Vikings at starting left tackle after a four-game suspension. During his absence, according to Stats Inc., McKinnie's replacement, Artis Hicks, gave up 3½ sacks. Hicks has been a guard for most of his career. Overall, the Vikings' offensive line gave up 10 sacks in four games against four potential playoff teams -- the Packers, Colts, Panthers and Titans. Unfortunately for Brad Childress, Minnesota is 1-3 and has a tough road game against the Saints on Monday night.
Waiting game: Carson Palmer needs more time before he'll know if he will be able to play this week against the Cowboys. He only did handoffs in practice Wednesday. Palmer told reporters the inflammation in his right elbow is getting better, but there is risk of doing more damage. The training staff is watching this closely.
John Clayton
