Mike McCarthy Presser 11/25: Odds of Rodgers playing "Slim to none"

Hanging over the Packers this week is the "will he or won't he play" question surrounding Aaron Rodgers. While it seems highly unlikely that a player could return to the field merely three and a half weeks after fracturing a collarbone, Rodgers has maintained on his radio show that this was his goal. Packers head coach Mike McCarthy sees things a little differently.

We had a meeting [with Rodgers]. He would like to go, but based on the information I have, I would say he's slim to none [to play] for Thursday. He has to practice. There's some physical rehab hurdles he'd have to clear. It'd be a huge stretch.

That says it all. While Rodgers may not longer experience pain in his shoulder when he throws or runs, the doctors simply haven't seen enough progress in the break to allow him to return to live action. While this Thursday's game is important, perhaps the most important of the season, the Packers would be committing football malpractice if they allowed Rodgers to jeopardize his future by returning too early.

The next logical question is who will start against the Lions on Thanksgiving. While Matt Flynn may have played well in relief of Scott Tolzien, McCarthy wasn't interested in committing to either quarterback.

The starter will be Matt or Scott. We have to get 2 quarterbacks ready. Matt played very well and deserves to start. I like the way Scott has grown. We'll do the best we can to make sure both are ready.

Typical McCarthy mind games. Flynn deserves to start, however McCarthy wouldn't guarantee that'll be the case this week. Regardless of what the coaches are saying, it's unlikely that Flynn won't be under center when the Packers take on the Lions on Thursday.

McCarthy also took time to comment Eddie Lacy's most recent strong performance and the concerns regarding his asthma. Lacy rushed for 110 yards on 25 carries this past weekend, but was mostly unavailable in overtime due to an asthma attack. According to McCarthy, the Packers coaches were aware of the issue and aren't overly concerned. While asthma can be exacerbated by cold weather, Lacy isn't expected to have much trouble controlling the issue in the coming months.

Finally, McCarthy explained his decision to attempt a two-point conversion rather than take the extra point.

I was worried about the number of series, the way we're playing, and the way the game was being called. It was a different game offensively. A lot of moving parts.

It's hard to ascertain exactly what McCarthy meant, but it's evident that a lot of factors go into these decisions. Had the conversion been successful, the Packers would have been down a single score rather than needing two, which is likely what lead to the decision. While it's unfair, these type of calls will always be judged on results rather than process. Because it didn't work, McCarthy will face criticism.

That's all for McCarthy. Keep your internet machines tuned to Acme Packing Company for the latest Packers news and developments.