Aaron Rodgers sits out Wednesday's practice

During his weekly radio show on Tuesday, Aaron Rodgers declined to rule out an earlier-than-expected return to practice. However, multiple beat writers have reported that the quarterback was not present during the start of the Packers' Wednesday's practice.

This should not come as too much of a surprise. A return originally wasn't expected before Thursday, and given the team's conservative approach to injuries, it seemed more likely that Rodgers wouldn't practice at all than he would participate Wednesday.

As such, Thursday remains the target for the MVP frontrunner's return. What is less clear at this time is whether or not he'll be a full participant. Rodgers has espoused the virtues of practice as recently as his radio show, but his experience and the significance of his injury suggest that not pressing his calf might be the wisest move.

Still, there's no reason to suspect at this point that Rodgers won't be available for Sunday's game. While preparation is always a chief concern, he's played well with little to no practice before. He may have to do so again against the Cowboys.