What you should expect in Aaron Rodgers’ return to Packers from broken collarbone

Rodgers is healthy enough to play after fracturing his collarbone in Week 6.

The Packers aren’t out of the playoff hunt yet, and their chances at a postseason bid just got a whole lot better. Aaron Rodgers is preparing to be back on the field for the Packers on Sunday for the first time since he fractured his collarbone in Week 6.

Rodgers played just eight snaps against the Vikings before taking a crushing hit from linebacker Anthony Barr. He later underwent surgery for a broken collarbone and went on injured reserve. The Packers brought him back from IR after the standard eight weeks and Rodgers was officially cleared to return Tuesday night.

Now he’s ready to be back in the starting lineup, head coach Mike McCarthy said Wednesday:

What does this mean for the Packers? The fact that they’ll likely start him means that Rodgers is healthy enough to play. That’s very bad news for everyone left on Green Bay’s schedule and all of the NFC teams fighting for a playoff bid.

The Packers are 7-6 after backup Brett Hundley led the team to an overtime win against the Browns in Week 14. They’re currently in line behind the Lions and Seahawks for a playoff bid. They’ve got a chance to make it as long as they win out against the Panthers, Vikings, and Lions.

If anyone can get Green Bay there, it’s definitely Rodgers.

Last season, the Packers were 4-6 heading into Week 12. Their playoff prospects looked slim.

Then Rodgers led the Packers to six straight wins to finish the year 10-6. The Packers rolled over the Giants in the wild card round and beat the Cowboys in an instant classic of a tight divisional game. The only thing that could have slowed down this Packers team last season was running into the buzzsaw that was the 2016 Atlanta Falcons.

With Rodgers back on the field, the Packers’ chances at securing a playoff bid skyrocket. Packers fans, Rodgers’ return means you can R-E-L-A-X.