McCarthy: Packers' Rodgers preparing to play this weekend

GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) — Green Bay Packers coach Mike McCarthy says quarterback Aaron Rodgers is getting ready to play against the Carolina Panthers this weekend.

Rodgers was medically cleared to return from a collarbone injury on Tuesday night.

Rodgers missed the last seven games after breaking his right collarbone in Week 6 at Minnesota. The two-time NFL MVP is eligible to be activated on Friday, eight weeks after initially going on injured reserve.

The Packers (7-6) went 3-4 with backup Brett Hundley starting at quarterback to stay in the playoff race. They are one of four teams with at least seven wins chasing Atlanta for the second wild-card berth in the NFC.

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MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Aaron Rodgers announced on Instagram Tuesday night that he is medically cleared to return.

In the post, Rodgers stated "It's been a long road from that day to this, but I'm happy to say I've been medically cleared to return. Thanks for all the love, support, prayers, and well wishes over the past 8 weeks."

Rodgers left the game against the Minnesota Vikings on October 15 after a hit from linebacker Anthony Barr. He underwent surgery for a collarbone injury on October 19 and placed on injured reserve, sidelining him for at least eight weeks.

The earliest we could see him back on the field is December 17, for week 15 against the Carolina Panthers.

During Rodgers’ absence, rookie quarterback Brett Hundley has stepped in. After a rocky start, he’s taken the Packers to 7-6, managing to keep playoff hopes alive. As the Packers’ starting quarterback, he’s posted a 3-4 record, including two overtime wins.

Rodgers previously injured his collarbone in 2013 and was out for seven games.

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