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Packers' Rodgers cleared to return

Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers announced Tuesday night he’s been medically cleared to return to the lineup. It is uncertain whether he will start against Carolina Sunday.

As if the NFL Playoff push didn't have enough drama.

Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers announced Tuesday night he’s been medically cleared to return to the lineup, two months after his status for the duration for the season was put in question after he broke his collarbone.

“It’s been a long road from that day to this, but I’m happy to say I’ve been medically cleared to return,” Rodgers said on his official Instagram account. “Thanks for all the love, support, prayers, and well wishes over the past 8 weeks.”'

Rodgers broke his collarbone after he sustained a hit to his left shoulder by linebacker Anthony Barr in a game against the Minnesota Vikings on Oct. 15. Rodgers was placed on injured reserved and is now cleared to return as soon as Sunday’s game against the Carolina Panthers.

Rodgers returned to practice earlier this month.

Even with Rodgers' return, the Packers face an uphill climb in reaching the playoffs. Green Bay's remaining games are all against teams vying for playoff spots. After playing the Panthers (who beat the Vikings last Sunday) in Week 15, the Packers host Minnesota at Lambeau Field in Week 16 and visit the Detroit Lions in the regular-season finale.

The Packers were 4-1 and at the top of the NFC North when Rodgers suffered his broken right collarbone early in a Week 6 loss to the Vikings. Backup quarterback Brett Hundley managed to win three of his seven starts — including the previous two games — to reach seven wins and help keep Green Bay within striking distance of a playoff berth. The Packers have made the playoffs in each of the previous eight seasons, tied for the longest streak in the NFL with the New England Patriots.

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