GREEN BAY (AP) -- Green Bay Packers head coach Mike McCarthy opened his Monday press conference by erasing speculation about quarterback Aaron Rodgers playing in the Thanksgiving Day game at Detroit.
"He would like to go," said McCarthy. "Frankly, based on the info where we are, I would say he's slim to none."
Rodgers suffered a fractured collarbone in a loss to the Chicago Bears on Nov. 4 and said last week he would like to return for Thursday's game against the NFC North rival Detroit Lions. But as Rodgers said last week on his radio appearance with ESPN Radio in Milwaukee, risk-assessment would be the final determining factor.
McCarthy does not believe Rodgers is healthy enough to test his injury in a full-contact environment. In the end, McCarthy agreed he is tasked with protecting Rodgers from himself.
The Packers no longer have a lead in the division to protect. Sunday's overtime tie with the Minnesota Vikings gave Green Bay a 0-3-1 record without Rodgers, who will focus this week on rehab work. If by some unexpected stroke of fortune he's able to practice Wednesday, McCarthy said he could then consider Rodgers a viable option.
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Barring that, the Packers are left to choose between Scott Tolzien and Matt Flynn, who stepped in with Green Bay trailing 20-7 in the third quarter and drove the team to a goal-to-go situation in overtime with a chance to win. McCarthy opted for a field goal on fourth down.
McCarthy will not name a starter.
"Because I don't have to," he said Monday.
Flynn's performance -- 21 of 36 for 218 yards with one touchdown, no interception and no sacks -- would seem to make him a more viable option. Tolzien has five interceptions in 90 pass attempts.
McCarthy said he "wants them both ready" but Flynn played well and deserves to start. The coach also backed Tolzien, saying he likes the way he has grown.
