Green Bay, WI – With the No. 1 seed in the NFC secured, the season finale against the Detroit Lions.
Instead, Matt Flynn was set for his second NFL start and first since Week 15 of last season. He made that start because Rodgers had a concussion and nearly led the Packers to a win against New England, completing 24-of-37 passes for 251 yards and three touchdowns. But he also had an interception returned for a touchdown in the 31-27 setback.
The circumstances of Sunday's game are much different. Rodgers is healthy and will have two weeks of rest before the Packers play their first postseason game. When asked Friday if Rodgers would start against the Lions, head coach Mike McCarthy said "the most important thing is he's ready to play."
Several other Packers starters were also inactive for Sunday's game -- right tackle Bryan Bulaga, cornerback Charles Woodson and linebacker Clay Matthews.
Wide receivers Greg Jennings and Randall Cobb, as well as running back James Starks, had already been ruled out because of injuries.
Receive your weekly recap of all the happenings around the world of sports.