Rodgers limited, QB questions linger as Packers seek to end 5-game winless slide

From left, Green Bay Packers' Scott Tolzien (16) sits with quarterback Aaron Rodgers, center, and Matt Flynn, right, on the bench during the second quarter of an NFL football game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field in Detroit, Thursday, Nov. 28, 2013. (AP Photo/Duane Burleson) (The Associated Press)

Green Bay Packers quarterback Matt Flynn (10) walks off the field after giving up the ball to the Detroit Lions during the third quarter of an NFL football game at Ford Field in Detroit, Thursday, Nov. 28, 2013. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya) (The Associated Press)

Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers expects a decision to be made by Friday — or Saturday tops — whether he'll be cleared to return to face the Atlanta Falcons.

Rodgers has missed a month with a fractured left collarbone. He is back at practice on a limited basis, but doesn't want to speculate if he'll be medically cleared this week.

He also says it wouldn't be fair to Matt Flynn for the backup to wait until game time to determine whether he'll start. Rodgers says Thursday he thinks the decision on his status would come the day or two before Sunday's game.

At least one man thinks Rodgers is a go: Falcons coach Mike Smith says he's preparing as if Rodgers is playing.

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AP NFL website: www.pro32.ap.org

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Follow Genaro Armas at http://twitter.com/GArmasAP