In the past eight months, Matt Flynn’s football odyssey took him from Seattle to Oakland to Buffalo and back to where he began his NFL career, as a backup quarterback with the Green Bay Packers.
On Wednesday, franchise passer Aaron Rodgers was ruled out and Flynn was named the starting quarterback for the Packers Thanksgiving Day game at Detroit.
“He’s taken all the starter reps this week and he’s ready to go,” said coach Mike McCarthy, making Flynn the team’s fourth starter since Nov. 4, when Rodgers started against the Bears and broke his collarbone. McCarthy chose Flynn over Scott Tolzien, who struggled last week against the Minnesota Vikings. Flynn relieved Tolzien and rallied the Packers from a 20-7 deficit to force overtime and earn a tie.
McCarthy opened his Monday press conference by erasing speculation about quarterback 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 said last week on his radio appearance with ESPN Radio in Milwaukee, risk-assessment would be the final determining factor in when he was cleared for contact and ready to return.
McCarthy does not believe Rodgers is healthy enough to test his injury in a full-contact environment, though he called it “significant” Tuesday when Rodgers participated in position drills.
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.
“Every time Matt has been given an opportunity, he has delivered,” said McCarthy.
The last time Flynn started a game for the Packers was Jan. 1, 2012, the regular-season finale against the Lions. He posted 480 yards and six tocuhdown passes.
Flynn’s performance last week in relief — 21 of 36 for 218 yards with one touchdown, no interception and no sacks — made him a more viable option. Tolzien has five interceptions in 90 pass attempts.