Aaron Rodgers is no guarantee to return to the Green Bay Packers' lineup this season, let alone this week, even though the All-Pro quarterback has strongly stated otherwise.
Five weeks removed from cracking his left collarbone, Rodgers will be re-examined this week and league sources tell ESPN that it will take a strong consensus from doctors and the team's hierarchy to return him to the playing field next Sunday against the Falcons.
The Packers are 0-4-1 in games Rodgers did not start and finish and they no longer control their playoff destiny.
Even though Rodgers has reinforced his determination to return, sources say doctors prefer a conservative approach and other Packers decision-makers are conflicted, especially without a lot of confidence the team is in position to make a Super Bowl run.
Responding to reports of his uncertain status, Rodgers told ESPN Milwaukee: "I don't plan on playing 'til I'm 30." Rodgers' 30th birthday is Monday.
He will still be 30 next September.