Packers Quarterback Aaron Rodgers Ruled Out Tomorrow

Things just got a hell of a lot easier for the New England Patriots tomorrow.  Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers has been ruled out for tomorrow's game against the New England Patriots, Pro Football Talk reports:

Aaron Rodgers felt good enough to make some jokes in the Packers locker room on Friday, but he's not ready to play football again.

The Packers ruled Rodgers out on Saturday after the medical staff did not clear him for the game. Rodgers is expected to still make the trip to New England, but Graham Harrell was activated off the team's practice squad. Harrell will back up Matt Flynn on Sunday.

Rodgers is expected to be on the sideline to help Flynn during the game. The team placed safety Anthony Smith on injured reserve to clear roster space for Harrell.

While, on paper, this news is excellent news for Patriots fans, the football fan in me really wanted to see a Rodgers-Brady duel on Sunday Night Football.  Without Rodgers and without a reliable running game (24th in the league), the Patriots defense, which has allowed just 10 points over the last 9+ quarters, should have an easier time.

While Matt Flynn is probably an above average backup quarterback, he will not be able to do some of the things that Rodgers can do, in terms of mobility, and making something out of nothing.  While Flynn was a decent game manager against the Lions last week (throwing just one interception and completing 57% of his passes, although scoring just three points), the Packers offense will be a lot more conservative.  This certainly should work in the Patriots favor.

For the Packers, it will now likely be up to the team's top-ranked scoring defense to keep their team in the game.