Rodgers out for Steelers game

GREEN BAY, Wis.— The Packers have ruled out Aaron Rodgers for Sunday’s game against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

It will be Green Bay’s seventh straight game without Rodgers since the franchise quarterback fractured his left collarbone during the first series of a 27-20 loss to the Bears on Nov. 4.

Backup Matt Flynn will make a fourth straight start. Coach Mike McCarthy said Friday that Rodgers has not received medical clearance yet, and that the organization feels Rodgers is not ready to play.

“Just as I’ve stated all along. We’ve got two different circumstances here. We’ve got Aaron Rodgers’ health, and obviously where we are as a football team,” McCarthy said. “Until we feel good about where Aaron is medically, that will not be part of the second circumstance. So as an organization, we are not ready for him to play.”

Green Bay (7-6-1) went winless for five games before rallying for two straight come-from-behind victories with Flynn at quarterback to get back into the NFC North race. The Packers can win the division by beating the Steelers this week and Bears next week.

Rodgers this week said he hasn’t suffered any setbacks. He appears to be improving each week.

Rodgers looked sharp in individual drills and other parts of brief portions of practice open to media, though Flynn has taken the majority of practice snaps.

McCarthy was peppered with questions Friday about the status of the 2011 NFL MVP.

“I think Aaron clearly wants to play. I mean, he’s a very competitive man,” McCarthy said. “He’s done everything he possibly can from his end of it.”