Packers Morning Buzz: Game on for Aaron Rodgers

Welcome to your Morning Buzz, rounding up news and views regarding the Green Bay Packers  from around the web and here at PackersNews.com. Grab a strong cup of coffee and get caught up on everything you need to know about the Packers.

We’ll start with the big news that broke overnight, the return of Aaron Rodgers.

From Michael Cohen:

Aaron Rodgers is once again the starting quarterback for the Green Bay Packers.

After two long days of deliberation about his surgically repaired collarbone — days in which medical experts from around the country pored over the results of various scans — Rodgers received medical clearance to play in Sunday’s game against the Carolina Panthers. He announced the news via Instagram on Tuesday night.

“It's been a long road from that day to this, but I'm happy to say I've been medically cleared to return,” Rodgers wrote on social media. “Thanks for all the love, support, prayers, and well wishes over the past 8 weeks ❤ and a big thank you to Dr McKenzie and our incredible training staff. #riseagain”

The news catapults the Packers’ playoff chances from a pipe dream to a legitimate possibility with three games remaining. Conventional wisdom says the Packers must win all three — at Carolina, vs. Minnesota and at Detroit — to have a chance at a wild card in the top-heavy NFC. Accomplishing that feat with Brett Hundley at quarterback was unlikely after he won just three games in seven starts; but with Rodgers the odds shift dramatically.

Tom Silverstein writes that it’s time for Dom Capers to bring the heat:

Here are three storylines to watch for heading into Carolina:

I spoke with Marv Fleming for our Ice Bowl memories series:

Elsewhere, many of Rodgers’ teammates welcomed him back:

Good Morning Football talks about Rodgers’ return:

Michelle Bruton writes that bringing Rodgers back is worth the risk:

Rob Demovsky writes on the return of #12:

What the Packers pulled off on Sunday is incredibly rare:

People are ready for Rodgers and the Packers to make a run:

The Packers lost Max McCaffrey to the 49ers:

Jamaal Williams has been incredibly productive:

The Packers Hall of Fame announced two new inductees:

Yesterday was the anniversary of a big game from the Golden Boy:

The Internet’s got jokes: