Rodgers: My Back Feels Tight From Standing Around So Much Sunday

Aaron Rodgers doesn't seem to want the Bears to feel any better.

He showed so during his Milwaukee radio show earlier this week, when he claimed that he stood around so much during Sunday's victory that his back is actually stiff right now. It's a safe bet Rodgers is just joking here, but nonetheless, this story is interesting.

Here's Rodgers' quote, courtesy of ESPN.com's Rob Demovsky:

"My low back was actually hurting…I think I attributed that to standing around the entire time as the second half went on, not [from] anything that happened on the field…The guys took really good care of me on the field. I barely got touched all game, but my back actually got a little tight on the sideline…I forgot what a strain that can be to stand there and watch."

Reaction: Packers Blowout Bears in Week 10

My thoughts after watching the Packers blowout the Bears yesterday:

1. Aaron Rodgers is a Legitimate MVP Candidate: 

Not many people seem to want to admit it, but it's perfectly clear. Rodgers is having another great year right now, and at the very least he deserves to be considered for the honor.

2. The Bears aren't Turning Their Season Around:

Not that I wanted them them to, but yeah, they're done at this point. They're just not good enough.

3. Playing at Lambeau Will Win the Packers the Division By the End of the Year:

It might not be easy, but nonetheless, it looks bound to happen. 

Let's hope I'm right.

Rodgers Expected to Play Sunday

The Packers expect team QB Aaron Rodgers to play in Sunday's game against the Bears, ESPN Wisconsin's Jason Wilde reports.

Rodgers apparently did "everything" in Green Bay's practice Monday, Head Coach Mike McCarthy told Wilde. 

McCarthy then said today that Rodgers, whose Pack currently sit at a somewhat mediocre 5-3, feels good and is ready to go.

The 30 year-old three-time division champion suffered a hamstring injury in Week 8's loss in New Orleans. It has not been made known whether he would've been able to take the field with it if the Packers had had a game last weekend.

Cutler Offers Bad Explanation When Asked Why He Struggles Against Packers

Bears QB Jay Cutler doesn't seem to want to talk about his struggles against the Packers.

He showed so earlier today, telling ESPN.com's Michael C. Wright this when whether a common denominator has contributed to his 1-10 career record against his team's rival.

"Different coordinators, different teams," Cutler said. "It’s different circumstances every time." 

Yes, Cutler, that must be the problem. Sure, there's some things that are always changing, but others, like maybe the quarterback, usually aren't.

Basically Cutler, you've got to take some responsibility here. It looks bad when you try to downplay your role in divisional losses. 

Packers Listed as 7 Point Favorites For Sunday's Bears Game

The Packers have been listed as 7 point favorites for Sunday's Bears game.

So far this season, the Bears have struggled mightily, starting the year just 3-5 for the worst record in the NFC North. However, when on the road this fall they've actually played pretty well, going 3-2 with those wins coming over the 49ers, Jets and Falcons.

So, while the Packers are clearly the better of the two here, don't be surprised if the visitors find a way to make it close this weekend, especially since Green Bay may be a little sluggish coming off of their bye.

Packers' Tretter Reportedly Close to Return

Packers' Offensive Lineman J.C. Tretter is expected to return to the team in time for next weekend's Bears game, ESPN.com's Rob Demosky reports. 

According to Demosky, Tretter won't get his starting center job, which he held before getting injured in the preseason, back from rookie Cory Linsley, but that other positions remain a possibility. Tretter could play at right guard next Sunday if T.J. Lang is unable to, with other spots such as tackle also there to be considered.

Tretter, 23, returned to Green Bay's practices two weeks ago after missing more than a month with a knee injury.

Matthews probable to play tomorrow

According to Fox Sports, Packers LB Clay Matthews, who returned to practice just two days ago, is listed as probable to play in tomorrow's home game against the Eagles. Matthews has been out since week 5, when he broke his thumb in a win over the Lions. 

In my opinion, this news couldn't be better. If Matthews doesn't play this week, the Packers defense will almost certainly struggle. But now that #52's likely to suit up, I see the D putting up a decent performance tomorrow. It probably won't be great, but it just might be good enough to win. 

Packers LB Matthews could return as soon as November 10

According to ESPN.com's Rob Demovsky, Packers LB Clay Matthews, who has been out since the team's Week 5 win over the Lions due to a broken thumb, will have the pins removed from that injured thumb November 4 and, if all goes well, could return as early as November 10. On that day, the Pack will be hosting the struggling Eagles at home, so if Matthews is still not back by then I think they'll be fine. 

Despite the fact that they'll almost definitely win that game, having #52 back would be nice. He's just fun to watch whether you root for Green Bay or not.