The sound you hear off in the distance is coming from Green Bay; it’s the sound of utter jubilation as Packer fans celebrate quarterback Aaron Rodgers (concussion) being cleared to play against the Giants on Sunday. (Somebody may be running a blender, too.)

ESPN Milwaukee reports that Rodgers has gained clearance from team physician Dr. John Gray, as well as an independent neurologist to play. Rodgers could still suffer a setback between now and kickoff, but for the time being it looks like he’ll suit up for the most important game of both Green Bay and New York’s seasons.

If the playoffs were to start today, the Giants would own the sixth and final spot in the NFC. But the Packers control their own destiny from here on out so if they beat New York on Sunday and then Chicago in Week 17, they would go to the playoffs and the Giants would be left out. (The Bucs are also in the mix, but their fate was essentially sealed last week when they couldn’t beat the Lions at home. Sinners.)

On Monday, Eli Manning apparently held his first players-only meeting since being drafted by the Giants in 2004. The team needed somebody to perform damage control after their fourth quarter collapse against the Eagles last Sunday, and Eli took it upon himself to step up. We’ll see if the little pow-wow pays off.

As expected, Matt Flynn will make his first start of the season when the Packers travel to New England to play the Patriots on Sunday night. Starter Aaron Rodgers has been ruled out with a concussion.

Flynn has attempted just 46 passes in his three-year career, completing 25 of them for 246 yards with zero touchdowns and two interceptions. In Green Bay’s 7-3 loss to the Lions last Sunday, he completed 15-of-26 passes for 177 yards and one interception, which came after he drove the Packers into the red zone and was then picked off in the end zone.

New England ranks 27th in total defense and 31st against the pass, but Bill Belichick’s squad has played much better of late. The Pats forced three turnovers in a 45-3 win over the Jets two weeks ago and limited New York to just 149 yards passing. Then they forced four more turnovers in a blizzard last Sunday in Chicago and held the Bears to only 185 yards of total offense.

The problem the Packers face is that they don’t have a running game to lean on with Flynn under center. They’ve been able to get away with not being able to run the ball because Rodgers has played at an MVP-level. But with Flynn taking the snaps, Green Bay appears to be in deep trouble and things may unravel quickly in Foxboro on Sunday night.

According to a report by ESPN.com, Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers is hurting after Green Bay’s loss to the Vikings on Sunday, but expects to play this week with a sprain on one foot and a sprained toe on the other.

Packers coach Mike McCarthy says Rodgers could miss time in practice this week but is expected to play Sunday at Tampa Bay without hurting his mobility.

It’s been a long year for Rodgers. He has been sacked 31 times overall — worst in the NFL — including six by Minnesota on Sunday.
Rodgers was limping after the game but said he expected to be OK after a few days.

I’ve gained a lot of respect for Rodgers this season. The kid has been running for his life all year because of the Packers’ O-line issues and yet he’s never complained. And despite Jared Allen treating him like a rag doll, Rodgers has never once thrown one of his teammates under the bus.

I know he hasn’t proven that he can be a consistent winner, but I like Rodgers and think he could be a damn good player in the NFL.