Packers' Aaron Rodgers back, to start Bears game

GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) — Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers will return to start Sunday's game for the NFC North title against the Chicago Bears.

Coach Mike McCarthy announced today that Rodgers will be back after missing seven games because of a left collarbone injury.

Green Bay (7-7-1) is 2-5-1 since Rodgers went down during the first series of a 27-20 loss Nov. 4 to Chicago. But the Packers have managed to hang on with a shot to win a third straight division title with a victory over the Bears at Soldier Field.

"We're preparing for the Chicago Bears with Aaron Rodgers as our starting quarterback," McCarthy said.

He broke the news to the team this morning before practice.

The Packers have been riddled by injuries. Linebacker Clay Matthews is out again with a right thumb injury. Running back Eddie Lacy is hobbled by an ankle injury, though McCarthy is optimistic about the rookie's chances to go Sunday.

"I feel Eddie is in good place," McCarthy said. "I expect him to play."