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Rodgers, Packers trying to avoid third straight loss

Sep 30, 2008 - 7:28 PM Atlanta (2-2) at Green Bay (2-2), 1:00 pm EDT

GREEN BAY, Wisconsin (Ticker) -- Aaron Rodgers enjoyed a great start to the 2008 season, but the quarterback is facing some adversity in his first year as a starter.

Rodgers needs to forget about his injured shoulder and his three-interception performance when the Green Bay Packers host the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday.

The 24-year-old Rodgers, who replaced Packer legend Brett Favre as the team's starting quarterback at the start of this season, tossed a pair of touchdowns but was picked off three times and sprained his throwing shoulder during last Sunday's 30-21 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

In the fourth quarter, Rodgers left because of his shoulder injury and returned after being briefly replaced by rookie Matt Flynn, but he was intercepted by Gaines Adams on a potential game-winning drive.

"I hurt my shoulder on the possession in the third quarter, right before I threw the touchdown pass," said Rodgers, who finished 14-of-27 for 165 yards. "I was not sure if I dislocated it or what. We had too many turnovers that led directly to points."

If the shoulder injury bothers Rodgers and he is unable finish the contest, Green Bay will be have to rely on a rookie quarterback - either Flynn or Brian Brohm.

"They are going to rehab him today and tomorrow and we'll have a better idea," Packers coach Mike McCarthy said Monday. "Speaking to Aaron, he has every intention of playing. It's just something we'll have to continue to rehab and monitor."

The Falcons have not been as strong away from Atlanta. They are 0-2 with just 18 total points scored in their two road contests, while winning both home games by a combined margin of 72-35.

Atlanta gained just 105 yards rushing and rookie Matt Ryan had 158 passing yards during Sunday's 24-9 loss to the Carolina Panthers.

Michael Turner has just 98 of his league-leading 422 rushing yards on the road this season.