Before they face the Falcons, the Packers have to face the sniffles.
Aaron Rodgers is the latest member of the team to come down with an illness that has been making its way around the Green Bay locker room this week, and he's certainly the most important. The quarterback, though, said he'll be fine for Sunday's NFC title game.
"Rest, fluids, all that stuff," Rodgers said on Friday from the podium with a hoarse voice in his final news conference before the game. "We'll be OK. It's kind of going around. Jordy (Nelson) had it. Mason (Crosby) had it. I got it. We're going to be OK and deal with it."
Earlier in the day Packers coach Mike McCarthy said that Nelson, who is trying to return from a rib injury, was sent home with his illness so as not to infect anyone else. Too late, apparently, for Rodgers' health.
But if there is one quarterback in the world who might actually welcome a bug 48 hours before kickoff in a game that will determine who plays in the Super Bowl, it's probably Rodgers. The quarterback who has been tearing through the league for the past two months said on Friday that he welcomes all kinds of adversity.
That likely includes everything from green room anxiety the night he was drafted to whatever has been ailing him lately.
"I like the challenge," Rodgers said. "I like when the odds are stacked against you, and the expectations are low for certain circumstances or games. I've always enjoyed that role. Around here we haven't been the underdog too many times, but we are this week. We're going to a tough environment and there's an expectation outside of the building that they're going to win."
That expectation is sharpened with doubts about the health of three top receivers. Nelson (ribs), Davante Adams (ankle) and Geronimo Allison (hamstring) are all listed as questionable and could be gameday decisions.
"All three of the receivers will be given every chance to play in the game," McCarthy said. "They have work to do, particularly in the rehab (group). If we know (Saturday), then we'll know (Saturday). If we know Sunday, then we'll know Sunday. One or two of those guys are probably going to have to work out Sunday."
Add it to the Rodgers list of obstacles to overcome.
"You make your own opportunities," Rodgers said. "Nothing has been given to us this year. We've scratched and clawed for everything. It's been a really rewarding season."
Even if fewer people than usual are giving the Packers a chance on Sunday.
"I like our role," Rodgers said, "and I like our chances."
