The Carolina Panthers inched another step closer to securing a playoff spot after edging the Minnesota Vikings 31-24 on Sunday afternoon, but Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers loom next week.

The suddenly streaking Packers could have their two-time league MVP back for the Week 15 matchup. According to Richard Walker of the Gaston Gazette, the Panthers are prepping for Green Bay with the assumption that Rodgers is indeed back in the mix.

https://twitter.com/JRWalk22/status/940276889435951104

There is a growing notion that the 34-year-old will return this week, as Rodgers continues to show progress in his recovery from a fractured collarbone suffered in Week 6. Rodgers participated in practice in a limited fashion last week and is set to undergo a CT scan in the coming days. If it comes back negative, the Cal alumnus will be granted medical clearance to come off injured reserve.

Rodgers' return creates an entirely different dynamic for the Packers' offense. He is one of the league's premier quarterbacks, proving time and time again over the course of his career that he can lead the Packers single-handedly to wins with his arm.
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If he's not cleared to play on Sunday, the Packers will stick with backup Brett Hundley, who is coming off a strong performance in a comeback win over the Cleveland Browns.