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GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) -- Aaron Rodgers isn't counting himself out from making the start at quarterback Sunday, but the Green Bay Packers are making sure rookie backup Matt Flynn is ready just in case.

Rodgers didn't practice Thursday for the second straight day as he recovers from a sprained right shoulder sustained in the last game.

"I'm getting close. We'll see," Rodgers said during a brief appearance in the locker room after practice Thursday.

"He was a little sore from yesterday's work today. And, it was the same plan today," McCarthy said. "So, they're working as hard as they can to get as much strength back in the shoulder. That's the focus."

McCarthy said Rodgers didn't do any throwing with a tennis ball Thursday, which he did the previous day.

Rodgers will have the shoulder re-examined Friday morning by team doctor Pat McKenzie. A decision will then be made on whether to have Rodgers participate in the team's final practice of the week and have him possibly play Sunday against Atlanta.

"I'm very optimistic, but we'll be realistic as well," Rodgers said.

He isn't sure if the team will err on the side of caution and hold him out of a game to try to ensure he's healthy for the rest of the season.

"It is a long season, but I want to play," Rodgers said.

The Packers used Thursday's practice to prepare Flynn as though he would me making his first NFL start.

"I didn't even give Aaron any reps in the jog-through today because of that. I wanted to make sure that today Matt felt very comfortable," McCarthy said.

McCarthy and offensive coordinator Joe Philbin said Flynn had a productive practice, highlighted by a touchdown drive in a two-minute drill.

"If he's the guy out there (Sunday), we'll be excited to see what he's capable of doing and see his leadership skills," Philbin said. "He's got talent and ability. It'll be exciting to see. It'll be fun to be a part of."

McCarthy isn't ready to write off Rodgers from being available for the game, however.

"We'll see where Aaron is tomorrow," McCarthy said. "But, even after tomorrow's practice, you still have another 48 hours before kickoff. So, we do have some time."

McCarthy said rookie Brian Brohm also took some practice reps under center with the starting group.

SAFETY CONCERNS: On the same day safety Atari Bigby returned to practice on a limited basis, the Packers were without his starting replacement.

Aaron Rouse is recovering from a knee injury that he aggravated in the last game.

"He's not coming along as fast as we would have hoped, so we'll see where he is tomorrow," McCarthy said. "Friday is a big checkup day with all of the injured guys. So, I'll probably go off Pat McKenzie's recommendation tomorrow."

Rouse started in place of Bigby the past two games.

Bigby had been sidelined since suffering a hamstring injury in the Sept. 14 game at Detroit.

"There was some hope of him possibly practicing full today, but it didn't work out that way," McCarthy said.

Nick Collins, the team's other starting safety, went through the full practice Thursday. He aggravated a bruised back in the last game.

If at least two of the three injured safeties can't play Sunday, Charlie Peprah will make his first pro start.

Peprah, a third-year player, missed the first two games of the season because of a hamstring injury suffered in the preseason.

"It's good to have him back," McCarthy said. "He's been a solid performer for us on special teams. This is an excellent opportunity for him, if he does get the start. We have confidence in Charlie."

STAY OUT OF THE ROUGH: Derrick Frost's recent inconsistencies as the Packers' punter prompted special teams coordinator Mike Stock to use a golf analogy Thursday.

"You hit one down the middle on the first hole, knock the next one up there stiff and knock the putt in. Go to the next hole and hit one in the bushes," Stock said. "You've got to be consistent. That's what he's been working on."

The Packers signed Frost, a veteran previously with the Washington Redskins, before the season started to replace inconsistent incumbent Jon Ryan.

Subpar hang times have hurt Frost, regarded as a strong directional kicker, the last two games.

"I think in certain situations, you could say that - his swing was out of whack," Stock said.

Frost is tied for 15th in the league with a net average of 37.9 yards. He acknowledged earlier in the week that he was on a short leash in trying to retain his job with the team.

"I don't know about the leash," Stock said. "I think he's had another good week of practice. Now, we'll have to put it together for the football game on Sunday."

NOTES: CB Charles Woodson was named NFC Defensive Player of the Month for September on Thursday. Woodson had three interceptions in the Packers' four games, including a league-best two that he returned for touchdowns. Woodson has been playing on a broken toe he sustained in the season opener. He's been out of practice again this week but is expected to play Sunday. ... Other injured players who haven't practiced this week are RB Kregg Lumpkin (hamstring), FB Korey Hall (knee) and DE Jason Hunter (hamstring).

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)