Green Bay quarterback Aaron Rodgers will miss the Packers' NFL clash with Dallas on Sunday, despite returning to training this week.
Rodgers, the 2011 NFL Most Valuable Player, hasn't played since he broke his collarbone on the opening drive of Green Bay's loss to Chicago on November 4.
Packers coach Mike McCarthy said on Friday that even though Rodgers has made progress in his recovery, team medical staff thought it was too soon for him to return to competition.
"It's been a difficult morning, going through the conversation with Aaron and Dr (Patrick) McKenzie," McCarthy said.
"He feels like he's ready to play. He's had a good week of preparation. He did very little today. He's very disappointed, but speaking with Dr McKenzie, this is the right decision."
Matt Flynn will again start at quarterback for Green Bay, who are half-a-game behind Detroit and Chicago for the NFC North division lead.
"This is clearly a decision best made in the interests of Aaron Rodgers," McCarthy added.
"Listening to all the conversation, the facts and evaluation, it's in our best interests as a football team and an organisation for Aaron not to play this weekend."
