Green Bay Packers' Aaron Rodgers doubtful; Matt Flynn prepped to play

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The Green Bay Packers have listed quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who suffered his second concussion of the season last week, as doubtful for Sunday night's game against the New England Patriots.

Packers coach Mike McCarthy said Rodgers, who was on hand for three quarters of Friday's practice, is making progress. Although McCarthy left the door open for Rodgers' return, the coach said he's prepared to go with Matt Flynn as the starter against the Patriots. Earlier Friday, McCarthy tipped off Flynn that he would start.

Asked about Flynn during an interview on radio station WIBA 1310 in Madison, Wis., McCarthy said, "He's had a good week of practice and this is always a big hurdle for a quarterback when he gets his first start. This is something he'll really benefit from."

McCarthy said Rodgers would make the trip to New England and a final determination on his status would come Saturday. McCarthy also said Rodgers will wear a new helmet when he returns to the lineup.

Also on the Packers' injury report, linebacker Frank Zombo is listed as doubtful but will miss the game because of knee injury, and safety Anthony Smith did not practice Friday and is questionable with an ankle injury. The Packers added linebacker Diyral Briggs to the injury report as questionable with an ankle injury and linebacker Desmond Bishop is probable due to a hamstring injury.

John Clayton is a senior NFL writer for ESPN.com.

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