Flynn to start, Packers rule Rodgers out for Pats,

Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers did not receive medical clearance after sustaining his second concussion of the season and was ruled out for Sunday night's game at New England.

Matt Flynn, a seventh-round draft pick out of LSU in 2008, is expected to make his first career start for the Packers.

As of Saturday, Rodgers had not progressed through the NFL's full protocol of testing needed before a player returns to the field after sustaining a head injury. Packers coach Mike McCarthy said earlier in the week that the team would err on the side of caution in determining his status for Sunday's game.

The Packers also signed quarterback Graham Harrell from their practice squad and placed safety Anthony Smith on injured reserve.

Rodgers sustained a concussion in last Sunday's loss at Detroit, his second of the season. He did not practice with the team this week and sat out team meetings for most of the week as he recovered.

Rodgers was doubtful for the game as of Friday, although McCarthy said there was an outside chance he would be able to play.

"He's working his way through the process," McCarthy said Friday. "There are stages that you work through. But he's making progress, and I talked to him today. He looks good [and] would like to play."

Rodgers will be wearing a new helmet that offers better head protection when he returns to the field.

Rodgers made an appearance in the Packers' locker room Friday. He did not take questions from reporters, but appeared alert and upbeat.

Rodgers sustained his first concussion in an overtime loss at Washington on Oct. 10 and played the following week.