Packers' Randall Cobb frustrated he's still not cleared

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Randall Cobb, like quarterback Aaron Rodgers, is frustrated by the slow pace of his recovery.

"I thought I was going to be cleared to run two weeks ago, and I still haven't been," Cobb said Friday, per WAUK-AM in Milwaukee.

The receiver was placed on injured reserve with the designated to return tag after he fractured his fibula in October, and the first game he is eligible to play is next week. Cobb could have started practicing, per the rules of IR-recall, but his slowed recovery will keep his availability in question for Week 15.

"I got to see Randall a little bit, some of his workout today," coach Mike McCarthy said Friday. "Obviously, he's not ready this week, and Tuesday will be a big day because that's kind of the week we've always looked at for his availability. So we'll see how that sorts out on Tuesday."

Cobb was leading the Packers in catches (29) when he fractured his right leg. While Rodgers clearly has been the bigger loss, Cobb's absence has robbed the Packers of a playmaker that can create explosive plays. Those something-out-of-nothing plays help backup quarterbacks immensely.

If Cobb is unable to practice next week, the Packers might decide to shut him down for the season. As with Rodgers, a big part of the Packers' decision likely hinges on the outcome of Sunday's game. The team would be more apt to shelve the young receiver for the season if the playoffs remain out of reach.

We previewed every Week 14 game and "stuck a fork" in another team in the latest "Around The League Podcast."