GREEN BAY, Wis. — Green Bay quarterback Aaron Rodgers is expected to start against the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday.

Rodgers sprained his right shoulder in last Sunday's game at Tampa Bay and threw only a handful of passes in practice this week. Rodgers had said he was willing to play through pain to be on field Sunday, but his ability to start would depend on regaining strength in his shoulder.

Rookie Matt Flynn is Rodgers' backup.

The Packers will play without several defensive starters Sunday. Defensive lineman Cullen Jenkins was placed on injured reserve with a chest injury this week, and cornerback Al Harris is out indefinitely with a spleen injury. Strong safety Atari Bigby was inactive Sunday because of a groin injury and will be replaced by Charlie Peprah.

Linebacker A.J. Hawk was limited in practice this week because of a groin injury, but was active Sunday.