GREEN BAY, Wis. — Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers did not practice on Wednesday (like many Wednesdays this season.) The expectation is that he’ll play against the Bears Sunday in Chicago, despite rib and thumb injuries.

Rodgers is 24-5 against the Bears in games he’s started. He’s thrown a record 63 touchdown passes in his career against the Bears. He hasn’t thrown an interception against them in the last seven meetings. Over the last five games against the Bears, Rodgers has 16 touchdown passes and no interceptions. So, it’s no surprise that Rodgers wants to play Sunday. He was asked during his media session why he was so intent on playing.

“Pride, for one,” said Rodgers. “Love of the game. They are paying me to play. I love to compete. I want to be out there with my guys.”

“It just speaks to how competitive he is,” said Packers Head Coach Matt LaFleur. “How much he’s invested into this game, this team, regardless of circumstances.”

Rodgers knows that the Packers may want to see more of Jordan Love if the Packers are eliminated from playoff contention.

“Look, I'd love to finish the season out,” said Rodgers. “But I understand this is a business. There’s lot of us kind of older guys who play a decent amount. They might want to see some younger guys play. Hopefully, we don't have to have that conversation. But, if that conversation comes up, I’ll approach it with an open mind and without any bitterness or resentment.”

Rodgers cemented his already frosty relationship with Bears fans last year when he famously said, “I own you.” Rodgers knows what to expect Sunday at Soldier Field.

“I've been hearing from fans for 15 years down there,” said Rodgers. “I don't expect anything to be different. I have a lot of respect for the city of Chicago and the sports fans.”

LaFleur is the first coach in NFL history to win his first seven regular season games against the Bears. He’s ready for Sunday.

“Right now, the focus is 100% on winning this football game and doing whatever it takes,” said LaFleur. “That’s always gonna be the focus in my mind.”

“I've enjoyed the rivalry over the years and been a part of a ton of these games,” said Rodgers. “I've enjoyed all of them. It's a great rivalry. Been around for a long, long time. Happy to be on this side of it.”

I asked Packers center Josh Myers, who played at Ohio State, to compare Packers-Bears to Ohio State-Michigan.

“It’s very, very similar type of rivalry,” said Myers. “Long, long rivalry with a lot of bad blood. That’s as good as it gets.”

Christian Watson has rightfully been getting the attention in recent weeks. His fellow rookie receiver, Romeo Doubs, hopes to return to action Sunday from an ankle injury.

“I feel great. It's been a long grind. I’m just ready to play,” said Doubs. “Right now, it’s real questionable. I don't know what's going to happen. I'll leave that up to the staff, medical staff. But I feel great coming out today and, you know, expecting to feel real good coming out again tomorrow.”