QB Rodgers (calf) carted off, then returns to lead Pack to North title

Things looked dicey when Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers went down and was carted off after hurting his left calf while throwing a touchdown pass in the second quarter Sunday against the Detroit Lions. But a couple hours later, all was looking up for Green Bay.

Rodgers returned in the second half to lead a pair of scoring drives and lift the Packers (12-4) to an NFC North-clining win over the Detroit Lions, 30-20.

Rodgers appeared to reach for the back of his left leg before spending a few seconds on the ground in pain after scrambling before finding Randall Cobb for a 4-yard score at 2:24 of the quarter for a 14-0 lead.

Rodgers was helped to the sideline before walking on his own to a cart and taken to the locker room.

He returned for the third quarter and promptly led a seven-play, 60-yard drive that culminated with a touchdown pass to Randall Cobb. He added a rushing touchdown later on.

Late in the game, Lions defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh knocked Rodgers to the ground and was seen stepping on the quarterback's ankle area.

Rodgers had hurt his left calf last week against Tampa Bay. He was listed as probable for Sunday's game after being limited in practice this week.

The win secured a first-round bye for the Packers and will give some likely needed healing time for Rodgers, who was walking gingerly off the field after the game.