QB Rodgers injured in Packers’ loss to Bears

Chicago’s Josh McCown stepped up in the absence of the injured Jay Cutler and led the Bears to a 27-20 win over rival Green Bay on Monday, while the Packers also lost a first-choice quarterback to injury, with Aaron Rodgers hurting his non-throwing shoulder.

The win snapped a run of six straight defeats for the Bears against the Packers, while Green Bay’s four-match streak also ended.

But the far larger concern is over Rodgers, who hurt his left shoulder when he was sacked on Green Bay’s first series by Shea McClellin. After being examined by medical staff, he went to the locker room and emerged in the third quarter, waving to fans.

The win moves the Bears into a three-way tie for first in the NFC North with Green Bay and Detroit, all at 5-3.

Green Bay has been hit hard by injuries, with James Jones (knee) returning Monday after a two-game absence and sack master Clay Matthews (thumb) and tight end Jermichael Finley still out. Wide receiver Randall Cobb (leg) is also on the injured list-designated to return. But a hurt Rodgers is Green Bay’s ultimate nightmare.

With the 2011 NFL MVP almost as durable as predecessor Brett Favre - he hasn’t missed a game due to injury since 2010 - a backup quarterback has been little more than an afterthought in Green Bay. But as the Bears demonstrated on Monday, quality understudies can be vital. While McCown may not have been dazzling, going 22 for 41 for 272 yards, he mixed his passes effectively to Brandon Marshall, Alshon Jeffery and Matt Forte, and Forte ran roughshod on the Green Bay defense - scoring one touchdown.