Packers’ Rodgers back on practice field
GREEN BAY, Wis. — Aaron Rodgers celebrated his 34th birthday by returning to practice with the Green Bay Packers.
The two-time NFL MVP is on injured reserve and was designated to return Saturday. Rodgers would not be eligible to play at the earliest until Dec. 17 at Carolina.
But at least Green Bay has its starting quarterback back at practice for the first time since he broke his right collarbone Oct. 15 at Minnesota. He had surgery four days later.
The Packers have been cautious about a timeline for a potential return for Rodgers since he was hurt, warning that it could have ended his season.
But coach Mike McCarthy said Friday that Rodgers was on track for a trial return. Rodgers threw several passes of at least 50 yards before a loss to Pittsburgh last week.
“Absolutely, I think it’s a big deal when you see your leader out there,” McCarthy said. “The guys have been able to watch him work here the last couple weeks.”
Green Bay (5-6) is 1-5 since Rodgers was hurt. The Packers host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday in a crucial game for their flickering playoff hopes..
Eagles’ Jeffery gets new deal
The Philadelphia Eagles signed wide receiver Alshon Jeffery to a fouryear contract extension that runs through 2021.
The deal announced Saturday reportedly is worth $52 million, with $27 million guaranteed. Jeffery, 27, signed a one-year deal with Philadelphia in free agency in March after playing for the Chicago Bears his first five seasons.
“I love it here,” Jeffery said in a statement issued by the team. “I’m blessed to have the opportunity to play for this organization and for these fans. Everyone has welcomed me with open arms and now I’m looking forward to being here for a long time. We have a great group here and I’m excited to be a part of it.”
The Eagles lead the NFL with a 10-1 record and play at Seattle (7-4) on Sunday.
Jeffery is tied for fifth in the NFL with seven touchdown catches. He is second on the team with 43 receptions and 619 yards receiving.
“Alshon has been a tremendous addition to this organization on and off the field,” the team said in a statement. “We place a priority on making sure we are able to build the team around quality players like Alshon who embrace this team and this city the way he has. We are excited about his future here.”
Jeffery has 347 receptions for 5,168 yards and 33 touchdowns in 74 career games.
Odds and ends
New Orleans placed starting tight end Coby Fleener on injured reserve, potentially ending his season. Fleener already had been ruled out of Sunday’s game against Carolina with concussion symptoms stemming from a hit last week in Los Angeles. Fleener has caught 22 passes for 295 yards and two touchdowns this season . ... Detroit center Travis Swanson has been ruled out of Sunday’s game at Baltimore. Swanson left last week’s loss to Minnesota with a knee injury. Neither he nor punt returner Jamal Agnew have been practicing. Agnew also is out this weekend with a knee injury.. Swanson is in his fourth season with the Lions and has made 41 starts.