Green Bay’s Rodgers practices on birthday

Aaron Rodgers celebrated his 34th birthday by returning to Green Bay Packers practice.

The two-time NFL MVP is on injured reserve and was designated to return by the Packers on Saturday. Rodgers wouldn’t be eligible to play at the earliest until Dec. 17 at Carolina.

But at least the Packers have their starting quarterback back at practice for the first time since he broke his right collarbone on 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 got 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 Friday. “The guys have been able to watch him

work here the last couple weeks.”

The Packers (5-6) are 1-5 since Rodgers was hurt. They host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday, a crucial game for their flickering playoff hopes.

■ Philadelphia signed wide receiver Alshon Jeffery to a four-year contract extension that runs through 2021.

The deal is reportedly worth $52 million, with $27 million guaranteed. The 27-year-old Jeffery signed a one-year deal with the Eagles in free agency in March after playing for the Chicago Bears his first five seasons.

The Eagles lead the NFL with a 10-1 record and play at Seattle (74) 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.

Jeffery has 347 receptions for 5,168 yards and 33 touchdowns in 74 career games.

■ New Orleans placed starting tight end Coby Fleener on injured reserve, potentially ending his season.

Fleener already had been ruled out Sunday 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.

The Associated Press

Eagles: Saints:

Aaron Rodgers