Record factors in Rodgers’ return

potential return from a broken collarbone took a major step forward this week. But, as Rodgers has said all along, there has to be a reason to return.

The Packers quarterback, who is on injured reserve, went through a conditioning session Wednesday that included taking snaps and mimicking the throwing motion with a towel. It was his first time doing anything football-related on the field since suffering the injury against the Vikings on Oct. 15.

“I think he’s making really good progress,” coach

said before Thursday’s practice. “I know the training staff and the strength and conditioning staff are very pleased with where he is. He’s moving right along.”

Rodgers can’t practice until Dec. 2, one day before a home game against the Buccaneers. If Rodgers is healed and the Packers are in the playoff hunt, he could return for the Week 15 road game against the Panthers on Dec. 17. The Packers close the season with a pair of games against the top teams in the NFC North: home against the Vikings and on the road against the Lions.

“We’ve still got to wait but it’s good to see,” linebacker

said. “At the same time, we’ve still got to hold up our end and steal a few wins these next weeks in hopes that we’ve got a shot with him coming back. We started with one last week. Hopefully, we can get another one this week.”

Steelers rout Titans: Ben Roethlisberger threw for 299 yards and four touchdowns and the Pittsburgh Steelers defeated the Tennessee Titans 40-17 on Thursday night. Pittsburgh’s Antonio Brown had 10 catches for 144 yards and three touchdowns.

Gordon Coach

return: expects to start practicing with the Browns next week.

“I do,” Jackson said Thursday. “He’s doing well. He’s here in the building every day, on time for everything, involved and big smile on his face. He’s a pleasure to be around.”

Gordon was reinstated by NFL Commissioner

on a conditional basis Nov. 1. Under the terms of Gordon’s reinstatement, the 2013 All-Pro wide receiver will be eligible to return to practice Monday. But the Browns don’t actually practice on Mondays and players are off on Tuesdays, so Gordon is slated to be back on the field with the rest of the team Wednesday.

“He’s been out for a while,” receiver

said. “But I know he’s been working hard to come back, and he’s in a great place right now, and we’re just adding some more weapons.”

Receiver will play Sunday when the Browns (0-9) host the Jaguars (6-3) for the first time since he suffered a broken right hand Sept. 17 against the Ravens.

Gordon will be eligible to play in the final five games of the season beginning Dec. 3 on the road against the Chargers.

“Me and JG talk every day,” Coleman said. “I’m so happy for him. He’s back on track, and I’m excited to play with him. Just for him being an older guy, I can learn a lot from him, so I talk to him about everyday life, football ... just talk about like what we can do and stuff like that.”

Gordon has been suspended for the last 42 games and 52 of the last 57.

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