Rodgers slated to practice Saturday
Packers quarterback
Aaron Rodgers, who was placed on injured reserve after breaking his right collarbone Oct. 15 against the Vikings, is on track to practice Saturday, coach
Mike McCarthy said. “We’re looking to potentially practice him in a trial return,” McCarthy said Friday. “That’s the outlook.”
Rodgers had surgery Oct. 19 and was placed on IR the following day. NFL rules allow teams to bring two players off IR who have been sidelined at least six weeks. Friday marked six weeks for Rodgers.
Rodgers threw several passes of at least 50 yards before Sunday night’s loss to the Steelers. If the Packers can stay in the playoff race by beating the Buccaneers on Sunday and the Browns next weekend, Rodgers could return for the Dec. 17 game in Carolina.
NFL pledges $90 million: The NFL is committing $90 million over the next seven years to social-justice causes in a three-segment plan that involves league players.
In a memo sent to the 32 teams, the league unveiled what it calls “a new and expanded program of community improvement.” The NFL Foundation is putting a $3 million grant into the program.
Each team will contribute to the plan, much of which will be funded through “cause-related events and consumer products sales, auctions and other promotional sources” as well as contributions from clubs.
Panthers’ Johnson banned: Panthers defensive end Charles Johnson was suspended without pay for the next four games for violating the league policy on performance-enhancing substances.
Johnson is eligible to return to the Panthers’ active roster Dec. 25. Coach
Ron Rivera said Julius Peppers will start in Johnson’s spot and Bryan Cox
Jr. will work into the defensive line rotation.
Raiders’ Jackson fined: Raiders guard Gabe Jackson was fined $30,387 by the league for making contact with an official during Sunday’s victory over the Broncos.
Jackson was ejected from the game when he made contact with official Laird
Hayes in the first quarter during a brawl that began when Broncos cornerback
Aqib Talib and Raiders wide receiver Michael
Crabtree shoved each other. Jackson ran toward the melee and bumped into Hayes, who was knocked to the ground.
Talib and Crabtree were also ejected and later suspended two games by the league, but both had their suspensions reduced to one game after they appealed.
Extra points: Cardinals NT
Corey Peters signed a three-year contract extension through 2020 . ... Broncos NT Domata Peko will miss his first game since 2009 because of a sprained MCL in his left knee. He played in 123 consecutive games . ... Jaguars LB Telvin
Smith remains in the concussion protocol and was ruled out for Sunday’s game . ... Packers RB Ty
Montgomery (broken ribs) was placed on IR. ... Broncos S Darian Stewart was fined $24,309 for his hit on Raiders WR Amari Cooper, who suffered a concussion.