Rodgers makes return to field

The Packers stayed afloat while hoping for nearly two months that would return. News that the two-time NFL MVP was cleared medically to come back from a collarbone injury finally arrived Tuesday night, coming a bit later than coach

hoped — but well worth the wait for the playoff-hopeful Packers.

Rodgers is in line to start this weekend against the Panthers.

“The strength and the flexibility came back the quickest,” Rodgers said after practice Wednesday. “It was just waiting on the bone to be ready to play.”

He didn’t want to go into detail about how much his surgically repaired collarbone had healed.

It’s back to a normal week of preparation for Rodgers after making what McCarthy had considered great progress in rehab since getting hurt against the Vikings on Oct. 15.

The Packers (7-6) went 3-4 with backup

They are one of four teams with at least seven wins chasing the Falcons for the second NFC wild-card berth.

“It’s great having him back, but if the decision went the other way, it’s still status quo — we still have to win these next three games,” left tackle

said. “But obviously having one of the greatest players in the game right now makes us better as a football team.”

Rodgers is eligible to be activated Friday.

Goodell’s last go-round: Commissioner

views the agreement reached on an extension last week as his final contract overseeing the NFL, a league spokesman said. Goodell’s extension through 2024 will allow him to help negotiate a new labor deal when the current agreement expires in 2021, and have a hand in talks over new broadcast contracts, spokesman said when details of announcing the deal.

A person with knowledge of the agreement told The Associated Press the five-year extension is worth almost $200 million with a base salary of $40 million. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the figures are not made public.

Extra points: The Patriots signed WR The Patriots also re-signed DL LB WR released and T

was placed on IR. ... Broncos S

won’t play again this season. Simmons sprained his left ankle while celebrating

strip-sack . ... co-founder

son of and the younger brother of

died at the age of 74 . ... The Redskins put TE on IR. and were Bengals