NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE NOTES

Packers’ Rodgers preparing to play

The Green Bay Packers stayed afloat in the postseason race while hoping for nearly two months that Aaron Rodgers would return. News that the two-time NFL MVP was cleared medically to return from a collarbone injury finally arrived Tuesday night, coming a bit later than coach Mike McCarthy hoped — but well worth the wait for the playoff-hopeful Packers. Rodgers is in line to start this weekend against the Carolina Panthers. "Next step is preparing to play this week," McCarthy said before practice Wednesday.

Redskins put TE Jordan Reed on IR

The Washington Redskins have decided to shut down Jordan Reed, putting the tight end on season-ending injured reserve. Reed has missed the past six games former New London High School star, who went into training camp dealing with an injury to his big left toe and also missed a game with a bruised chest. He had just 27 catches for 211 yards and two touchdowns in six games.

Patriots sign WR Kenny Britt

The New England Patriots have beefed up Tom Brady's receiving corps for this week's game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, adding veteran Kenny Britt.

They'll also get tight end Rob Gronkowski back after his one-game suspension. Also Wednesday, tackle Marcus Cannon was placed on injured reserve.

A second-team AP All-Pro last season, Cannon played in seven of the first eight games but missed the last five with an ankle injury.

Britt, a 2009 first-round pick out of Rutgers, was released by Cleveland last week in his first season after signing a four-year, $32.5 million contract in March. He appeared in nine games with four starts for the Browns, catching 18 passes for 233 yards and two touchdowns.

But the Patriots' corps of wideouts is on the small side, and at 6-foot-3, 215 pounds, Britt gives Brady another big target to go with Gronkowski.

"He's a good guy, a joy to be around, always upbeat, always smiling ear to ear, a physical guy, obviously big-bodied guy," said Patriots defensive back Devin McCourty, who also went to Rutgers.

"I'm excited for him (to have) the opportunity to come here and try to catch on," McCourty said. "Obviously, it's tough coming in at this point in the year, just trying to learn as much as possible and get out there."