Rodgers says he’s cleared to return
Aaron Rodgers has been “medically cleared to return” to action after missing seven games with a broken right collarbone, the Packers quarterback announced on Instagram on Tuesday night.
Rodgers was hurt during a loss to Minnesota on Oct. 15 and had surgery four days later. He returned to practice on Dec. 2 and is eligible to rejoin the 53- man roster Friday, which means the two- time MVP could suit up for Green Bay’s game at Carolina on Sunday.
Rodgers had his collarbone scanned on Monday morning. That afternoon, with the team in the middle of game- planning for Carolina, coach Mike McCarthy wasn’t sure whether Rodgers or backup Brett Hundley would be his quarterback.
“I’d like to know as soon as possible,” McCarthy said. “Frankly, it’s best for Aaron to know as soon as possible. He’s the one that has to get ready and, obviously, in his mind he’s ready to go if you watch him practice and the conversations with him. But this is amedical decision and Dr. McKenzie is in touch with a number of different medical experts and they’re evaluating the information.”
Those meetings ran deep into Tuesday before a conclusion was reached.
Three suspended by NFL Network
Hall of Famer Marshall Faulk and two other NFL Network analysts were suspended after a woman who worked as a wardrobe stylist at the network accused them of sexual misconduct in a lawsuit.
The NFL identified the three as Faulk, Ike Taylor and Heath Evans. They have been “suspended from their duties at NFL Network pending an investigation into these allegations,” league spokesman Brian McCarthy said.
Former NFL Network executive Eric Weinberger, former NFL Network analysts Donovan McNabb, Eric Davis, and Hall of Famer Warren Sapp, and former NFL Network employee Marc Watts also are named in the lawsuit.
Patriots to sign receiver Britt
Receiver Kenny Britt is expected to sign a two- year deal with the Patriots. Britt, who was released by the Browns four days ago, had 18 catches for 233 yards and two touchdowns.
This and that
Former NFL running back Larry Johnson says he believes he suffers from CTE ( chronic traumatic encephalopathy).
The Steelers put Ryan Shazier on injured reserve. The linebacker underwent spinal stabilization surgery on Dec. 6.
Broncos right guard Ronald Leary ( back) was put on injured reserve. Leary was the Broncos’ gem in free agency last winter when he signed a four- year, $ 35 million deal.
The Redskins put tight end Jordan Reed ( hamstring) on injured reserve.
A season- ticket holder has sued the Saints, requesting a refund of his ticket costs and attorneys’ fees because of players who kneel before the national anthem at home games and sat during the anthem in a Week 3 road game.