Rodgers ends ‘darkness retreat’

Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers ended his “darkness retreat,” according to an ESPN report. Rodgers left Sky Cave Retreats in Oregon on Wednesday, two days after he reportedly entered.

The four-time MVP had said during an appearance Feb. 7 on “The Pat McAfee Show” that he would decide on his future after returning from an “isolation retreat” of “complete darkness.”

♦ Linebacker Bobby Wagner reportedly is parting ways with the Rams, one season into the five-year, $50 million contract he signed. His release before June 1 will create $5 million in salary-cap savings for the Rams, who are currently about $14 million over the cap. The move also results in $7.5 million in dead money.

♦ Sean Payton reportedly is bringing back ex-Broncos head coach Vance Joseph to serve as his defensive coordinator. Joseph coached the Broncos in 2017-18, compiling an 11-21 record. He spent the last four seasons as the Cardinals’ defensive coordinator.

♦ Jeff Bezos hired an investment firm to examine the possibility of making a bid for the Commanders, according to the Washington Post.

NBA Durant set to make Suns debut Wed.

Kevin Durant reportedly will make his Suns debut Wednesday against the Hornets. Durant, who has not played since spraining his right knee Jan. 8, played five-on-five with his new teammates for the first time during a scrimmage Thursday.

♦ Nikola Jokic had 24 points, 18 rebounds and 13 assists for his 13th triple-double in 16 games and his NBA-leading 22nd this season in the Nuggets’ 115-109 victory over the Cavaliers.

MISCELLANEOUS

Phils’ Harper likely to report in 2 weeks

Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski said slugger Bryce Harper is taking swings with a bat at home in Las Vegas as he recovers from elbow surgery and will report to spring training March 8 or 9.

♦ The Bruins acquired defenseman Dmitry Orlov and forward Garnet Hathaway from the Capitals for Craig Smith, a 2023 first-round pick, a 2024 third-round pick and a 2025 second-round pick.