Rodgers cleared to play Sunday; Favre returns to practice

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Green Bay Packers’ quarterback Aaron Rodgers has passed the NFL’s required neurological exam. Barring any setbacks, he’s expected to start on Sunday against the Miami Dolphins at Lambeau Field.

Rodgers returned to practice Thursday after getting a concussion last Sunday at Washington. He was limited in his workout, but coach Mike McCarthy said Rodgers did enough to show he was not suffering the after-effects of his concussion.

It was believed that Rodgers suffered the injury on his final play against the Redskins, when he was hit while throwing an interception in overtime.

Rodgers admitted Thursday that he didn’t feel right before the hit – and it wasn’t clear until the final play that he had suffered a head injury. He said he felt progressively better as the week went on, and that he felt good after yesterday’s practice.

Offensive coordinator Joe Philbin said the Packers’ preparation would not have been much different had back-up Matt Flynn been declared the starter for Sunday. As it is, the Packer offense will be without tight end Jermichael Finley and right tackle Mark Tauscher.

Tight end Donald Lee returned to practice on a limited basis. He is getting over a chest injury. Despite what was thought earlier, Lee has a decent chance of playing on Sunday.

The Packer defense suffered a couple more blows Thursday when linebacker Brandon Chillar and defensive end Mike Neal missed practice due to shoulder injuries.

Favre returns

Minnesota Vikings quarterback Brett Favre returned to practice on a limited basis Thursday. The former Packer missed Wednesday's workout after the tendinitis in his right elbow flared up during Monday night's 29-20 loss to the Jets.

The 41-year-old Favre said earlier in the week he would consider missing a few games if the pain in the elbow worsens. He has started an NFL record 289 straight games.

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