nfl roundup

Packers: Aaron Rodgers was noticeably alert and upbeat as he walked across the locker room after the Green Bay Packers’ practice Friday. Asked if he might play at New England on Sunday night, the quarterback didn’t say a word but flashed a smile and shrugged his shoulders. The Packers listed Rodgers as doubtful to play against the Patriots a week after he suffered his second concussion of the season. Coach Mike McCarthy isn’t ruling him out, however. “The door is open for Aaron Rodgers to play in the game,” McCarthy said.

Vikings: A Minnesota Vikings executive said Friday that the team is concerned about the safety of the Metrodome after a winter storm caused the building’s roof to collapse, but he didn’t rule out the team playing there next season. The Vikings have long pursued a new stadium paid for mostly by taxpayers, and next year is the final year of their lease on the Dome. Vice President Lester Bagley didn’t directly address that issue in discussing the outlook for next season. “We’re going to have to dig into that and get an honest assessment of that,” Bagley said. “Some people would say, ’Well, a couple of shingles come off the roof you don’t build a new barn.’ Well, the roof collapsed. We have concerns about the safety of the facility going forward.” Minnesota is dealing with a state budget deficit of more than $6.2 billion that has to be handled first, but Gov. Mark Dayton and legislative leaders have said they’re open to a good stadium plan.

Giants: The New York Giants’ offensive line apparently is going to get another makeover. Two-time Pro Bowl center Shaun O’Hara appears like he’ll be back Sunday for the Giants (9-4) in their NFC East showdown with the Philadelphia Eagles (9-4). O’Hara practiced on a limited basis Thursday and Friday and sounded confident that he would play for the first time since being sidelined with a sprained right foot six games ago. If O’Hara starts at center, Rich Seubert would move back to left guard. Kevin Boothe started at left guard last week.

Jets: Defensive lineman Trevor Pryce will not play in the New York Jets’ game at Pittsburgh on Sunday because of an injured hip. Pryce did not practice all week after suffering the injury in the Jets’ 10-6 loss to Miami last Sunday. Coach Rex Ryan said Friday he thinks Pryce could return next week, when the Jets (9-4) play at Chicago.

Associated Press