>>Packers’ Rodgers Cleared To Return
(Green Bay, WI) — The Packers are getting a boost for the final three weeks of the season. Green Bay quarterback Aaron Rodgers posted on Instagram that he’s been medically cleared to return from his broken right collarbone. Sunday’s matchup at Carolina is the first game Rodgers can play since he was placed on injured reserve after getting hurt October 15th against the Vikings.
>>Colts Prep For Broncos
(Indianapolis, IN) — The Colts will look to get back into the win column as they get set to host the Broncos tomorrow night. Indy has dropped four-straight and sits at 3-and-10 on the season. They have been eliminated from playoff contention. Denver is 4-and-9 and also no longer alive for a postseason berth.
>>Report: Angels Ohtani Has Injured UCL
(Undated) — The Angels are already getting some bad news regarding recently-signed Japanese star Shohei Ohtani. Yahoo! Sports reports he had a procedure in October to deal with a damaged ulnar collateral ligament. Ohtani received a platelet-rich plasma shot to help with the pain in his elbow. He’s not expected to need Tommy John surgery and can start a throwing program in about a month.
>>Cardinals Have What Marlins Desire For Ozuna Deal
(Lake Buena Vista, FL) — After missing out on Giancarlo [[ zjon-CAR-lo ]] Stanton, the Cardinals may be closing in on another Marlins outfielder. The “Post-Dispatch” reports they have the prospects Miami desires in a deal for Marcell Ozuna. Outfielder Christian Yelich is also in the mix.
>>Report: Cubs Sign Smyly
(Undated) — The Cubs are looking to bolster their starting rotation in the future. According to ESPN, Chicago has signed the injury-prone Drew Smyly to a two-year contract worth 10-million-dollars. Smyly didn’t pitch last season with the Mariners and had Tommy John Surgery in June. It’s a strong possibility he misses all of 2018.
>>Devin Hester Retires From NFL
(Undated) — Return specialist Devin Hester is calling it a career. The 35-year-old announced on Twitter Tuesday that he is retiring from the NFL. Hester spent the first eight of his 11 NFL seasons with the Chicago Bears. He is the all-time leader in combined kickoff and punt returns for touchdowns with 19. He also returned a missed field goal for a score for an NFL record 20 return touchdowns.
>>Blues Blanked By Lightning
(St. Louis, MO) — The Blues failed to convert any of 32 shots on net in a 3-0 loss to the Lightning at Scottrade Center. St. Louis had just one power-play chance and had its four-game winning streak snapped. The Blues still lead the West with 44 points. They host the Ducks tomorrow.
>>Blackhawks Sink Panthers In OT
(Chicago, IL) — Patrick Kane lit the lamp in overtime to give the Blackhawks a 3-2 win over the Panthers at the United Center. Jonathan Toews knotted the game up at two in the third to extend the game. Corey Crawford made 35 saves for Chicago, which has won three in-a-row. They’re at the Jets tomorrow night.
>>Mavs Sink Spurs in Leonard’s Return
(Dallas, TX) — The Mavericks spoiled Kawhi [[ kuh-WHY ]] Leonard’s first game of the season by beating the Spurs 95-89 in Dallas. Leonard scored 13 points in 16 minutes in his debut. He had missed 27 games due to a right quadriceps injury. The Spurs had their four-game winning streak snapped, while the Mavs ended their three-game skid.
>>Paul George Heads Back To Indiana
(Indianapolis, IN) — Paul George faces his old team for the first time tonight at Indiana. George and the disappointing Thunder take on the surprising Pacers. OKC was expected to be a contender after acquiring the star guard and Carmelo Anthony, but have struggled to a 12-and-14 start. Indiana is 16-and-11 behind Victor Oladipo’s breakout campaign. The Pacers acquired Oladipo in the George trade.
>>Patriots Signing WR Britt To Two-Year Deal
(Foxboro, MA) — The Patriots are adding another target for Tom Brady to throw to. Multiple reports say New England is signing veteran wide receiver Kenny Britt to a two-year contract. The 29-year-old went unclaimed after being waived by Cleveland on Friday. Britt visited with the Patriots on Tuesday. He had 18 catches for 233 yards and two touchdowns with the Browns before being cut loose.
>>Illinois Hosts Longwood Tonight
(Champaign, IL) — Illinois is back in action tonight. The Fighting Illini host Longwood at the State Farm Center. Tip-off is at 7 p.m. Illinois is coming off an 89-82 loss at UNLV last Saturday. The Illini have lost four of their last five games to fall to 7-and-4 overall. The Lancers are 3-and-6.