Packers' Rodgers to practice

GREEN BAY quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who is recovering from a broken collar bone, said he plans to practice today but didn't sound optimistic about returning against Pittsburgh on Sunday.

"My hope," Rodgers said on his weekly radio show, "is that I practice and experience no setbacks, mentally or physically, and then we'll go from there."

Rodgers said he felt more like himself in practice last week, but has not been cleared to play.

Matt Flynn would start if Rodgers is unable to play.

* Baltimore quarterback Joe Flacco, will not require an MRI after taking a hit on left knee during Monday night's game agaisnst Detroit, according to a report. ESPN, citing league sources, reported that the injury is not serious enough to merit an MRI.

Flacco, who has started every game in his 6-year career with the Ravens, is expected to play against New England Sunday.

* Denver bolstered its defensive line by agreeing to terms with defensive end Jeremy Mincey, who was released by Jacksonville after a falling-out with management last week.

* New Orleans released kicker Garrett Hartley, 2 days after he had one field goal blocked and hooked another wide in a 27-16 loss at St. Louis.

Hartley has been with the Saints since the middle of the 2008 season and made several crucial kicks during the Saints' 2009-10 run to a Super Bowl championship.

* Pittsburgh placed linebacker LaMarr Woodley on IR with a right calf injury he suffered in Sunday's win over Cincinnati.

*  Cincinnati punter Kevin Huber said he'll have surgery on Friday to repair his broken jaw, which was injured during a loss in Pittsburgh on Sunday night.

Pittsburgh's Terence Garvin hit him in the jaw with his helmet during a block on a punt return.