Packers' Aaron Rodgers practices, not yet cleared for return

GREEN BAY, Wis., Dec. 18 (UPI) -- Injured quarterback Aaron Rodgers looked good in practice Wednesday but has not yet been cleared to return, Green Bay Packers Coach Mike McCarthy said.

Rodgers, out of the lineup since suffering a broken collarbone in a Nov. 4 game against division rival Chicago, participated in drills Wednesday, but McCarthy said it's too early to determine his availability for next weekend's game against Pittsburgh.

"He's still not been cleared by the medical staff," the coach said. "He threw the ball extremely well. He looked sharp. He's getting better."

The Packers have gone 2-3-1 since Rodgers' injury, including two straight victories under journeyman backup Matt Flynn, who completed 50-of-71 throws for 557 yards and five touchdowns with two interceptions in wins over Atlanta and Dallas.

At 7-6-1, Green Bay trails the NFC North-leading Bears by 1/2-game with two games remaining.

After next week's meeting with the Steelers, the Packers will play at Chicago in their 2013 regular-season finale.