The New York Yankees have hired former Mets general manager Omar Minaya as a senior advisor to baseball operations.
Minaya is the second former general manager to join the Yankees front office this week. The team hired onetime San Francisco Giants GM Brian Sabean on Tuesday to work as an executive advisor to GM Brian Cashman.
The 64-year-old Minaya served as GM of the Mets from 2004 to 2010 after becoming Major League Baseball's first Hispanic general manager when he held that role for the Montreal Expos from 2002 to 2004.
Minaya returned to the Mets in 2017, following a three-year stint as an advisor for the MLB Players Association, as an assistant to then-GM Sandy Alderson.
He left that post following the 2020 season but was rehired by the organisation in 2021 as a team ambassador.
The New York City native also worked as the San Diego Padres' vice-president of baseball operations from 2011 to 2015 and spent the 2022 season as an amateur scouting consultant for MLB.
Minaya is the third former general manager currently employed by the Yankees. Former Chicago Cubs GM Jim Hendry has been with the club since 2012 as a special assignment scout.
Damar Hamlin "won the game of life" when he survived an on-field cardiac arrest in the Buffalo Bills' game against the Cincinnati Bengals, according to a doctor treating the safety.
Dr Timothy Pritts said Hamlin still needed assistance with his breathing, and the 24-year-old remains in intensive care at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center.
However, he can communicate by writing and Pritts expanded on what the Bills meant when they described Hamlin as "neurologically intact".
"His first note was, 'Did we win?'," Pritts said.
"It's not only that the lights are on. We know that he's home. All the cylinders are firing right in his brain."
Hamlin collapsed after a collision with wide receiver Tee Higgins and had to be resuscitated on the field, before the game was abandoned.
He received "textbook" medical attention at the stadium, Pritts' colleague Dr William A. Knight said.
Pritts explained: "He's made substantial progress. It appears his neurological condition and function is intact. We are very proud to report that, very happy for him and his family and the Buffalo Bills organisation."
Hamlin is receiving extensive medical attention, but Pritts said: "This marks a really good turning point in his ongoing care."
Pritts added: "To paraphrase one of our partners, when he asked, 'Did we win?', the answer is, 'Yes, Damar, you won. You won the game of life.' That's probably the most important thing out of this.
"We really need to keep him at the centre of everything else that's going on. We really want to ensure a good outcome for him."
The hope is that Hamlin is able to get back to the state of health in which he began Monday's game, but there will be no discussions about returning to football for the immediate future.
Knight said: "It's entirely too early to have that conversation. Our focus is on getting him better, getting him extubated and on the road to recovery."
Pritts said Hamlin had been able to "follow commands", as it was confirmed the NFL safety could move his hands and feet.
Although Hamlin has a breathing tube and cannot speak, the positivity from his doctors pointed towards a positive outcome, although it was said he has "many steps" still ahead of him.
Earlier on Thursday, the Bills said in a statement: "Per the physicians caring for Damar Hamlin at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center, Damar has shown remarkable improvement over the past 24 hours.
"While still critically ill, he has demonstrated that he appears to be neurologically intact. His lungs continue to heal and he is making steady progress.
"We are grateful for the love and support we have received."
The Andretti Global team have announced plans to enter Formula One, joining forces with General Motors and the Cadillac brand.
Andretti is a name steeped in F1 history, with Mario Andretti winning the 1978 world title and his son, Michael, also a former driver on the grid.
Thursday's announcement by the American set-up follows FIA chairman Mohammed Ben Sulayem stating this week he intends to launch a formal process for expressions of interest for prospective new F1 teams.
That has opened the door for Andretti's plans, with Andretti Global chairman Michael Andretti saying in a joint statement: "I feel that we are well suited to be a new team for Formula One and can bring value to the series and our partners, and excitement for the fans.
"I'm proud to have GM and Cadillac alongside us as we pursue this goal. GM and Andretti share a legacy born out of the love of racing.
"We now have the opportunity to combine our motorsport passions and dedication to innovation to build a true American F1 bid."
However, any new additions to the grid require the approval of F1, and it has been reported there is no prospect of a new team joining before 2026.
Andretti failed with a previous attempt to enter F1, with a 2021 bid to buy Sauber, but there remains an eagerness to join the grid for the next era of the sport – which is set to undergo significant changes in 2026.
Formula One is introducing a new engine formula that year, significantly increasing the power produced by the electrical part of hybrid engines and using synthetic, fully sustainable fuels – and there is already one new team set to join in 2026, following Audi's purchase of the Alfa Romero/Sauber team.
With Audi taking over an existing team, their transition onto the grid is far less complicated than the scenario for Andretti, who would require an expansion and would have to front a reported $200m fee that would be split among existing teams to offset any loss of prize money due to another team joining the revenue share.
F1 has had 10 teams on the grid since the 2015 season and issued a statement in response to Andretti's interest, which read: "There is great interest in the F1 project at this time, with a number of conversations continuing that are not as visible as others.
"We all want to ensure the championship remains credible and stable and any new entrant request will be assessed on criteria to meet those objectives by all the relevant stakeholders."
The NFL has been in shock this week, following the terrible scenes in Monday's game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Buffalo Bills.
Damar Hamlin's cardiac arrest on the field has sent shockwaves through the sport, though it appears the 24-year-old is making progress in his recovery.
While Hamlin's health remains the league's priority over the rescheduling of that game from Week 17, there is also focus on the final round of fixtures.
There's plenty still be decided in Week 18, and Stats Perform has used Opta data to preview some of the key matchups.
SATURDAY (all times EST)
Chiefs (13-3) at Raiders (6-10) - 4:30pm
With the Bills and the Bengals having yet to finish the game that was rightly suspended on Monday, the AFC picture is not entirely clear. As things stand, a Kansas City Chiefs win in Las Vegas would mean they remain in with a chance of claiming the top seed, pending a decision on the Bengals-Bills game and the outcome of Buffalo's Week 18 clash against the New England Patriots.
The Chiefs have scored 28 or more points in nine consecutive games against the Raiders. The only longer streak of such games against a single opponent in NFL history is 10 by the Los Angeles Rams against the Green Bay Packers, and that came way back in 1949 to 1953.
Jerick McKinnon caught two touchdowns in Kansas City's 27-24 win over the Denver Broncos and has seven touchdown catches in the Chiefs' last five games. That is the most receiving touchdowns by a running back over a span of five team games in the Super Bowl era.
The Chiefs have scored 264 points on the road this season, averaging 33.0 points per game. If they hit their average on Saturday, they will finish with the third-most road points in a single season in NFL history, behind only the 2007 New England Patriots (314) and their own effort in 2018 (306).
Patrick Mahomes has 5,000 passing yards (5,048) and 250 rushing yards (329) in a single season for the second time in his career, also doing so in 2018.
Titans (7-9) at Jaguars (8-8) - 8:15pm
It will be winner-take-all in the AFC South when the Jacksonville Jaguars and the Tennessee Titans face off. The victor will clinch the division and become the fourth seed in the playoffs. While Jacksonville would still be able to make the postseason via a wild card should they lose, Tennessee must win if they are to avoid elimination.
The Jaguars are looking to sweep the season series with the Titans for the first time since 2005. The only other NFL teams that have gone that long since they last swept a current divisional opponent are the Cleveland Browns, who last swept the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1988, and New York Jets, who last swept the Patriots in 2000 (the Browns also have a chance to end their drought this week).
Jacksonville could become the first team in NFL history to make the playoffs immediately following back-to-back 14-loss seasons.
Meanwhile, the Titans are looking to avoid joining the 1994 Eagles as the only teams in league history to have at least seven wins before ending the season on a seven-game game losing streak.
SUNDAY
Giants (9-6-1) at Eagles (13-3) - 4:25pm
The Philadelphia Eagles have been the team to beat in the NFC all season, yet after successive defeats in the absence of Jalen Hurts, they now need a win to clinch the top seed.
Should they lose to the New York Giants, both the Dallas Cowboys and the San Francisco 49ers will have to suffer defeats in order for the Eagles to be guaranteed home advantage in the playoffs.
The omens are good for the Eagles, who have won eight straight home games against the Giants, tied for the second-longest home win streak against a single opponent in team history. It trails only their active 10-game home win streak against the Steelers that started in 1966.
A win against the Eagles would give the Giants 10 wins after having just four last season. It would be the first time New York earned double-digit wins in a season after having four or fewer wins since doing so in 1933 (11 wins after a 4-6 record in 1932).
Lions (8-8) @ Packers (8-8) - 8.20pm
Given the NFC East will get two of the conference's three wild cards, matters are relatively simple for the Detroit Lions and the Green Bay Packers. A Packers victory sends them through to the playoffs, while Detroit need to win and hope the Los Angeles Rams defeat the Seattle Seahawks.
The Packers are coming off a 41-17 win over the Vikings in which they had four takeaways and no giveaways. Green Bay are now 50-0-1 in the Super Bowl era (including playoffs) with a turnover margin of +4 or better in a game.
Green Bay's record at home against the Lions is 61-27-4, the most home wins by any team against a single opponent.
With another win, Aaron Rodgers would be the first QB in NFL history to have two seasons where his team was multiple games under .500 immediately before going on a five-or-greater game winning streak to end the regular season.
But the Lions have scored at least 20 points while throwing no interceptions in eight straight games, tied for the longest streak in NFL history (regular season) with the 2005 Broncos, 2010 Patriots and 2018-19 Ravens.
Elsewhere...
New England will clinch a playoff spot should they defeat the Bills, who are of course recovering from that incident involving Hamlin. The Bills have won their last two games against the Patriots and are looking for three straight wins in the series for the first time since 1999-2000.
The Miami Dolphins have lost five in a row but can make the playoffs should they beat the Jets. The matchup is perfectly balanced all-time at 56 wins apiece with one tie entering this game.
A run of five wins from six games has put the Steelers in playoff contention. They will have to beat the Browns and need results elsewhere go their way. Cleveland won against the Steelers in Week 3 this season. The Browns have not won multiple games against Pittsburgh in a season since the 1988 season.
The 49ers can still claim the top seed in the NFC by beating the Arizona Cardinals. San Francisco beat Las Vegas in Week 17, 37-34, despite trailing by 10 points in the third quarter. It was the Niners' second-largest comeback victory in the second half under Kyle Shanahan.
It has been a terrible season for the Rams (5-11), but they are 7-3 in their last 10 games against Seattle. The Seahawks got a 27-23 win in Inglewood in Week 13, the closest game between these teams since a 30-29 Seahawks win in Week 5, 2019.
Jake Paul is making a move to mixed martial arts after signing a potentially highly lucrative deal with the Professional Fighters League.
Social media influencer Paul is 6-0, with four knockouts, in his professional boxing career, having beaten former UFC champions such as Tyron Woodley and Anderson Silva.
However, he is making a switch to mixed martial arts with the PFL, which describes itself as a 'fighters-first' organisation.
Paul has been an outspoken critic of the UFC and its president Dana White over fighters' pay, and the PFL's new 'Super Fight' division will allow fighters to take 50 per cent of the pay-per-view revenue.
The American has also been given a role with the company as head of fighter advocacy, promoting the league and attracting new talent.
In a statement, Paul said: "I've proven myself in and out of the boxing ring and now I am going to do the same in MMA, and there is no limit to the positive impact I can make on the sport.
"I plan to enter the PFL SmartCage and once again show the world that anything is possible with hard work and dedication."
It is unclear when Paul's first PFL fight will be, but one possible opponent is Nate Diaz, with the UFC great a free agent after his contract with White's company expired.
Paul hopes to face Diaz twice, first in a boxing match and then in a mixed martial arts bout.
"I've already disrupted boxing, and now it's time to disrupt MMA," Paul said.
"I'm so dedicated to this that I offered Nate Diaz a two-fight deal: first, we box, then six months later we fight MMA in the PFL SmartCage and lay it all on the line. Let's make it happen."
Ireland captain Johnny Sexton is "quite confident" he will be fit for the start of the Six Nations after undergoing surgery on his cheekbone.
The fly-half went under the knife this week to repair damage done during Leinster's United Rugby Championship clash with Connacht last Sunday.
Sexton's injury blow raised concerns over his participation in the Six Nations, but former Ireland hooker Bernard Jackman spoke to the number 10 after his procedure and revealed he should be ready to face Wales at the Principality Stadium on February 4.
"Sexton is quite confident he is going to be back for the first round," said Jackman.
He added: "He didn't have to get wired - it was a simpler procedure than we all feared.
"He is due back in four weeks so should be back for the first game against Wales which will be a huge boost for Ireland - he is delighted."
Sexton will retire after the Rugby World Cup in France this year, so this will be his last Six Nations.
Damar Hamlin is showing "remarkable improvement" in hospital following the cardiac arrest he suffered in Monday's game between the Buffalo Bills and Cincinnati Bengals.
The Bills issued a medical update on Thursday, in which it was also confirmed 24-year-old safety Hamlin "appears to be neurologically intact".
He remains in intensive care and in a critical condition, but a second consecutive day of positive news about Hamlin's condition offered hope of a strong recovery.
Hamlin collapsed after a collision with wide receiver Tee Higgins and had to be resuscitated on the field, before the game was abandoned.
He was rushed to the University of Cincinnati Medical Center, where he has been treated since.
NFL Network reporter Ian Rapoport wrote on Twitter that Hamlin "opened his eyes last night and is responsive" and has been "gripping the hands of those close to him".
The Bills said in a statement: "Per the physicians caring for Damar Hamlin at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center, Damar has shown remarkable improvement over the past 24 hours.
"While still critically ill, he has demonstrated that he appears to be neurologically intact. His lungs continue to heal and he is making steady progress.
"We are grateful for the love and support we have received."
Netball Jamaica has received a major financial boost towards its preparations for the 2023 Netball World Cup scheduled for July 28-August 6 in Cape Town.
The association, on Tuesday, received a $10 million sponsorship from National Baking Company and are looking to raise $51 million to cover its expenses in the build-up to the marquee event.
“It is a big day for us at Netball Jamaica. We are grateful to National for coming on board,” said President Tricia Robinson.
Their final preparation before the World Cup will come in a three-match series against England which will take place from January 11th- January 15th.
“We are really looking forward to this tour. It will give the coaching staff an opportunity to see exactly where we are in terms of preparation for the World Cup,” Robinson said.
The first match, on the 11th January, will take place at Manchester’s AO Arena, before the teams travel down south to the Copper Box Arena in London for back-to-back games on the 14th and 15th January.
Emma Raducanu was in tears as she retired with an ankle injury at the ASB Classic 11 days before the Australian Open starts, while Coco Gauff beat Sofia Kenin to reach the quarter-finals.
Raducanu dished out a bagel to qualifier Viktoria Kuzmova in the first set of the round of 16 match in Auckland on Thursday, but the 2021 US Open champion was unable to continue after losing the second set 7-5.
The 20-year-old Brit ended a disappointing 2022 season early due to a wrist injury and suffered another blow ahead of the first major of this year, leaving the court in tears.
Gauff will be eyeing her maiden grand slam title in 2023 and she impressively dispatched fellow American Kenin 6-4 6-4 in the second round in the capital of New Zealand.
Top seed Gauff and her compatriot were forced to play indoors due to the rain and it was the 18-year-old who prevailed, breaking three times and saving six of the break points she faced.
The teenager will face Zhu Lin of China for a place in the semi-finals after she beat Venus Williams 3-6 6-2 7-5.
Leylah Fernandez inflicted a crushing 6-0 6-1 defeat on Julia Grabher after losing only two games in her first-round win over Brenda Fruhvirtova and the Canadian will now face Ysaline Bonaventure, who defeated Rebecca Marino in three sets.
Top seed Ons Jabeur made a winning start to the season at the Adelaide International, seeing off Sorana Cirstea 7-6 (7-3) 6-1 to set up a meeting with Marta Kostyuk
Irina-Camelia Begu claimed the scalp of Jelena Ostapenko with a 6-3 6-0 upset of the seventh seed, while Victoria Azarenka was a 6-2 7-5 winner against Zheng Qinwen and teenager Linda Noskova got past Claire Liu in straight sets.
Australia assistant coach Scott Wisemantel has resigned from his position just eight months out from the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
Wisemantel returned to Australia's coaching set up in December 2019 after spending 18 months in a similar role with England.
In a big blow for the Wallabies ahead of the World Cup in France, they are now seeking a new right-hand man for head coach Dave Rennie.
Wisemantel confirmed in a statement on Rugby Australia's official website on Thursday that the decision was down to personal reasons.
"While this has been a very difficult decision, it's one that's best for me and my family at this point in time," he said.
"The World Cup is the pinnacle of our sport and requires 100-per-cent commitment and that's something I'm unfortunately unable to give at the moment.
"I've loved being with this team under Dave and wish them all the best for their season and in the World Cup later this year."
Wisemantel boasts 20 years of coaching experience and has worked as an assistant at the past four World Cups with Australia, Samoa, Japan and 2019 finalists England.
Australia boss Rennie is disappointed to have lost a key member of his staff but understands the decision.
"Scott's a top man and one of the best coaches I've ever worked with," Rennie said.
"He's hugely respected around the world, has a mountain of experience at International level and an incredible rapport with our players.
"While we did all we could to try and keep Scott, we respect his decision and wish him, Gabs and the girls all the best.
"He's been a massive part of this group for the past three years and we'll miss him."
Australia concluded their 2022 campaign with three defeats from their five November internationals, having also finished third in the Rugby Championship.
The Wallabies will face Wales, Fiji, Georgia and Portugal in the pool phase of the 2023 Rugby World Cup, which gets under way on September 8.
Patrick Swayze famously said "nobody puts Baby in the corner" in 'Dirty Dancing', but Scottie Scheffler joked he planned to do so for Bubba Watson at this year's Masters Champions dinner.
It was confirmed last month that LIV Golf defectors will be allowed to play at Augusta National provided they meet the eligibility criteria, as the civil war between the Saudi-backed breakaway series and the PGA Tour continues.
Two-time champion Watson is among a group of past victors such as Phil Mickelson, Sergio Garcia, Patrick Reed, and Charl Schwartzel, while Cameron Smith, Brooks Koepka and Bryson DeChambeau can all tee it up due to successes at other major tournaments.
Jon Rahm shrewdly observed this week that "the Masters Champions Dinner's going to be a little tense compared to how it’s been in the past" as players from the warring tours gather in the same room.
Scheffler, aiming to regain world number one status in Hawaii at the Tour of Champions this week, did his part to diffuse any simmering tension with a cheeky comment about Watson during a chance meeting on vacation.
"Yeah, I haven't seen many of the LIV guys. I saw Bubba on vacation this year, and I told him that I was just going to have a separate table for him in the corner by himself. Only kidding, obviously!" the defending Masters champion quipped.
"I just walked into this restaurant and him and Angie [Watson's wife] were sitting there and I was like, 'Hey, man, what's up.'"
Scheffler did reflect on the strange events occurring in golf.
His locker at Hualalai Golf Club this week is next to defending champion Smith, who is ineligible to play following his defection to LIV.
Scheffler, though, remains confident the wounds will heal.
"In the world of golf, it's definitely a little sad what's happening. It's kind of weird this week. I get to my locker, and my locker's next to Cam Smith's locker, because he's a past champ here, and he's not here," he added.
"So, it's a little strange, but golf will move on. I think this stuff just takes time. Things will heal and we'll see what happens.
"All that stuff is not really for me. I can only show up and just try and play good golf, and I'm not going to LIV anytime soon and so it's not of a concern for me at the moment."
Asked about the mood in the room at the Champions Dinner, Scheffler said: "With Augusta National being such a special place and with the history of the game and whatnot I think we can put all our stuff aside and just get together for a fun meal, all in a room together and just kind of celebrate the game of golf and Augusta National and just hang out."
Novak Djokovic is resigned to again missing marquee tournaments in the United States after confirming his stance on COVID-19 vaccinations remains unchanged.
The 21-time grand slam winner is set to sit out the Indian Wells Open and Miami Open after the US extended the requirement for all non-American nationals to be vaccinated.
Djokovic's participation at August's US Open may also be in doubt should those requirements, which are currently in place until April 10, continue to be extended.
But having also been forced to miss events in the likes of the US, Canada and Australia last year, Djokovic accepts he may have to do the same in 2023.
"I don't think there's anything official yet, so when it is we can speak about it," Djokovic told reporters on Thursday when asked about the US restrictions.
When told the rules have been certified by the US Transportation Security Administration, Djokovic replied: "I mean, if it is official then it is – what can I do? Nothing.
"You know my position, so it is what it is. I'm hoping [to play], but if I can't go, I can't go."
Djokovic, cleared to compete in Australia this year, was speaking after defeating Quentin Halys 7-6 (7-3) 7-6 (7-5) in the last 16 of the Adelaide International.
The 35-year-old, who beat Constant Lestienne in straight sets in his opening singles match of 2023, trailed 5-2 in the first set but recovered well and then edged the second set.
"It was a great performance from my opponent today and I want to congratulate him for a great fight," Djokovic said in his on-court interview. "He played like a top-10 opponent.
"He was serving big, hitting his spots and on a fast court like this it's tough to break, so two tie-breaks is a realistic score in today's match. I'm glad to overcome the challenge."
Djokovic will now face Denis Shapovalov, who saw off Roman Safiullin 6-4 6-3, for a place in the semi-finals.
"Denis is one of the most complete players out there," Djokovic said of his next opponent. "He has a very dynamic style of tennis.
"I haven't played him for a while so I'm looking forward to it. Every match from here gets tougher."
Sebastian Korda also advanced on Thursday with a 6-4 6-4 victory against Roberto Bautista-Agut, while Jannik Sinner beat Thanasi Kokkinakis 7-6 (7-2) 6-4.
At the Maharashtra Open in Pune, top seed Marin Cilic withdrew from his quarter-final with Tallon Griekspoor due to a knee injury.
World number 95 Griekspoor will now face Aslan Karatsev for a place in the final.
Mike Budenholzer hailed Giannis Antetokounmpo for getting the Milwaukee Bucks over the line in a dramatic overtime win over the Toronto Raptors and admitted he would have handled the game differently in hindsight.
Just a day on from a career-high 55-point showing against the Washington Wizards, Antetokounmpo had a second triple-double of the season as his 30 points, 10 assists and 21 rebounds helped secure a 104-101 victory.
"I think Giannis, on a back-to-back, he used a lot of energy both last night, tonight," Budenholzer said. "They're very physical. For him to find a way to get us over the top was huge."
It should have been a more comfortable conclusion for the Bucks, who were leading by 21 points with 3:50 left on the clock in the fourth quarter.
With 3:22 remaining, Budenholzer – mindful of the back-to-back games – opted to sub out each of his five starters.
Fred VanVleet's back-to-back threes saw Budenholzer send them back in but Toronto recovered from 11 points down with a little over 40 seconds remaining to send the game to overtime.
"[There were a] couple of turnovers trying to inbound the ball against the press," Budenholzer said. "It felt like if we got the ball in we were able to get it across halfcourt and then we had a couple turnovers in the halfcourt that you just can't have that we've got to work on and improve.
"Definitely after, in hindsight, I would do it differently – I wouldn't take the guys out but, up 20, on a back-to-back, you hope that you can finish that out.
"But a 6-0 run in a matter of 15, 20 seconds, that probably gave them the life to take it all the way down. So, it’s unfortunate and we'd like to be better, including myself."
Antetokounmpo was typically influential in overtime, driving down court and finding Grayson Allen to hit the game-winning three with a pin-point pass despite falling out of bounds.
"He was wide open," Antetokounmpo said. "I drove the ball, I saw VanVleet coming in from the corner and I was able to deliver the ball to Grayson and he caught it clean and I knew we had a chance when he caught it clean and shot the ball.
"It feels good. Obviously your body's tired and it's more mental than physical and just being able to go out there and get the job done back-to-back, it always feel good."
Aaron Rodgers remains unsure whether Sunday's game with the Detroit Lions will be his final outing at Lambeau Field as uncertainty again surrounds the legendary quarterback's Green Bay Packers future.
Four-time MVP Rodgers has struggled with injuries throughout the season and has once again flirted with the idea of calling time on his career at the end of the campaign.
The Packers head into their contest with the Lions seeking a win to secure a playoff spot, but a home game in the postseason is not possible.
That means Rodgers could run out at Lambeau Field for the final time this weekend, but the 39-year-old is not thinking too much about that scenario at this stage.
"I'm going to take some time after the season," Rodgers said on Wednesday. "I've got a lot of great memories here at Lambeau – and hopefully can add another one on Sunday.
"You don't know what the future holds. But when I think about that, it's nothing but gratitude. Not remorse or sadness, just gratitude for the time that I've been here.
"There are amazing memories that I've had on this field. There's been a lot of great moments, but I'm still undecided [about next season].
"We're all undecided about the future. I'm just going to enjoy Sunday night and hopefully have some more to play for."
Rodgers was the only member of the Packers' 53-man roster who did not take part in the jog-through style practice on Wednesday.
The one-time Super Bowl winner, who has been with the Packers since 2005, is hoping to overcome thumb and knee injuries.
"I just think that coming off a physical game and this point in the season, a lot of Wednesdays are like that anyways," head coach Matt LaFleur said.
"Above-the-neck days just allow our guys a little bit more time to recover. Then we'll get back on a more normal routine [on Thursday] and handle it the best we can."
Kevin Durant was philosophical after the Brooklyn Nets saw their 12-match winning streak ended, saying the team ran into "special players" against a hot Chicago Bulls side.
The Nets headed into Wednesday's contest as the in-form team but fell to a 121-112 defeat in Chicago, where six Bulls players finished with double figures for points.
DeMar DeRozan and Patrick Williams put up 22 apiece, while Nikola Vucevic scored 21 to go with 13 rebounds and Ayo Dosunmu and Zach Lavine finished with 17 and 13 points respectively.
Durant acknowledged the Bulls have "three elite scorers, from all angles of the floor" in reference to DeRozan, LaVine and Vucevic, and added: "Their top two guys [DeRozan and LaVine] were 12 for 31 for 35 points.
"We can live with that. But Pat Williams made some shots and easy rolls to the rim. Ayo is playing great this year and put pressure on the rim.
"I felt like a lot of times we chased them a bit, and that was just consistent throughout the whole game, us just playing from behind.
"I think we definitely put our foot on the gas in spurts but they made shots. They're talented players, special players. When you've got your whole five in double figures, it's tough to stop that."
Defeat leaves the Nets third in the Eastern Conference but with an identical 25-13 record with the Milwaukee Bucks and just a game back from the table-topping Boston Celtics, who own the best record in the NBA.
For Durant, there were still plenty of good things to take out of the defeat.
"We understand how we want to play every night," he said. "I feel like the league is always on notice with the talent we have on our team.
"I don't think anybody takes us for granted when they're preparing for us each night. I think we found some things that were good for us on both ends of the floor and want to be consistent with executing those things as we move forward."
The Bulls, who are 10th in the conference, had lost their past two games prior to halting the Nets' charge.
Curiously, their record against the top three in the East this season stands at 6-1, but against teams who are under .500 they are 4-8.
"To come out here after those two tough losses and beat one of the hottest teams in the NBA, it's good," LaVine said. "I think we came out with the right attention to detail. We withstood their run at the end, and we beat them collectively.
"Because you know if you don't come in here and you don't have your A-game you're going to get blown out.
"I think that's the difference in our record. We come out here with the same attention to detail like we've all talked about I think that will flip around a lot of things."
Giannis Antetokounmpo recorded his second triple-double of the season as the Milwaukee Bucks blew a 21-point second-half lead before rallying for a 104-101 overtime win over the Toronto Raptors on Wednesday.
Antetokounmpo finished the game with 30 points on seven-of-18 shooting, making 15-of-21 from the free-throw line, along with a season-high 21 rebounds and 10 assists with one block.
The dominant display came in the second game of a back-to-back after his 55-point performance against the Washington Wizards on Tuesday. Antetokounmpo is the first player since Kareem Abdul-Jabbar in 1972 to drop 200-plus points, 80-plus rebounds and 30-plus assists over a five-game span.
The Greek forward drove to the basket and laid off a crucial assist for Grayson Allen's go-ahead triple with 11.6 seconds remaining in OT.
Allen had earlier given up a flagrant 1 foul on a four-point play as Gary Trent Jr shot a three-pointer to make it 97-92 with 29.1 seconds remaining. Trent also nailed a 27-foot three-point jumpshot to tie the game at 97-97 sending it to OT.
The Raptors were plagued by poor OT shooting as Antetokounmpo set up Allen twice to clinch the game.
Milwaukee had led 90-69 with 3:50 remaining in the fourth quarter, before Toronto's 28-7 run was sparked by Fred VanVleet, who finished with 28 points and 12 assists along with Trent Jr with 22 points for the game. Scottie Barnes had 19 points for the game, all after three-quarter time.
Brook Lopez had 19 rebounds with nine points for the Bucks, who were missing Jrue Holiday (non-COVID illness) and Khris Middleton (knee).
The result improves the Bucks' record to 25-13 and second in the Eastern Conference, while the Raptors are 12th with a 16-22 record.
Nets winning run ended by Bulls
The Brooklyn Nets' 12-game winning streak was ended by the Chicago Bulls 121-112 despite Kevin Durant's 44 points.
Durant shot 15-of-22 from the field, including five-of-10 from three-point range, but the Bulls had a rounded team effort with all five starters reaching double digits, led by Patrick Williams and DeMar DeRozan, who both scored 22 points with seven rebounds.
Center Nikola Vucevic had 21 points with 13 rebounds, helping the Bulls go on an 8-0 fourth-quarter run when Durant was rested, with Ayo Dosunmu laying down a big dunk for 106-95 with 6:46 left.
Schroder leads short-handed Lakers to victory
Dennis Schroder led the short-handed Los Angeles Lakers past the Miami Heat 112-109 with 14 of his season-high 32 points coming in the fourth quarter.
The Lakers, without LeBron James (non-COVID illness) and Anthony Davis (foot), were also helped by Russell Westbrook with 21 points, nine assists and eight rebounds off the bench. Thomas Bryant also scored 21 points.
LA fought back from a six-point fourth-quarter deficit, despite Bam Adebayo's 30 points and 13 rebounds, along with Jimmy Butler contributing 27 points.
New Jersey Devils head coach Lindy Ruff hailed both Nico Hischier and Tomas Tatar for playing through injuries in their 5-1 road win over the Detroit Red Wings on Wednesday.
Dougie Hamilton, Jack Hughes, Nico Hischier and Alexander Holtz each managed a goal and an assist with Miles Wood adding a pair of helpers in the victory which improves their record to 24-11-3.
The Devils had only won two of their past 11 games prior to the Red Wings clash where Hischier and Tatar helped gain a much-needed win.
"We knew some guys were going to try and tough it out for us," Ruff told reporters.
"Couple guys were game-time decisions and were able to play. We didn't get their bodies to 100 per cent but I thought the effort was great. The fact they wanted to play, we got through the game."
Hischier appeared troubled by his hand injury during the game and he did not take any draws in the first half.
The Swiss centre helped set up Hamilton's goal midway through the second period in his first face-off of the game.
"We knew that he wasn't going to be able to take a lot [of face-offs] but we still thought he could step in for the odd one," Ruff said.
"It was a tight game until we scored those couple of power play goals and both of them where at the hands of winning draws."
Hischier, who has totalled 60 points this season with 21 goals and 39 assists, scored for the fourth straight game despite the hand issue.
"I felt good enough to be out there but definitely tried not to take too many face-offs, stuff like that," Hischier said. "Just trying to help the team on the wing as well, I think it was my first game as a winger.
"In my mind, I just wanted to reduce the face-offs. On the power play unit I'm going to grind it out there and take those draws and it came up good.
"Lucky it was good enough to win some draws for the team there. Overall, just happy for the game and the two points tonight."
The Golden State Warriors are hopeful that reigning NBA Finals MVP Stephen Curry can return next Friday ahead of their six-game road trip.
Curry has been sidelined since suffering a left shoulder subluxation on December 14 against the Indiana Pacers.
Warriors general manager Bob Myers revealed Curry was scheduled to be re-evaluated by medical staff on Saturday, which could pave the way for a playing return soon.
"He's working out on the court, and the two-week mark to re-evaluate him this weekend," Myers told Bay Area radio station 95.7.
"There have been no setbacks, so [Friday] would be a hope. That's what we would be shooting for, something in that range when he could be back.
"He's been, not contact, but out there doing all this stuff. He looks like the same guy. He's got a sleeve on his shoulder and arm."
The reigning champions have had a disjointed 2022-23 season, sitting 20-18 and seventh in the Western Conference, ahead of Wednesday's game against the Detroit Pistons.
Curry's return ahead of their six-game road trip would be a boost for the Warriors, who have the worst road record in the NBA, at 3-16.
The Washington Commanders will start rookie Sam Howell for their regular-season finale against the Dallas Cowboys having been eliminated from postseason contention.
Commanders head coach Ron Rivera confirmed the decision on Wednesday as they re-shuffle the QB deck for one final time.
Rivera swapped Taylor Heinicke for Carson Wentz at QB for last week's 24-10 loss to the Cleveland Browns, which ended the Commanders' playoffs hopes.
Wentz, in his first start after almost two months out with a fractured finger, completed 16 of 28 passes for 143 yards with three interceptions.
"I think first, initially, is obviously, it would be his first start, and it would become a little bit of a circus, having to deal with all of the things that come with being a starter, but also, you look at the opponent, and who you're playing and what they're playing for," Rivera told reporters.
"Going with Taylor would have given us an opportunity to see what they're doing, how they're doing it and would have given Sam a chance to look at it if we had gone with Taylor.
"At the end of the day, at some point, if Sam ever gets an opportunity to be a starter, this would be the chance. Why not get it over with now and go from there?
"The most important thing is that we're really intrigued in terms of watching and seeing what Sam can do as a quarterback in this league."
Wentz, 30, has two years remaining on his Washington contract, having joined via trade last offseason from the Indianapolis Colts.
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