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So much quarterback drama with the Packers.

Aaron Rodgers is tossing the football around again at practice. But don't expect to see Rodgers to be healed enough from his fractured left collarbone to play Thursday when Green Bay visits Detroit in a critical NFC North game.

"This was a big day actually for him as far as doing throwing and doing some of the things … the training staff wanted to hit with him. They definitely hit it," coach Mike McCarthy said Tuesday after practice. "So, he feels good but I don't think he's going to make it this week."

Tuesday marked Rodgers' return to practice since the Nov. 4 injury as anything more than an unofficial assistant quarterback coach. He was formally declared "limited" on the injury report.

Asked for more clarity after having pronounced Rodgers' chances as "slim to none" earlier this week, McCarthy told reporters: "Closer to none. I'm trying to help you out, the drama … that you guys need. So, there it is, all right."

So then the starter is … Matt Flynn. Probably.

Flynn took starter reps Tuesday, two days after helping to lead the Packers back from a 16-point deficit in the fourth quarter to tie the Vikings 26-26 in overtime.

Flynn hadn't actually been told as of early Tuesday afternoon that he'll be the starter. He said he didn't know when that decision will be made, though it seems like it's headed in that direction.

"But I'm preparing like I'm going to start. My mind is set to go out there and take the first snap and play, and do the best that I can, and try to move the ball," said Flynn, a one-time Packers backup who was re-signed two weeks ago.

Around the league

Eagles • Quarterback Nick Foles has been named Philadelphia's starter for the rest of the season. Coach Chip Kelly made the announcement as the team returned from its bye week and began preparations for Arizona on Sunday.

49ers • Receiver Michael Crabtree has been activated from the physically unable to perform list. The hope is that Crabtree will make his season debut for in Sunday's home game against St. Louis. Crabtree had career highs last season with 85 receptions for 1,105 yards and nine touchdowns. He tore his right Achilles tendon May 21 and had surgery.

Colts • Former Army star Josh McNary, who joined the team at training camp in August after spending the previous two years fulfilling his service commitment, was promoted from the practice squad to the 53-man roster. Indianapolis also waived former University of Utah receiver David Reed.

Titans • The NFL upheld the one-game suspension of safety Michael Griffin as a repeat offender of the league's rules prohibiting hits to the head and neck area of defenseless players. Also, Tennessee agreed to terms with two-time Pro Bowler Leon Washington in an attempt to fix its struggles on special teams. —

Week 13 schedule

Thursday

Green Bay at Detroit, 10:30 a.m., Ch. 13

Oakland at Dallas, 2:30 p.m., Ch. 2

Pittsburgh at Baltimore, 6:30 p.m., Ch. 5

Sunday, Dec. 1

Chicago at Minnesota, 11 a.m., Ch. 13

New England at Houston, 11 a.m.

Tennessee at Indianapolis, 11 a.m.

Jacksonville at Cleveland, 11 a.m.

Tampa Bay at Carolina, 11 a.m.

Arizona at Philadelphia, 11 a.m.

Miami at N.Y. Jets, 11 a.m.

St. Louis at San Francisco, 2 p.m.

Atlanta vs. Buffalo at Toronto,2 p.m.

Cincinnati at San Diego, 2:25 p.m.

Denver at Kansas City, 2:25 p.m.

N.Y. Giants at Washington,6:30 p.m., Ch. 5

Monday, Dec. 2

New Orleans at Seattle, 6:40 p.m., ESPN