NFC Notes: Packers, Rams, Redskins

Packers

Before Sunday night’s game against the Steelers, Packers QB Aaron Rodgers was seen throwing passes during warmups, which led to some speculation that he could be ahead of schedule in his return from a broken collarbone.

Packers HC Mike McCarthy was asked if Rodgers could return to practice this weekend.

“We’ll see,” McCarthy said of Rodgers, via ESPN.com. “I mean, he’s still going through — there’s a protocol, there’s targets we’re trying to hit each and every week. I think they’re working [on it], and it’s segmented. The A-No. 1 priority is to get him healthy. Practice is not something we’re really focused on right now.

“I’m more focused on game planning for the Buccaneers. There’s a plan laid out for Aaron, just like the other guys on IR. He’s knocking it out of the park, he’s going at it 120 miles an hour. We’ll see what the end of the week brings.”

Rams

• Ian Rapoport reports that Rams LB Connor Barwin suffered a slight fracture of a bone in his forearm and he’s expected to miss one or two games.

Redskins

Redskins LT Trent Williams (knee) said he plans to continue playing even if Washington is eliminated from playoff contention.

“I still think there’s some merit to me finishing out this season, regardless if we’re in playoff contention or not,” Williams said, via Master Tesfatsion of the Washington Post. “There’s still some outstanding opponents that I would like to go up against, like [Broncos pass rusher] Von Miller. Even the guys from the Chargers with [Melvin] Ingram and [Joey] Bosa — those guys are tearing it up right now. They’re probably the two best pass rushers on one team…

“I always like going up against good opponents, because you get a measuring stick of who you are. I still think there’s merit in going up against those types of guys. That’s my mind frame. I’m trying to make the best out of any situation.”