FLORHAM PARK, N.J. (AP) — Aaron Rodgers hopes to celebrate his 40th birthday by returning to practice.

The New York Jets quarterback continues to recover from a torn left Achilles tendon suffered four snaps into his debut with the team on Sept. 11.

But Rodgers confirmed Tuesday during his weekly appearance on “The Pat McAfee Show” he has his sights set on getting back on the field in two weeks and says he’s “way ahead of common protocol.”

The four-time NFL MVP turns 40 on Dec. 2, which Fox Sports reported over the weekend is a target date for Rodgers and he confirmed that.

RIVALRY COULD BE REKINDLED

MANCHESTER, England (AP) — Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo could resume their longstanding rivalry in a tournament being staged in Saudi Arabia in February.

Organizers of the Riyadh Season Cup say Messi’s Inter Miami is expected to play in the three-team event. Miami calls the announcement “inaccurate” and says it is still determining its preseason schedule.

But the prospect of Messi vs. Ronaldo was already being pushed in Saudi Arabia.

Messi has promoted tourism in Saudi Arabia and in May was suspended by former club Paris Saint-Germain for making an unauthorized trip to the country. He also played in this year’s Riyadh Season Cup when PSG was the guest team.

STEELERS FIRE OC CANADA

PITTSBURGH (AP) — The Pittsburgh Steelers have fired embattled offensive coordinator Matt Canada.

The decision by head coach Mike Tomlin came two days after the Steelers managed just 10 points in a dismal loss to Cleveland.

The move comes with Pittsburgh still in the playoff mix at 6-4 despite an offense that ranks near the bottom of the NFL in points and yards.

COLTS WAIVE 3-TIME ALL-PRO

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — The Indianapolis Colts have waived three-time All-Pro linebacker Shaquille Leonard.

The surprising move comes shortly after Leonard complained publicly about his playing time decreasing this season following two back surgeries.

Earlier Tuesday, defensive coordinator Gus Bradley said he thought Leonard would get more playing time in upcoming games. Leonard was known for two things — his ability to chase down opponents and his penchant for creating turnovers.

But those skills were slowed substantially by a nerve injury that hobbled him in 2021 and forced him to miss all but three games in 2022.

He was the AP NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2018.