Rodgers expected to start Sunday

Green Bay Packers Coach Mike McCarthy said Friday quarterback Aaron Rodgers would likely start Sunday despite missing a third straight day of practice.

Detroit's Jon Kitna and Tampa Bay's Brian Griese, however, are likely to remain on the sidelines this weekend.

Rodgers is suffering from a sprained right shoulder. He was injured Sept. 28 in a game against Tampa Bay but played against Atlanta last Sunday. The Green Bay quarterback has thrown for 1,274 yards with nine touchdowns in five games this season, his first as a starter since replacing Brett Favre.

Kitna is officially listed as doubtful for Detroit's meeting with Minnesota. He had to leave last Sunday's game against Chicago with back spasms.

Griese is suffering from an elbow injury and Tampa Bay Coach Jon Gruden acknowledged Friday his No. 1 quarterback would probably miss Sunday's meeting with Carolina.