Save articles for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them any time. Sydney is a stuffed stocking of imminent Christmas shows, concerts and events. From The Nutcracker and Elf: The Musical to Rockettes-inspired dance and magic spectaculars, immersive North Pole worlds, Christmas cabarets, yuletide movies with live orchestras and buses and streets decorated with tinsel, baubles and millions of lights. Ring in the season with these bell-jingling festivities. Grace Carroll and Marcus Morelli star in the Australian Ballet production of The Nutcracker . Credit: Simon Eeles The Nutcracker The traditional festive tale of Clara, the Sugar Plum Fairy, the Rat King and the Nutcracker Prince twirls through the Kingdom of Sweets in two shows. The Australian Ballet’s rendition of Sir Peter Wright’s classic production is led by soloist Mia Heathcote amid swirling snowflakes, toy soldiers and a Christmas tree growing to the ceiling (until December 18, Sydney Opera House). The Australian Chamber Orchestra’s production (December 13-22, Pier 2/3, Walsh Bay) features ballet and live classical music in collaboration with David McAllister, former artistic director of the Australian Ballet. A livestream of the Australian Ballet production runs December 12-26. Christmas spectaculars Big Christmas Spectacular , an all-ages, all-twinkling, old-fashioned Christmas concert with a choreographed battalion of 40 dancers, live orchestra and choir trilling carols and Christmas songs will fill the Sydney Opera House Concert Hall (December 1). The Christmas Spectacular (December 20-22, State Theatre) is a sequinned carousel of magic tricks, circus skills, high-kicking chorus dancers and Nutcracker -inspired choreography. Led by Prinnie Stevens, it also features conjurer Michael Boy. The Sydney Santa Spectacular (December 12-26, Blacktown Showgrounds) has a double-decker carousel, bumper cars, circus shows, jumping castles, toboggan snow slides, a Santa train, a petting zoo and a walk-through enchanted forest with falling “snow”. Gareth Isaac and Simon Burke star in Elf: The Musical . Credit: Christmas movies on stage The Sydney Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Benjamin Northey, presents Home Alone in Concert , a live performance of John Williams’ score with a screening of the 1990 Christmas film classic starring Macaulay Culkin (December 5-8, Sydney Opera House). Elf: The Musical , a stage adaptation of the beloved 2003 Will Ferrell Christmas movie about a human raised by Santa’s elves at the North Pole searching for his father in New York, features Gareth Isaac ( Grease the Musical , Mary Poppins ) as Buddy and Simon Burke ( Wicked , Moulin Rouge! The Musical ) as Walter Hobbs, the father who knows nothing of his son (December 19-29, Sydney Opera House). Hayes Theatre’s Irving Berlin’s Holiday Inn (until December 22), based on the 1942 film and directed by Sally Dashwood, follows crooner Jim Hardy’s new life in Connecticut, with classic tunes Cheek to Cheek , Steppin’ Out with My Baby and White Christmas . You can also revisit Nancy Meyers’ romance The Holiday , starring Kate Winslet and Cameron Diaz, with its Hans Zimmer score played live-to-film by Southern Cross Symphony (December 14, Darling Harbour Theatre, International Convention Centre), and then Richard Curtis’ 2003 Christmas film Love, Actually , with the soundtrack played live by Sydney Lyric Orchestra and conducted by Guy Noble (Darling Harbour Theatre, ICC, December 21) as well as its hits (Mariah Carey, Joni Mitchell, the Beatles and more) sung live in Christmas Actually at the Sydney Coliseum Theatre, Rooty Hill (December 21). MacGyver Models’ Simon Cavanough at work on a David Jones Christmas window installation. Credit: Louie Douvis Christmas windows Created over 12 months by artists, designers, engineers and sculptors at MacGyver Models in Marrickville, the David Jones Christmas windows feature more than 50 motorised puppets in scenes based on A Very Wombat Christmas , illustrated by Lachlan Creagh. Elizabeth Street, Sydney CBD. The Nightmare Before Christmas is the perfect balance of scary and merry. Credit: Tim Burton Emo Christmas – Emo Night Dress as Wednesday, Beetlejuice, Pumpkin King Jack Skellington or any character from Burton’s oeuvre ( The Nightmare Before Christmas seems a ripe choice) at this gathering of festive gloom, emo music and makeovers, with prizes for best costume (December 14, Oxford Art Factory). Carols by Cabaret Raising money for the Wayside Chapel, the Hayes Theatre’s Carols by Cabaret returns for its 11th year with an evening of tunes sung by musical theatre and cabaret performers, plus Christmas cocktails (December 9, Hayes Theatre). Wundrful World of Christmas is peak Christmas. Credit: Immersive Christmas world A mix of CGI animations, festooned Christmas trees, a North Pole post office and Mrs Claus baking in her kitchen, Wundrful World of Christmas is a walk-through experience with elves, a gigantic advent calendar, a wishing well and a visit from Santa (until December 24, Wundr Store, 31 Market Street, Sydney CBD). Go fully festive at Carols in the Domain. Credit: Christmas carol concerts Have a picnic with harbour views, Christmas choir carols, dancing elves and festive disco action at Taronga Zoo’s Christmas Concert (December 14, Taronga Zoo concert lawns). Carols in the Domain (December 21) features performances from the Wiggles, Samantha Jade and Rhonda Burchmore, plus dancers, a youth orchestra and two choirs. Santa is also expected. Christmas at Sydney Town Hall (December 17) features carols, choirs, harp-playing, the NSW Police Band and music from the 134-year-old grand organ. The Australian Brandenburg Orchestra performs Noël Noël. Credit: Keith Saunders Brandenburg Orchestra – Noël Noël The Brandenburg’s annual Christmas concert, a collection of traditional chamber music, chorales and festive music performed with the Brandenburg Choir, has swelled to include extra performances in various Sydney churches. The programs, which range from O Come All Ye Faithful and Stille Nacht to excerpts from Vivaldi’s Gloria and Monteverdi’s L’Orfeo , is at St Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, Paddington (December 10); Parish of Holy Name Church, Wahroonga (December 11); City Recital Hall, Angel Place, Sydney CBD (December 12,14); and St Patrick’s Cathedral, Parramatta (December 17). Bus driver Ian Rowsell behind the wheel of his best-decorated bus of the 2023 Christmas season. Credit: Steven Siewert Train Rides with Santa Catch Transport Heritage NSW Christmas railway rides via steam tram, steam train or electric train with the bearded one onboard. Routes include Blue Mountains departures (December 7-8, 14-15), Central to Rhodes (December 7-8) and Thirlmere to Buxton (December 7-8). Santa is also flying in for train rides at the Zig Zag Railway in Clarence (December 7-8). The annual Christmas bus decoration competition , with city buses decked inside and out with tinsel, baubles, twinkling coloured lights and Santa hat-wearing drivers, is also expected to return. Stock up at the Carriageworks Christmas markets. Credit: Anna Kucera Christmas Markets Festive markets festoon the city in November and December. Grab hams, fresh-cut Christmas trees, fruit puddings, mince pies, Christmas tree-shaped crumpets, farm produce and chats with Santa on a velvet throne in full sunshine. Cambridge Christmas Markets are at Centenary Square, Parramatta (November 28); Steyne Park, Double Bay (November 30); Royal Randwick Racecourse (December 6); Burwood Park (December 14); and Green Square Plaza (December 21). Swing between Martin Place Christmas Markets (running between November 28 and December 21), and the wooden chalets, wine bars and melted cheese stations of French-themed Le Jolly Market in Belmore Park, Haymarket (December 13-22) and Mosman Christmas Night Market (December 12). The Summer Seasonal Market (December 7) at Carriageworks offers fresh produce, cut and potted Christmas trees and cooking demonstrations from Nadine Ingram of Flour and Stone bakery. Gather meat, vegetables, baked goods, jams, pickles and preserves at the Carriageworks Christmas Market (December 21), also featuring handmade ceramics and a Christmas DJ. Then gird yourself for the Sydney Fish Market 36-Hour Seafood Marathon (December 23-24) at Pyrmont. The spectacular Martin Place Christmas tree. Credit: James Alcock Giant Christmas trees and lights The annual Martin Place Christmas tree , the tallest Christmas tree in NSW, lights up with Santa’s arrival on a sleigh on November 28 (until January 3) with more than 110,000 LED lights, 330 baubles, a 3.4-metre colour-changing star and 15,000 decorations comprising waratah, bottlebrush, wattle, eucalyptus gum flower, kangaroo paw, flannel flower, pink wax flower and white wax flower. Choirs sing each day at 6pm, December 1-24. There is also a Canopy of Light , with 80,000 suspended lights, across Pitt Street Mall (November 28-January 1), the Queen Victoria Building’s ceiling-high Christmas tree with artwork created with First Nations artists from Boomalli Aboriginal Artists Co-operative, and the lighting of a 16-metre-high tree at Parramatta Square (November 28) with carols and live music. Darling Square’s light tunnel returns (with live DJs on December 7, 14 and 21). St Mary’s Cathedral is running its light shows and projections, along with trees, stalls and live entertainment (December 12-25). No mistaking the message at 7 South Street, Tempe. Credit: Steven Siewert Christmas house decoration streets An army of tinsel-loving residents, bravely casting aside thoughts of their electricity bills, decorate their homes with millions of flashing bulbs across hundreds of Sydney streets each year. Visit the biggest and most creative displays on Cumberland Road, Whalans Road and Vernon Street in Greystanes, Benaud Street in St Clair, O’Neill Street in Guildford and Lochview Crescent, The Rapids and Caley Way in Mount Annan. There are also South Street in Tempe, Alice Street in Rooty Hill, Avoca Street in North Bondi, Magic Grove in Mosman, Dunmore Street in Bexley North, Sydney Road in Hornsby, and First, Second, Third and Fourth avenues in Willoughby. Payten Avenue in Roselands goes all-out. Check christmaslightsearch.com.au/australia for a map of streets with Christmas displays. Contact Santa Claus Call Father Christmas at his North Pole workshop for free from any Telstra Payphone (dial #HO HO HO or #46 46 46). For written messages, visit any Australia Post Office before December 24 to hand-deliver letters, wish-lists or drawings, and you’ll receive Santa’s reply on the spot. A group dance at the Wayside Chapel Christmas lunch. Credit: Getty Images Helping others People can donate money, volunteer their time and buy products to help charity organisations across Sydney to help others at Christmas. Check out Two Good Co, which supports women escaping violence and abuse; Variety Australia, which fundraises for sick, disadvantaged and disabled children; Share the Dignity, for providing access to sanitary products; Orange Sky, which offers laundry services to homeless people; Wayside Chapel, which provides year-round assistance and a free Christmas lunch for people affected by homelessness or social isolation; and OzHarvest, which provides food and meals to people in need. Find out the next TV, streaming series and movies to add to your must-sees. Get The Watchlist delivered every Thursday .

New York Jets interim coach Jeff Ulbrich said Aaron Rodgers “absolutely” will remain the team's starting quarterback and start Sunday against the Seattle Seahawks. Rodgers, who turns 41 next Monday, has been hampered at times during the Jets' 3-8 start by various injuries to his left leg, including a sore knee, sprained ankle and balky hamstring. Ulbrich said Monday the quarterback came back from the team's bye-week break ready to go. “All I can say, and you'd have to ask Aaron if he's fully healthy, but he's better off today than he's been as of late,” Ulbrich said. "So he's definitely feeling healthier than he has probably for the past month. A healthy Aaron Rodgers is the Aaron Rodgers we all love. “So, I'm excited about what that looks like.” NFL Network reported on Sunday that Rodgers, who missed all but four snaps last season with a torn left Achilles tendon, has declined having medical scans on his injured leg so he can continue to play. GM: The New York Jets are turning to one of their former general managers to help them find their next GM and head coach. The franchise announced Monday that The 33rd Team, a football media, analytics and consulting group founded by former Jets GM Mike Tannenbaum, will assist team owner Woody Johnson in the searches. Tannenbaum and Rick Spielman, former GM of the Miami Dolphins and Minnesota Vikings, will be The 33rd Team's primary representatives in helping find replacements for former coach Robert Saleh and GM Joe Douglas. FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — The NFL removed New England Patriots safety Jabrill Peppers from the commissioner exempt list on Monday, making him eligible to participate in practice and play in the team’s games. Peppers missed seven games since being placed on the list on Oct. 9 after he was arrested and charged with shoving his girlfriend’s head into a wall and choking her. The league said its review is ongoing and is not affected by the change in Peppers’ roster status. Braintree, Massachusetts, police said they were called to a home for an altercation between two people on Oct. 7, and a woman told them Peppers choked her. Police said they found at the home a clear plastic bag containing a white powder, which later tested positive for cocaine. Peppers, 29, pleaded not guilty in Quincy District Court to charges of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon and possession of a Class “B” substance believed to be cocaine. At a court appearance last week a trial date was set for Jan. 22. HENDERSON, Nev. — Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Gardner Minshew is out for the rest of the season with a broken collarbone, coach Antonio Pierce said Monday. Minshew was injured with 3:12 left in Sunday's 29-19 loss to the Denver Broncos. Pierce will have to decide whether Aidan O'Connell or Desmond Ridder will start Friday's game at Kansas City. The Raiders, who have lost seven consecutive games to fall to 2-9, could use a spark. Minshew's grip on the starting job was tenuous even before he was injured. He threw 10 interceptions to just nine touchdown passes this season and Minshew also lost four fumbles. JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence will practice Monday and “we'll see where he's at from there,” coach Doug Pederson said. Lawrence missed the past two games, losses to Minnesota and Detroit, with a sprained left shoulder. Lawrence had extra time to rest during Jacksonville's bye week. The Jaguars (2-9) host AFC South-leading Houston (7-5) on Sunday and need a victory to avoid being eliminated from playoff contention. Pederson said Lawrence is “feeling better" and they will know more about his playing status following practice Wednesday. Lawrence took a hit to his left shoulder while scrambling at Philadelphia on Nov. 3. Instead of sliding, he chose to go head-first and got hammered by linebacker Zack Baun. Lawrence has practiced some in a limited role since, but was inactive for both games. BRIEFLY LIONS: Detroit wide receiver Jameson Williams won't be charged with a crime after he was found with a gun in a car driven by his brother in October. Prosecutor Kym Worthy says Michigan law is “far from clear” when applied to the 1 a.m. traffic stop in Detroit. Subscribe to stay connected to Tucson. A subscription helps you access more of the local stories that keep you connected to the community. Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox!Collaboration, innovation, PPP key to achieve 2047 goals: Jitendra Singh

PHILADELPHIA — Tanner McKee’s first career NFL touchdown pass was thrown to a Philadelphia Eagles fan named Patrick. OK, McKee actually threw the 20-yard TD to Pro Bowl wide receiver A.J Brown, who — in a momentary lapse of reason — chucked the souvenir football into the Lincoln Financial field stands. Uh-oh. “I felt so bad,” Brown said, “because I threw it so far.” McKee, a sixth-round pick out of Stanford in 2023, is a career third-string QB who had never played a regular-season snap until he was pressed into emergency duty Sunday against Dallas. Jalen Hurts did not start because of a concussion, and Kenny Pickett — who ran and threw for a TD in the Eagles’ 41-7 win — was knocked of the game with injured ribs. That opened the door for the 24-year-old McKee to play in a game in which the Eagles clinched the NFC East. He did his part — including the 20-yard strike in the third that made it 34-7. The celebration was temporarily muted when he realized his ball — a milestone keepsake for any player — was somewhere in the stands. Little did McKee know the ball was coming back to him. Eagles fans kicked off a bit of a relay with the ball once they realized its significance to McKee. The fan who caught the ball was promised a jersey from Brown. He sent the ball to one fan, who passed it to Eagles security chief “Big” Dom DiSandro to hand to another Eagles employee to Brown and finally to McKee. Souvenir secured. “I appreciate whoever gave the ball back,” McKee said. “(Brown) was like, ‘I’m sorry, bro. I got the ball back.’ So, yeah, it was good. He made a great play, and obviously a great catch.” It was Brown’s throw that needed work. Brown stripped off and signed his game jersey and handed it to a fan named Patrick as a thank-you for returning the football — all while fans chanted “E-A-G-L-E-S!” around him. “We’ve got great fans here,” Brown said. McKee needed more room on the trophy shelf — he threw a second TD pass in the fourth quarter.In the ever-evolving landscape of artificial intelligence, a significant shift is underway towards business-to-business (B2B) applications, heralded as the next frontier in AI advancement. While consumer-focused AI models, such as those from OpenAI, have achieved remarkable success, industry leaders now spotlight the untapped potential in quantitative AI (QAI) for industrial sectors including pharmaceuticals, automotive, and energy. Jack Hidary , CEO of Sandbox AQ, recently highlighted the importance of QAI, which employs fundamental equations to generate data critical for breakthroughs in drug development, energy storage materials, and aerospace. This new wave of AI aims to revolutionize product innovation, offering economic value beyond mere cost reduction. Looking towards 2025, the focus is increasingly on AI’s capacity to tackle essential B2B challenges, such as enhancing battery technology and accelerating medical discoveries. This marks a departure from traditional AI applications, positioning AI as a foundational tool for cross-industry innovation. A recent McKinsey report underscores the transformative impact of AI in B2B sales, boosting efficiency and reshaping operations through automation and personalized insights. Companies leveraging AI tools achieve superior customer experiences, expedited sales processes, and open up new growth avenues. This integration anticipates a future where sales models emphasize collaborative outcomes between human expertise and AI-driven insights. Meanwhile, Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) strengthens its position in AI with its price target climbing from $500 to $550, reflecting its robust investments in AI technologies. Microsoft’s extensive integration of AI into cloud services and business solutions highlights its commitment to long-term growth amidst substantial GenAI expenses. As AI continues to change the business landscape, Microsoft’s strategies set a high bar for innovation and market leadership. Unveiling the Next Era in AI: B2B Innovations and Future Predictions In the unfolding realm of artificial intelligence, the spotlight is shifting significantly towards business-to-business (B2B) applications, marking an exciting frontier in AI advancement. As consumer-focused AI technologies, like those from firms such as OpenAI, make waves across industries, leaders are now turning their gaze to the promising potential of quantitative AI (QAI) for industrial sectors, including pharmaceuticals, automotive, and energy. Features and Use Cases of Quantitative AI (QAI) QAI stands out due to its capability to employ fundamental equations in data generation, crucial for groundbreaking developments in various fields. According to Jack Hidary, CEO of Sandbox AQ, this technology is pivotal for driving major innovations in drug development, energy storage materials, and aerospace, extending economic value far beyond traditional cost-saving measures. Pros and Cons of AI in B2B Applications Pros: – Enhanced Industry Solutions: AI’s ability to address specific B2B challenges, like improving battery technology and expediting medical discoveries, highlights its utility as a core innovation tool. – Operational Efficiency: By integrating AI, businesses can streamline operations, optimize resource allocation, and boost overall efficiency. – Customer Experience Transformation: Insights and automation facilitated by AI lead to superior customer experiences and expedited service delivery. Cons: – Initial Investment Costs: Adopting AI solutions can require hefty initial investments, posing a barrier for some businesses. – Complexity and Integration Challenges: Successful AI implementation necessitates overcoming technical and organizational integration hurdles. Market Trends and Predictions Looking ahead to 2025, AI is anticipated to be instrumental in tackling major B2B industry challenges. McKinsey’s recent report highlights AI’s transformative impact on B2B sales, revealing potential for enhanced efficiency and operational overhaul through AI-driven automation and insights personalization. Businesses presently leveraging AI not only enhance their customer interactions but also enable new growth avenues. There’s a foreseeable future where sales models will highlight collaborative integrations between AI-empowered tools and human expertise. Microsoft: Leading the AI Charge Microsoft Corporation remains at the cutting edge of AI integration, with its price target for NASDAQ: MSFT increasing from $500 to $550. This reflects the company’s aggressive investments in AI technologies, particularly its incorporation of AI within cloud services and business solutions. Microsoft’s commitment sets a benchmark in innovation and positions it for sustained market leadership. Innovations and Security Aspects AI innovations continue to unfold rapidly, with a strong emphasis on enhancing computational capabilities and developing advanced algorithms that offer higher precision and accuracy rates. However, as the race for AI-driven solutions accelerates, so does the need for robust security measures to protect data integrity and consumer privacy amidst evolving cyber threats. Conclusion The rise of AI in B2B contexts signifies a monumental shift towards sophisticated, industry-specific solutions. As organizations navigate the challenges and possibilities AI brings, it will be important to balance innovation with responsible deployment. The narrative unfolding suggests a future rich with collaborative human-AI synergies, driving unprecedented advances across critical sectors globally. To explore more about advancements in AI technology and its applications, visit Microsoft .New York Jets interim coach Jeff Ulbrich said Aaron Rodgers “absolutely” will remain the team's starting quarterback and start Sunday against the Seattle Seahawks. Rodgers, who turns 41 next Monday, has been hampered at times during the Jets' 3-8 start by various injuries to his left leg, including a sore knee, sprained ankle and balky hamstring. Ulbrich said Monday the quarterback came back from the team's bye-week break ready to go. “All I can say, and you'd have to ask Aaron if he's fully healthy, but he's better off today than he's been as of late,” Ulbrich said. "So he's definitely feeling healthier than he has probably for the past month. A healthy Aaron Rodgers is the Aaron Rodgers we all love. “So, I'm excited about what that looks like.” NFL Network reported on Sunday that Rodgers, who missed all but four snaps last season with a torn left Achilles tendon, has declined having medical scans on his injured leg so he can continue to play. GM: The New York Jets are turning to one of their former general managers to help them find their next GM and head coach. The franchise announced Monday that The 33rd Team, a football media, analytics and consulting group founded by former Jets GM Mike Tannenbaum, will assist team owner Woody Johnson in the searches. Tannenbaum and Rick Spielman, former GM of the Miami Dolphins and Minnesota Vikings, will be The 33rd Team's primary representatives in helping find replacements for former coach Robert Saleh and GM Joe Douglas. FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — The NFL removed New England Patriots safety Jabrill Peppers from the commissioner exempt list on Monday, making him eligible to participate in practice and play in the team’s games. Peppers missed seven games since being placed on the list on Oct. 9 after he was arrested and charged with shoving his girlfriend’s head into a wall and choking her. The league said its review is ongoing and is not affected by the change in Peppers’ roster status. Braintree, Massachusetts, police said they were called to a home for an altercation between two people on Oct. 7, and a woman told them Peppers choked her. Police said they found at the home a clear plastic bag containing a white powder, which later tested positive for cocaine. Peppers, 29, pleaded not guilty in Quincy District Court to charges of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon and possession of a Class “B” substance believed to be cocaine. At a court appearance last week a trial date was set for Jan. 22. HENDERSON, Nev. — Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Gardner Minshew is out for the rest of the season with a broken collarbone, coach Antonio Pierce said Monday. Minshew was injured with 3:12 left in Sunday's 29-19 loss to the Denver Broncos. Pierce will have to decide whether Aidan O'Connell or Desmond Ridder will start Friday's game at Kansas City. The Raiders, who have lost seven consecutive games to fall to 2-9, could use a spark. Minshew's grip on the starting job was tenuous even before he was injured. He threw 10 interceptions to just nine touchdown passes this season and Minshew also lost four fumbles. JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence will practice Monday and “we'll see where he's at from there,” coach Doug Pederson said. Lawrence missed the past two games, losses to Minnesota and Detroit, with a sprained left shoulder. Lawrence had extra time to rest during Jacksonville's bye week. The Jaguars (2-9) host AFC South-leading Houston (7-5) on Sunday and need a victory to avoid being eliminated from playoff contention. Pederson said Lawrence is “feeling better" and they will know more about his playing status following practice Wednesday. Lawrence took a hit to his left shoulder while scrambling at Philadelphia on Nov. 3. Instead of sliding, he chose to go head-first and got hammered by linebacker Zack Baun. Lawrence has practiced some in a limited role since, but was inactive for both games. BRIEFLY LIONS: Detroit wide receiver Jameson Williams won't be charged with a crime after he was found with a gun in a car driven by his brother in October. Prosecutor Kym Worthy says Michigan law is “far from clear” when applied to the 1 a.m. traffic stop in Detroit. Get local news delivered to your inbox!

Rodgers, who turns 41 next Monday, has been hampered at times during the Jets' 3-8 start by various injuries to his left leg, including a sore knee, sprained ankle and balky hamstring. Ulbrich said Monday the quarterback came back from the team's bye-week break ready to go. “All I can say, and you'd have to ask Aaron if he's fully healthy, but he's better off today than he's been as of late,” Ulbrich said. "So he's definitely feeling healthier than he has probably for the past month. A healthy Aaron Rodgers is the Aaron Rodgers we all love. “So, I'm excited about what that looks like.” NFL Network reported on Sunday that Rodgers, who missed all but four snaps last season with a torn left Achilles tendon, has declined having medical scans on his injured leg so he can continue to play. GM: The New York Jets are turning to one of their former general managers to help them find their next GM and head coach. The franchise announced Monday that The 33rd Team, a football media, analytics and consulting group founded by former Jets GM Mike Tannenbaum, will assist team owner Woody Johnson in the searches. Tannenbaum and Rick Spielman, former GM of the Miami Dolphins and Minnesota Vikings, will be The 33rd Team's primary representatives in helping find replacements for former coach Robert Saleh and GM Joe Douglas. SANTA CLARA, Calif. — San Francisco quarterback Brock Purdy took part in some light throwing on Monday after missing his first career game because of an injury and the 49ers are hoping he can return this week. Purdy hurt his throwing shoulder during a loss to Seattle on Nov. 17. Purdy underwent two MRIs last week that showed no structural damage. But Purdy he felt discomfort after making a few throws at practice on Thursday and was shut down for the game at Green Bay on Sunday that San Francisco lost 38-10. Coach Kyle Shanahan said Monday that Purdy made it through the session without pain and will rest on Tuesday and hopefully be able to return to practice on Wednesday as the Niners prepare to play at Buffalo this coming week. “We rested it throughout the weekend hoping that would help,” Shanahan said. “He threw lighter today to see if that rest helps and the rest did help him. So we’ll see again, going through the same things we did last week. We’re going to let him rest all the way up to Wednesday. We’ll see how it feels on Wednesday and then we’ll take the exact same course throughout the week. Hopefully it responds better this week than it did last week with the rest.” Brandon Allen went 17 for 29 for 199 yards with a touchdown, an interception and a lost fumble in his first start since the 2021 season. Allen would play once again if Purdy is unable to go on Sunday at Buffalo. FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — The NFL removed New England Patriots safety Jabrill Peppers from the commissioner exempt list on Monday, making him eligible to participate in practice and play in the team’s games. Peppers missed seven games since being placed on the list on Oct. 9 after he was arrested and charged with shoving his girlfriend’s head into a wall and choking her. The league said its review is ongoing and is not affected by the change in Peppers’ roster status. Braintree, Massachusetts, police said they were called to a home for an altercation between two people on Oct. 7, and a woman told them Peppers choked her. Police said they found at the home a clear plastic bag containing a white powder, which later tested positive for cocaine. Peppers, 29, pleaded not guilty in Quincy District Court to charges of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon and possession of a Class “B” substance believed to be cocaine. At a court appearance last week a trial date was set for Jan. 22. HENDERSON, Nev. — Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Gardner Minshew is out for the rest of the season with a broken collarbone, coach Antonio Pierce said Monday. Minshew was injured with 3:12 left in Sunday's 29-19 loss to the Denver Broncos. Pierce will have to decide whether Aidan O'Connell or Desmond Ridder will start Friday's game at Kansas City. The Raiders, who have lost seven consecutive games to fall to 2-9, could use a spark. Minshew's grip on the starting job was tenuous even before he was injured. He threw 10 interceptions to just nine touchdown passes this season and Minshew also lost four fumbles. JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence will practice Monday and “we'll see where he's at from there,” coach Doug Pederson said. Lawrence missed the past two games, losses to Minnesota and Detroit, with a sprained left shoulder. Lawrence had extra time to rest during Jacksonville's bye week. The Jaguars (2-9) host AFC South-leading Houston (7-5) on Sunday and need a victory to avoid being eliminated from playoff contention. Pederson said Lawrence is “feeling better" and they will know more about his playing status following practice Wednesday. Lawrence took a hit to his left shoulder while scrambling at Philadelphia on Nov. 3. Instead of sliding, he chose to go head-first and got hammered by linebacker Zack Baun. Lawrence has practiced some in a limited role since, but was inactive for both games. BRIEFLY LIONS: Detroit wide receiver Jameson Williams won't be charged with a crime after he was found with a gun in a car driven by his brother in October. Prosecutor Kym Worthy says Michigan law is “far from clear” when applied to the 1 a.m. traffic stop in Detroit.From Astro Bot to Prince of Persia: 15 best video games of 2024