Rodgers Returns, But Packers Lose 31-24

A 31-24 loss to the Carolina Panthers Sunday has the Green Bay Packers on the edge of elimination from the N-F-L Playoff picture for the first time since 2008. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers returned from injured reserve to throw for 290 yards and three touchdowns, but he was intercepted three times.  Green Bay had four turnovers, including a strip-fumble by wide receiver Geronimo Allison with one minute, 28 seconds left.  Panther quarterback Cam Newton threw four touchdown passes and kept his team tied at the top of the N-F-C South with New Orleans at 10-4.  The 7-7 Packers host the Minnesota Vikings Saturday night at Lambeau Field.