GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) - Faced with a need at running back after third-down back DeShawn Wynn hurt his knee, Green Bay has signed Ahman Green. He's been out of football since being cut by Houston in February. He left the Packers to sign with the Texans as a free agent for the 2007 season but gained only 554 yards in 14 games over two seasons. Green needs 46 more yards to surpass Jim Taylor's franchise rushing record of 8,207.

Around the NFL:

• The Cleveland Browns have been thrown for a loss by the flu. Coach Eric Mangini says 12 players, including Pro Bowl nose tackle Shaun Rogers and five other starters, are home with flu-like symptoms as his team prepares to face Green Bay this weekend. Browns return specialist and part-time quarterback Josh Cribbs missed practice with an unspecified knee injury. Cleveland also signed journeyman tight end Michael Gaines, who has spent parts of seasons with Carolina, Buffalo, Detroit and Chicago.


• The Atlanta Falcons have released quarterback D.J. Shockley from their practice squad and signed running back Antone Smith.


• Miami Dolphins linebacker Matt Roth has returned to practice after missing the first five games of the season because of a groin injury.


• Bills quarterback Trent Edwards missed practice days after sustaining a concussion, making backup Ryan Fitzpatrick the likely starter at Carolina this weekend. Bills receiver James Hardy is back at practice for the first time since tearing a ligament in his left knee last December.


• Steelers kicker Jeff Reed has apologized to his teammates, saying he didn't mean to cause a distraction by getting involved in a run-in with Pittsburgh police on Sunday.


• Minnesota Vikings Pro Bowl cornerback Antoine Winfield did not practice because of a sprained right foot. Coach Brad Childress says Winfield will be evaluated throughout the week before a decision is made on his availability Sunday at Pittsburgh.