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Fields says he's being given too much info by Bears coaches, needs to trust instincts
Andrew Seligman, Associated Press | Updated Sept. 20 - 9:15 p.m. | Save Story
Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields indicated he is being given too much information by the coaching staff and thinking too much as a result rather than trusting his instincts. Fields says he played "kind of robotic" in last week's loss at Tampa Bay. And one reason "could be coaching." Fields' comments come after two discouraging losses to start a season in which the Bears hope to show signs of improvement. He struggled against Green Bay at Soldier Field and didn't fare any better against the Buccaneers. Fields was sacked six times and threw two late interceptions. The Bears have called few designed runs for him after he nearly set the NFL's single-season rushing record for a quarterback last season.
Vikings get RB Cam Akers in trade with Rams, after run-deficient start
Dave Campbell, Associated Press | Updated Sept. 20 - 7:24 p.m. | Save Story
The run-deficient Minnesota Vikings have acquired running back Cam Akers in a trade with the Los Angeles Rams. The fourth-year player had fallen out of favor with the Rams' coaching staff. The deal was pending Akers passing a physical exam. The Vikings will send a 2026 conditional sixth-round draft pick to the Rams for Akers and a 2026 conditional seventh-round draft pick. Akers was the 52nd overall pick in the 2020 draft out of Florida State. He fell behind Kyren Williams on the depth chart this year. The Vikings are last in the NFL in rushing.
Justin Herbert expects Chargers' late-game execution to improve after 0-2 start
Dan Greenspan, Associated Press | Posted Sept. 20 - 7:14 p.m. | Save Story
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert says he and the team can and will improve their performance late in games. Herbert had the ball in his hands with the chance to tie or win in each of the Chargers' two losses to open the season. But those possessions ended with a turnover on downs and a three-and-out. Herbert says it's on him to be better in those situations. Chargers coach Brandon Staley says late-game execution isn't the only reason the team is 0-2.
Bears defensive coordinator Alan Williams resigns, says he has to take care of his health and family
Andrew Seligman, Associated Press | Updated Sept. 20 - 6:40 p.m. | Save Story
Chicago Bears defensive coordinator Alan Williams has resigned, saying he needs to tend to his health and his family. Williams' resignation comes just two games into his second season. In a statement, Williams thanked the Bears and their front office and ownership, and vowed to coach again. He missed last week's loss at Tampa Bay for what the team said were personal reasons after working the opener against Green Bay. Coach Matt Eberflus called the defense in Williams' absence and figures to do so again when the Bears visit Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday.
Raiders' Crosby is facing even more attention from opposing offenses with Chandler Jones out
Mark Anderson, Associated Press | Posted Sept. 20 - 6:05 p.m. | Save Story
Almost lost in the Chandler Jones situation is the effect his absence has had on the Raiders defensive line. Las Vegas has used a tackle in Jerry Tillery, an undersized Malcolm Koonce and not-yet-ready rookie Tyree Wilson. Opponents have been able to pay even more attention than usual to Maxx Crosby on the other end. That has mostly neutralized one of the NFL's top pass rushers. Crosby facing double teams isn't new. He often did so last season and still found a way to account for nearly half of Las Vegas' 27 sacks.
Poor second halves after fast starts have doomed Broncos' offense during 0-2 start
Arnie Stapleton, Associated Press | Posted Sept. 20 - 6:03 p.m. | Save Story
The Denver Broncos have failed to follow up strong starts with solid second halves in their two losses to open the season. Coach Sean Payton and quarterback Russell Wilson say the Broncos need to pick up the tempo in order to operate smoothly. To that end, Payton and his staff have come up with code words for more plays to put on Wilson's wristband. That way, Payton can call out a number and Wilson will relay the full play call in the huddle and get to the line quicker to survey the defense beginning Sunday at Miami.
Fantasy plays: Players to start and sit for NFL Week 3
Aidan Cotter, Associated Press | Posted Sept. 20 - 5:41 p.m. | Save Story
Jacksonville's Trevor Lawrence struggled last week, completing 53.7% of his passes and garnering just 9.2 fantasy points. Better days are on the horizon for Lawrence, though that may not be this week. Lawrence scored just 17.5 points total in two games against Houston last season. but unless you doubled up on elite signal-callers, you're probably still starting him. Pittsburgh's Jaylen Warren is trending up. He finished with 10.6 fantasy points in Week 2, turning 10 combined rushes and catches into 86 yards while playing 43.4% of snaps. He's Pittsburgh's preferred back in the passing game and is in a nice spot to produce again against the Raiders defense. He's a FLEX with RB2 upside.
Saints safety Marcus Maye suspended 3 games in connection with 2021 DUI case
Brett Martel, Associated Press | Updated Sept. 20 - 5:41 p.m. | Save Story
New Orleans Saints safety Marcus Maye has been suspended without pay for three games for violating the NFL's substance abuse policy. The league says the suspension starts with Sunday's game at Green Bay. It ends following New Orleans' Week 5 game at New England on Oct. 8. Maye's punishment stems from his 2021 arrest in Florida on charges of driving under the influence of alcohol after his involvement in a car crash in Fort Lauderdale. He was playing for the New York Jets at the time and signed with the Saints as a free agent during the 2022 offseason. Last month, Maye agreed to a no-contest plea and six months' probation.
Fast starts have been key for the Ravens' defense, which is playing well despite injuries
Noah Trister, Associated Press | Posted Sept. 20 - 4:44 p.m. | Save Story
The Baltimore defense has picked up where it left off a season ago. Led by a pair of excellent inside linebackers, a better-than-expected secondary and a pass rush that's put to rest some preseason concerns, the Ravens shut down Houston and kept Cincinnati's dangerous passing game under control. Through two games, Baltimore hasn't allowed a first down in the first quarter. The defensive backfield has dealt with constant injury concerns lately. Cornerback Marlon Humphrey hasn't played yet, and safety Marcus Williams was hurt in Week 1. Still, Baltimore held Joe Burrow to 222 yards passing last weekend.
Vikings newcomer Risner regrets taking so long to sign. They could use a quick study
Dave Campbell, Associated Press | Posted Sept. 20 - 4:37 p.m. | Save Story
Dalton Risner spent six months as a free agent until he finally signed this week with Minnesota. The former Denver guard acknowledged some regret he let the process play out that long as he began the integration process with his new team. The Vikings are 0-2 with the fewest rushing yards in the league and some injuries on the offensive line. Risner visited the Vikings during training camp. The 2019 second-round draft pick had only one holding penalty, three false starts and four missed games over his four seasons with the Broncos.
Packers' David Bakhtiari feeling frustrated that his knee issues have cropped up again
Steve Megargee, Associated Press | Posted Sept. 20 - 4:34 p.m. | Save Story
Green Bay Packers offensive tackle David Bakhtiari was hoping he had gotten past the knee issues that resulted in three separate surgeries and impacted his past two seasons. Now the oldest player on the NFL's youngest team realizes that's not the case. Bakhtiari missed Green Bay's 25-24 loss at Atlanta and isn't sure yet when he will return. The Packers' busy upcoming schedule doesn't help matters. The Packers have their home opener Sunday against New Orleans and return to Lambeau Field four nights later to host the Detroit Lions.
Bills linebacker Matt Milano keeps quiet while marching to his own 'boom, boom' beat
John Wawrow, Associated Press | Posted Sept. 20 - 4:27 p.m. | Save Story
Buffalo Bills linebacker Matt Milano is a player of few words while marching to his own boom, boom, boom beat on the field. Just don't suggest Milano's into house music as some of his teammates have done. Without saying what music he's into, Milano says he's into football. That's a reflection of a player who's as intensely focused on his private life as he is on running down an opponent on the field. He's picking up where he left off last season, when Milano earned his first All-Pro selection. Milano is second on the team in tackles and leads the Bills with two interceptions.
Kareem Hunt thrilled to re-sign with 'hometown' Browns after Nick Chubb's season-ending injury
Tom Withers, Associated Press | Updated Sept. 20 - 4:19 p.m. | Save Story
The Browns have reunited with Kareem Hunt, who was available as a free agent and is expected to be able to help Cleveland's offense immediately. The team is giving Hunt a one-year deal worth up to $4 million, according to a person familiar with the negotiations. Hunt's deal includes numerous incentives, according to the person who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the team isn't making the terms public. Hunt spent four seasons with the Browns before they decided not to re-sign him this offseason. Chubb is facing surgery after tearing ligaments in Monday's loss at Pittsburgh.
Titans veteran Ryan Tannehill knows how to ride NFL wave through bad and good
Teresa M. Walker, Associated Press | Posted Sept. 20 - 3:59 p.m. | Save Story
Ryan Tannehill has been around the NFL long enough to know not to listen to critics wanting him either benched or traded away after one bad game. Tannehill bounced back from an opening loss where he posted the worst passer rating of his career. He led the Titans to their first win with one of the best games in his 12 NFL seasons. He posted the 27th comeback win of his career with a game-winning drive in either the fourth quarter or overtime. Tannehill said Wednesday he doesn't ride that emotional wave that he knows a lot of people do. Next up is a visit to Cleveland.
Patriots veterans have rallied around rookie receiver Demario Douglas after his fumble vs. Miami
Kyle Hightower, Associated Press | Posted Sept. 20 - 3:58 p.m. | Save Story
Patriots rookie Demario Douglas was among New England's biggest standouts during training camp, routinely hauling in sure-handed receptions despite his 5-foot-8 frame. It made his first-quarter fumble, which led to the Dolphins' first touchdown during New England's 24-17 loss to Miami last week, that much more surprising. It's also why Patriots veterans have made seeking out Douglas a priority when the team reconvened at the practice facility for the first time this week. Tight end Hunter Henry told Douglas about a similar experience he had his first year in the league. Quarterback Mac Jones says Douglas' mistake hasn't altered his confidence in going to a player whose 9.8 yards per catch average is tied for the team lead.
Jets' defense preparing to bounce back against Patriots' 'simple' but effective offense
Dennis Waszak Jr., Associated Press | Posted Sept. 20 - 3:57 p.m. | Save Story
Sauce Gardner has watched video of the New England Patriots' offense and it seems easy to understand. Stopping it is a different story. That will be the task for a New York Jets defense looking to bounce back after a rough outing at Dallas last Sunday. Gardner says the Patriots have a pretty simple offense for quarterbacks but New England excels at it. Mac Jones has started four times against the Jets and won all four. Jones has thrown for 933 yards with three touchdowns and one interception, but he has been sacked 16 times.
Seahawks could be without standout young CB Riq Woolen for matchup with Panthers
The Associated Press | Posted Sept. 20 - 3:47 p.m. | Save Story
The Seattle Seahawks may be without starting cornerback Riq Woolen for Sunday's game against Carolina as he deals with a chest injury. Seattle coach Pete Carroll says Woolen was "pretty sore," and would need to make significant strides in his recovery to be ready to face the Panthers. Woolen was injured in the first half of Seattle's 37-31 overtime win over Detroit. Rookie first-round pick Devon Witherspoon stepped in at left cornerback and played the majority of the game in Woolen's place. To add depth in the secondary, the Seahawks signed veteran Artie Burns off the practice squad to the active roster.
Raiders place defensive end Chandler Jones on reserve/non-football illness list
Mark Anderson, Associated Press | Updated Sept. 20 - 3:30 p.m. | Save Story
The Las Vegas Raiders placed defensive end Chandler Jones on the reserve/non-football illness list on Wednesday. Jones will miss at least the next four games. He criticized owner Mark Davis, coach Josh McDaniels and general manager Dave Ziegler in a series of social media posts. Jones has since taken those down. Jones is in his second year with the Raiders He has not played this season. Las Vegas signed him last year to help improve the team's pass rush, but Jones finished with 4 1/2 sacks.
Pro Picks: Big week ahead for 49ers, other favorites
Rob Maaddi, Associated Press | Updated Sept. 20 - 2:56 p.m. | Save Story
Fourteen NFL teams are 1-1 and Pro Picks also has an even record through two weeks. It takes a couple of games for most teams to find their way and to figure it out. The San Francisco 49ers didn't need much time picking up where they left off. The Niners opened with a pair of road wins and now have won 12 straight regular-season games. Their only loss in the past 15 games was in the NFC championship when they lost both quarterbacks to injuries. Brock Purdy has looked sharp in his return from elbow surgery, Christian McCaffrey has been dynamic and San Francisco is clicking heading into Thursday night's home opener against the New York Giants.
QB Bryce Young's status for Sunday uncertain because of ankle injury; Andy Dalton may get start
Steve Reed, Associated Press | Updated Sept. 20 - 12:40 p.m. | Save Story
Carolina Panthers rookie quarterback Bryce Young did not participate in Wednesday's walkthrough practice because of an ankle injury, opening the door for the possibility of veteran Andy Dalton starting on Sunday against the Seattle Seahawks. Panthers coach Frank Reich said at this point it's too early to know if Young will be able to play this week. Dalton took first-team reps as Young looked on, per Reich. Young was injured at some point in Carolina's 20-17 loss to the New Orleans Saints on Monday night, although he did complete the game and threw a touchdown and 2-point conversion pass on his final drive. The Panthers have signed Jake Luton to the practice squad, and he could be promoted as the team's backup quarterback if Young can't play.
Raiders' Josh Jacobs, Vikings' Justin Jefferson among best bets to score in Week 3 of NFL season
Dorian Colbert, Associated Press | Posted Sept. 20 - 11:53 a.m. | Save Story
There were some tough losses for football in fantasy and on the field in Week 2, but we're putting the past behind us and moving forward with these productive players. These are my best bets to score in Week 3 of the NFL season.
Lions' C.J. Gardner-Johnson, James Houston on injured reserve, testing depth against Falcons
The Associated Press | Posted Sept. 20 - 11:22 a.m. | Save Story
The Detroit Lions lost more than a game against Seattle, placing defensive back C.J. Gardner-Johnson and defensive end James Houston on injured reserve. Gardner-Johnson's torn pectoral muscle and Houston's broken ankle will potentially keep them out for the season, coach Dan Campbell said Wednesday. The Lions will have their depth on both sides of the ball tested against Atlanta on Sunday at home. Lions running back David Montgomery may miss at least one game, giving rookie Jahmyr Gibbs an opportunity to have more carries and catches.
Autopsy finds man who was punched at New England Patriots game before he died had medical issue
Michael Casey, Associated Press | Updated Sept. 20 - 10:04 a.m. | Save Story
Authorities in Massachusetts announced that a man who died at a New England Patriots home game last weekend after he was punched twice in the head did not suffer a "traumatic injury" in the stands but had a medical issue. The Norfolk County district attorney's office said in a statement Monday that police and safety personnel responded to the upper deck at Gillette Stadium shortly before 11 p.m. Sunday and found 53-year-old Dale Mooney of Newmarket, New Hampshire, "in apparent need of medical attention." Mooney was taken to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
The NFL is making data-driven progress on leg muscle injury prediction and prevention
Dave Campbell, Associated Press | Updated Sept. 20 - 8:47 a.m. | Save Story
Leg muscle strains outrank all other NFL injuries in cumulative absences from practices and games. The league is trying to better predict and prevent them. This season, 36 different players have missed a game with a leg muscle injury. That includes 28 for hamstrings. The NFL awarded a $4 million grant in 2021 for a four-year study of hamstring prevention and treatment. Three-quarters of hamstring injuries in the league result in missed time, but progress is being made. There was a 26% decrease last year from 2021 in leg muscle injuries during the first two weeks of training camp.
Did missing ex-NFL player Sergio Brown post videos about mother's death? Police are investigating
The Associated Press | Posted Sept. 20 - 8:20 a.m. | Save Story
Police in suburban Chicago are checking on the authenticity of Instagram videos that appear to show missing former NFL player Sergio Brown discussing the recent death of his mother. Maywood police said Tuesday they are investigating and did not provide an update Wednesday. Brown is still considered a missing person. Authorities began searching for Brown after 73-year-old Myrtle Brown's body was found Saturday behind her home in Maywood. A medical examiner has ruled her death a homicide and says she was injured during an assault. Police have asked anyone with information about Sergio Brown's whereabouts to contact them.
The NFC is off to a record-setting start to the NFL season with seven teams at 2-0
Josh Dubow, Associated Press | Posted Sept. 20 - 4:00 a.m. | Save Story
The AFC came into the season with the lion's share of the top quarterbacks and Super Bowl contenders led by passers like Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen and Joe Burrow. Two weeks into the 2023 NFL season, it's the NFC that's off to a record-setting start to the season. Led by the three undefeated teams in both the NFC East and NFC South, the NFC has seven teams off to a 2-0 start in the first time that has ever happened in a single conference.
OutKick signs Donovan McNabb to host video podcast two times a week
The Associated Press | Posted Sept. 19 - 9:30 p.m. | Save Story
Donovan McNabb, who led the Philadelphia Eagles to a Super Bowl appearance during the 2004 season, will host a video podcast twice a week on OutKick. Tuesday marked the debut of "The 5 Spot with Donovan McNabb." Episodes will drop on Tuesday and Friday during the season. McNabb previously worked for NFL Network, Fox Sports and ESPN. He was fired by ESPN in 2018 after he was one of six people accused of sexual harassment during his time at NFL Network by a former NFL Network employee.
Brock Purdy heads into 2nd Thursday night game for 49ers in better health
Josh Dubow, Associated Press | Posted Sept. 19 - 7:03 p.m. | Save Story
Brock Purdy learned about the difficulties of playing on a short turnaround for a Thursday night game in just his second career start last season. The typical two days of installation of the game-plan are packed into one, practices are replaced by walkthroughs and there is little time for rest. The process for Purdy headed into Thursday night's home opener against the New York Giants is a bit easier than what he went through last season at Seattle when he didn't know if he'd even be able to play because of a broken rib until just before the game started.
Witness said man was punched before he died at a New England Patriots game
The Associated Press | Updated Sept. 19 - 5:53 p.m. | Save Story
Police are investigating the death of a man following an incident in the stands at a New England Patriots home game. Police and personnel responded to the upper deck at Gillette Stadium shortly before 11 p.m. Sunday. The Norfolk County district attorney's office says 53-year-old Dale Mooney of Newmarket, New Hampshire, "was in apparent need of medical attention." He was taken to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Â The results of an autopsy are expected Tuesday. The Miami Dolphins defeated the Patriots in Sunday's game.
Browns star Nick Chubb to undergo surgery on season-ending knee injury; Kareem Hunt in for visit
Tom Withers, Associated Press | Updated Sept. 19 - 5:03 p.m. | Save Story
Cleveland Browns star running back Nick Chubb will undergo surgery on his left knee after suffering a gruesome season-ending injury Monday night in Pittsburgh. A four-time Pro Bowler, Chubb got hurt when Steelers safety Minkah Fitzpatrick tackled him low on a carry in the second quarter. The impact buckled the same knee that Chubb injured in 2015 at Georgia and had reconstructed. Coach Kevin Stefanski did not have any specifics on Chubb's injury or when he'll have the operation. The 27-year-old Chubb has rushed for 6,511 yards and scored 48 touchdowns since being drafted in 2018. As Cleveland regroups, the team brought in former Brown Kareem Hunt for a tryout.
Ravens put DB Ar'Darius Washington on IR with chest injury, sign C Sam Mustipher to 53-man roster
The Associated Press | Posted Sept. 19 - 4:23 p.m. | Save Story
The Baltimore Ravens have put defensive back Ar'Darius Washington on injured reserve with a chest problem. The Ravens also announced that they signed center Sam Mustipher to the 53-man roster. Mustipher was activated from the practice squad for Sunday's game at Cincinnati and played every offensive snap for Baltimore. Center Tyler Linderbaum was out with an ankle injury. Washington made his first NFL start in the victory over the Bengals. He's in his third season with the Ravens.
Panthers linebacker Shaq Thompson expected to miss remainder of season with broken right leg
Steve Reed, Associated Press | Updated Sept. 19 - 2:29 p.m. | Save Story
Carolina Panthers linebacker Shaq Thompson has a broken right leg and is expected to miss the remainder of the season, according to coach Frank Reich. Thompson underwent surgery on Tuesday to fix a fractured fibula he sustained in the first quarter of Carolina's 20-17 loss to the New Orleans Saints on Monday night. The news is a crushing blow for the Panthers defense, which lost starting cornerback Jaycee Horn to a hamstring injury last week. Horn is expected to miss at least six weeks. Reich would not say who'll start in Thompson's spot Sunday against Seattle. Thompson has been placed on injured reserve.
The mojo the Steelers' offense showed in the preseason is gone. Getting it back could be difficult
Will Graves, Associated Press | Posted Sept. 19 - 1:19 p.m. | Save Story
It all looked so easy for Kenny Pickett and the rest of the Pittsburgh Steelers offense in August.
Giants coach Daboll says Saquon Barkley's ankle improving and he won't rule him out vs. Niners
The Associated Press | Posted Sept. 19 - 12:20 p.m. | Save Story
Saquon Barkley's sprained right ankle is showing signs of improvement and New York Giants coach Brian Daboll on Tuesday refused to rule him out for a game against the San Francisco 49ers on Thursday. "He's a lot better than I thought he would be today,″ Daboll said Tuesday in a Zoom call from Tempe, Arizona, where the Giants are staying to prepare for Thursday night's game in Santa Clara, California, against the San Francisco 49ers. New York beat the Cardinals 31-28 on Sunday in Arizona.
Vikings sign guard Dalton Risner to give their vulnerable offensive line a boost
The Associated Press | Updated Sept. 19 - 11:34 a.m. | Save Story
The Minnesota Vikings have signed former Denver guard Dalton Risner to try to shore up what has been a problematic position for several seasons. Risner visited the Vikings for a workout during training camp. He started 62 games in four years for the Broncos. The Vikings are last in the NFL in rushing yards and third worst in the league with an average of 2.65 yards per attempt. Center Garrett Bradbury was sidelined by a back injury in the opener. Right guard Ed Ingram has struggled often since winning the job as a rookie last season.
Nick Chubb suffers another severe knee injury, likely ending the Browns star running back's season
Will Graves, Associated Press | Updated Sept. 19 - 12:07 a.m. | Save Story
a dislocation with three torn ligaments.
T.J. Watt's scoop-and-score lifts Steelers past Browns 26-22 as Cleveland loses Nick Chubb to injury
Will Graves, Associated Press | Updated Sept. 18 - 11:48 p.m. | Save Story
T.J. Watt returned a fumble 17 yards for the go-ahead touchdown midway through the fourth quarter as the Pittsburgh Steelers edged the Cleveland Browns 26-22. The game was overshadowed by a gruesome left knee injury to Browns running back Nick Chubb. The four-time Pro Bowler left on a cart after getting hit low by Pittsburgh safety Minkah Fitzpatrick. The Steelers improved to 1-1, beating Cleveland at home during the regular season for the 20th straight time. The Browns fell to 1-1 and likely will be without one of their best players for a while.
Locals in the NFL: Through 2 weeks, Puka Nacua is doing things never done by a rookie
Sean Walker, KSL.com | Updated Sept. 18 - 10:44 p.m. | Save Story
The 6-foot-2, 205-pound receiver set multiple NFL rookie records Sunday in the Rams' 30-23 loss to the San Francisco 49ers, catching 15 passes for 147 yards to lead all receivers.
Tony Jones Jr. scores twice, Saints' defense shuts down Panthers' Bryce Young in 20-17 win
Steve Reed, Associated Press | Updated Sept. 18 - 9:47 p.m. | Save Story
Tony Jones Jr. ran for two touchdowns, rookie Blake Grupe kicked two field goals and the New Orleans Saints defeated the Carolina Panthers 20-17 on Monday night to improve to 2-0 for the first time since 2013. Jones, a practice squad elevation, replaced the injured Jamaal Williams late in the first half and ran for 34 yards on 12 carries. The Saints defense did the rest, holding the Panthers rookie quarterback Bryce Young to 153 yards passing in his Monday Night Football debut. The New Orleans defense limited Carolina to just 239 yards and sacked Young four times. The Saints nearly made it two full games without allowing a touchdown.
Panthers LB Shaq Thompson expected to miss extended time with 'significant' ankle injury
Steve Reed, Associated Press | Updated Sept. 18 - 9:45 p.m. | Save Story
Carolina Panthers linebacker Shaq Thompson is expected to miss extended time after suffering what coach Frank Reich said was a "significant" right ankle injury in the team's 20-17 loss to the New Orleans Saints. Reich said the Panthers will know more after Thompson undergoes medical tests on Tuesday. He wouldn't say whether the ankle might be broken. The 29-year-old Thompson was carted off the field in the first quarter. Saints offensive lineman Trevor Penning and Panthers defensive lineman DeShawn Williams were engaged in a block and rolled up on the back of Thompson's right leg as he was trying to make a tackle.
Grievance filed by NFL says players' union leaders advised running backs to fake injuries
Rob Maaddi, Associated Press | Updated Sept. 18 - 7:02 p.m. | Save Story
The NFL says leaders of the players' union have advised running backs to fake injuries. The league made the allegation in a grievance it filed last week against the NFL Players Association. The grievance says President JC Tretter and other union leaders suggested that running backs "consider feigning or exaggerating injuries" to increase their leverage in contract negotiations. The grievance was detailed in a league memo obtained by The Associated Press. The league said the union made the suggestion to running backs during a Zoom meeting before the season. The league argues that anyone who fakes an injury would be violating the collective bargaining agreement.
Baker Mayfield, rejuvenated defense have been key to another 2-0 start for Buccaneers
Fred Goodall, Associated Press | Posted Sept. 18 - 5:35 p.m. | Save Story
Thanks to Baker Mayfield playing turnover-free ball and a defense that's reverted to its old stingy ways, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are off to a surprising 2-0 start.
Giants running back Saquon Barkley has a sprained right ankle, AP source says
Tom Canavan, Associated Press | Updated Sept. 18 - 5:06 p.m. | Save Story
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley has a sprained right ankle and his status for Thursday night's game against the San Francisco 49ers is uncertain. That's according to a person familiar with the injury who spoke on condition of anonymity because coach Brian Daboll did not detail Barkley's injury status. Barkley was hurt with 1:08 to play in Sunday's come-from-behind win over the Arizona Cardinals. He was bothered by ankle injuries during the 2019 season and missed three games. Barkley suffered a torn ACL the following year.
Browns WR Amari Cooper active against Steelers despite dealing with a groin injury
The Associated Press | Posted Sept. 18 - 5:05 p.m. | Save Story
Cleveland Browns wide receiver Amari Cooper will play against the Steelers despite dealing with a groin injury. Cooper, Cleveland's No. 1 receiver, injured the groin in practice on Saturday and was listed as questionable on the final injury report. The Browns are trying to win in Pittsburgh for the first time in the regular season since 2003. The Steelers played without wide receiver Diontae Johnson and defensive tackle Cam Heyward, who were both placed on injured reserve this week after getting hurt during a Week 1 loss to San Francisco.
Chiefs, Mahomes agree to restructured deal to include big pay raise, AP source says
Dave Skretta, Associated Press | Updated Sept. 18 - 4:36 p.m. | Save Story
Two people familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Press on Monday that the Chiefs and NFL MVP Patrick Mahomes had agreed to a restructured contract. The people spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the contract. Mahomes was signed to a 10-year, $450 million deal that would have kept him under contract through the 2031 season. At the time, Mahomes set the market for quarterback pay, but he has been passed over several times as the market inflated. Joe Burrow of the Bengals recently set the standard with a five-year deal averaging $55 million per year.
Packers' frustrating fourth quarter shows their run defense remains a major concern
Steve Megargee, Associated Press | Posted Sept. 18 - 4:33 p.m. | Save Story
Green Bay's early season schedule gave the Packers a couple of immediate opportunities to measure how much they shored up their run defense, the team's biggest weakness during Matt LaFleur's coaching tenure.
4 more Iowa athletes plead guilty to underage gambling. Cases go on for six athletes with ISU ties
Eric Olson, Associated Press | Posted Sept. 18 - 4:06 p.m. | Save Story
Four former University of Iowa athletes who faced criminal charges in connection with a state investigation into illegal sports wagering have pleaded guilty to underage gambling. Arland Bruce IV, Reggie Bracy, Jack Johnson and Ahron Ulis originally were charged with tampering with records for allegedly falsifying information used to register accounts on mobile sports wagering apps. Bruce, Bracy and Ulis were fined $645. Johnson has agreed to pay a fine of the same amount and is awaiting a judge's approval. The same plea deals and fines were announced Sept. 6 for three Iowa State athletes and two from Iowa.
Cardinals, Gannon try to move past the sting of a 21-point collapse in loss to the Giants
David Brandt, Associated Press | Posted Sept. 18 - 4:02 p.m. | Save Story
The first gut punch of the Jonathan Gannon era has arrived for the Arizona Cardinals.
Sean Payton is growing frustrated with Russell Wilson but knows fixing the Broncos starts with him
Arnie Stapleton, Associated Press | Posted Sept. 18 - 3:20 p.m. | Save Story
Jerry Rosburg isn't walking through that door to save the Denver Broncos' head coach from himself like he did a year ago.
Patriots draw praise for their innovative play design on blocked field goal
Kyle Hightower, Associated Press | Posted Sept. 18 - 3:12 p.m. | Save Story
The Patriots may be 0-2, but the day after their 24-17 loss to Miami, coach Bill Belichick and his staff were once again being praised around the NFL for their creativity. Brenden Schooler blocked a 49-yard field goal try by the Dolphins' Jason Sanders, executing an innovative and deceptive special teams play design. Schooler lined up alone, midway between his teammates and the sideline, then sprinted toward the middle of the field and timed his rush perfectly as the ball was snapped. Las Vegas Raiders coach Josh McDaniels says he expects other teams to attempt the play.
Cowboys release RB Ronald Jones as he finishes 2-game suspension over performance-enhancers
The Associated Press | Posted Sept. 18 - 3:00 p.m. | Save Story
The Dallas Cowboys have released running back Ronald Jones on the day he was eligible to rejoin the team after a two-game suspension for violating the NFL's policy on performance-enhancers. Jones practiced with the Cowboys through training camp and the preseason. The 26-year-old became expendable with rookie Deuce Vaughn showing enough promise to get snaps in the regular season. Rico Dowdle and Vaughn are behind Tony Pollard on the depth chart.
Cardinals put two-time All-Pro safety Budda Baker on injured reserve after hamstring injury
David Brandt, Associated Press | Posted Sept. 18 - 2:47 p.m. | Save Story
Two-time All-Pro safety Budda Baker has been placed on injured reserve following a hamstring injury suffered last week during practice, adding more adversity for the winless Arizona Cardinals. Baker was inactive for the Cardinals on Sunday during a 31-28 loss to the New York Giants. The Cardinals blew a 21-point, third-quarter lead in the game, which was the biggest collapse for the franchise since 2011. Baker will miss at least the next four games. The Cardinals are already without franchise quarterback Kyler Murray, who is still recovering from an ACL injury in his right knee suffered last season. He won't return until at least Week 5.
Steelers place WR Diontae Johnson, RB Anthony McFarland on IR ahead of meeting with Browns
The Associated Press | Posted Sept. 18 - 2:36 p.m. | Save Story
The Pittsburgh Steelers will have to bounce back from a rough Week 1 loss without wide receiver Diontae Johnson. The Steelers have placed Johnson and running back Anthony McFarland on injured reserve. Johnson tweaked his right hamstring while being tackled at the end of a 26-yard gain in the third quarter of a 30-7 loss to San Francisco in the season opener. Pittsburgh coach Mike Tomlin had already ruled Johnson out for the team's Week 2 visit from Cleveland. The move to injured reserve means Johnson will miss at least four games.
ABC will air an additional 10 'Monday Night Football' games because of writers and actors strikes
The Associated Press | Updated Sept. 18 - 2:22 p.m. | Save Story
ABC will be airing more "Monday Night Football" games than originally planned. An additional 10 games originally set to appear only on ESPN will be simulcast on ABC. The move is because of the ongoing strikes by the Writers Guild of America and the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists against the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers, which represents Disney, Netflix, Amazon and others. The strikes, which have been going on for months, have delayed most of the upcoming fall television season. The move also means that ABC has a game all 18 weeks of the regular season along with simulcasts of two playoff games.
Defense keeps forcing turnovers to get the Commanders off to a 2-0 start to the season
Stephen Whyno, Associated Press | Posted Sept. 18 - 1:15 p.m. | Save Story
After giving up touchdown drives of 61, 75 and 90 yards, the Washington Commanders were down big and looked out of it against the Denver Broncos.
Former NFL player Sergio Brown's mother is found dead, and now he is missing
The Associated Press | Updated Sept. 18 - 9:59 a.m. | Save Story
Authorities are searching for a former NFL player after his 73--year-old mother's body was found near a creek behind her suburban Chicago home. Relatives told police Saturday that they could not find 35-year-old Sergio Brown, 35, or Myrtle Brown. Officers found Myrtle Brown's body. She had been injured during an assault. Sergio Brown played defensive back from 2010 through 2016 with the New England Patriots, Indianapolis Colts, Jacksonville Jaguars and Buffalo Bills. He attended the University of Notre Dame in Indiana. Maywood is about 12 miles west of Chicago.
Howell leads big rally for Commanders, who hold on to beat Broncos after Wilson's Hail Mary
Arnie Stapleton, Associated Press | Updated Sept. 18 - 8:22 a.m. | Save Story
The Washington Commanders secured their first 2-0 start in 12 years with a 35-33 win over the Denver Broncos. Sam Howell threw for two touchdowns in his first road start and rallied Washington from an 18-point deficit, the second-biggest comeback in franchise history. The Commanders held on after Russell Wilson connected with Brandon Johnson on a 50-yard Hail Mary that was deflected multiple times. Wilson tried to hit Courtland Sutton for the tying 2-point conversion, but cornerback Benjamin St-Juste broke it up. St-Juste appeared to get away with pass interference, but no flag was thrown.
Mostert runs for 2 TDs, Tagovailoa throws for another as Dolphins hold off Patriots 24-17
Kyle Hightower, Associated Press | Updated Sept. 18 - 6:34 a.m. | Save Story
Raheem Mostert had a pair of TD runs, including a 43-yard romp in the fourth quarter, and Tua Tagovailoa added a 2-yard touchdown pass to Tyreek Hill to help the Miami Dolphins hold off the New England Patriots 24-17. Mostert carried 18 times for 121 yards and Tagovailoa completed 21 of 30 passes for 249 yards for 2-0 Miami. The loss drops the Patriots to 0-2 for the first time since 2001, which was Bill Belichick's second season as coach. New England QB Mac Jones finished 31 of 42 for 231 yards, a touchdown and interception.
Asian soccer announces new broadcast partner days after terminating previous 10-year deal
The Associated Press | Posted Sept. 18 - 4:18 a.m. | Save Story
Asian soccer's governing body has announced its new broadcast rights partner. The deal comes three days after the Asian Football Confederation terminated a previous exclusive deal five years early. The AFC says Asia Football Group is now its exclusive rights holder through 2028. The AFC gave no details about its new Dubai-registered partner's investors or executive managers. The Malaysia-based AFC last week terminated its 10-year rights deal with Football Marketing Asia. That was a partnership between agencies in China and Switzerland which also had offices in Dubai, Hong Kong and Singapore.
