NFL

AP Sports WriterBears declare open competition between Trubisky, FolesBy ANDREW SELIGMANThe Chicago Bears declared the quarterback competition between Mitchell Trubisky and newcomer Nick Foles an open one on Friday.General manager Ryan Pace made that clear during a conference call, saying both players are "embracing" the battle that will play...

DENVER (AP) At some point in every great athlete's career, he or she must deal with the reality that the best days are in the past.Peyton Manning has reached that point.Aaron Rodgers isn't there yet.While some view Sunday's game as a rare chance to compare and contrast two...

Former Browns star Chip Banks shot, in serious conditionATLANTA (AP) Atlanta police say former four-time Cleveland Browns Pro Bowl linebacker Chip Banks is in serious condition following a shooting.Atlanta police spokeswoman Marla Rooker said in an email to The Associated Press officers found three men with apparent gunshot...

Lions' Ragnow played against Packers with fractured throatALLEN PARK, Mich. (AP) Detroit Lions center Frank Ragnow told teammates he couldn't talk because of an injury and continued playing against the Green Bay Packers.Lions quarterback Chase Daniel says Wednesday that Ragnow played with a fractured throat. Daniel says the...

AP Sports WriterGiants' Beckham to have further evaluation of injured quadBy TOM CANAVANEAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) New York Giants receiver Odell Beckham Jr. has had his injured quad examined by a specialist and his status for Sunday's game against the Tennessee Titans is uncertain.Beckham went to The Hospital...

The Latest: Brady's first TD with Bucs is a 2-yard keeperBy The Associated PressThe Latest on Week 1 in the NFL (all times EDT):4:50 p.m.Tom Brady's maiden drive in a Tampa Bay Buccaneers uniform came to a familiar conclusion -- with the former Patriots star spiking the ball emphatically...

AP Pro Football WriterPatriots-Falcons, the latest case of trophy inequityBy DAVE CAMPBELLThe New England Patriots are in the Super Bowl for the ninth time in the last 31 years, chasing their fifth championship next weekend in Houston.No coach or player in the current NFL could have a more palpable...

AP Sports WriterMcCourty twins can make history with Super Bowl winBy KYLE HIGHTOWERATLANTA (AP) Patriots defensive backs and twins Devin and Jason McCourty both have a lot on their minds as they prepare for Sunday's Super Bowl matchup with the Rams.Jason is thinking about the past and the...

Punter Lechler re-signs with Texans for 19th pro seasonHOUSTON (AP) The Houston Texans have signed punter Shane Lechler to a contract extension.An 18-year veteran, Lechler comes off one of his finest seasons. He led the NFL in punting yards (4,507), finished second in both net punting yards (3,799)...

AP Sports WriterRivera says Panthers adding versatility to defensive schemeBy STEVE REEDCHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) Panthers coach Ron Rivera learned a valuable lesson when he took over defensive play-calling duties midway through last season: You can't afford to be predictable in today's NFL.That's why Rivera is mixing in a...

The Carolina Panthers and the Washington Redskins will both be trying to pick up a win on Monday when they battle at FedExField. Carolina Panthers vs. Washington Redskins When: 8:30 PM ET, Monday, December 19, 2016 Where: FedEx Field, Landover, Maryland ROT TEAM ...

AP Sports WriterBengals TE Tyler Eifert out for season with back injuryBy JOE KAYCINCINNATI (AP) Bengals tight end Tyler Eifert will miss the rest of the season with a back injury that has put his career in jeopardy.The fifth-year veteran missed half of last season with ankle and...