NFL

AP Sports WriterPackers' pass-rushing Smiths eager to expand their gamesBy STEVE MEGARGEESocial distancing protocols will prevent Green Bay Packers outside linebackers Preston Smith and Za'Darius Smith from having the side-by-side joint locker-room interviews that followed so many of their games last season.They'll have to continue getting together while surrounding...

AP Pro Football WriterOffensive linemen eager to pick up where Titans left offBy TERESA M. WALKERNASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) Rodger Saffold compares what the Tennessee Titans face on the offensive line to riding a bike. The linemen know what to do, and it's time to get back to work.It's...

AP Pro Football WriterCoaches to have own Hall of Fame category for next 4 yearsBy BARRY WILNERCoaches will have their own category for being voted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame - at least for the next four years.The Pro Football Hall of Fame Board of Trustees on...

Linebacker Vic Beasley finally reports to Titans for campNASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) Linebacker Vic Beasley reported to the Tennessee Titans on Friday, and he has been activated off the Reserve/DidNot Report list.The Titans also put defensive lineman Jack Crawford on the Reserve/COVID-19 list, meaning he had either tested positive...

Giants' Baker charged in robbery; Dunbar won't be prosecutedFORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) New York Giants cornerback DeAndre Baker was formally charged with four counts of robbery with a firearm in connection with a fight at a cookout in May, a prosecutor said Friday.Seattle Seahawks cornerback Quinton Dunbar, who...

Giants long-snapper Zak DeOssie retires, won 2 Super BowlsEAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) New York Giants long snapper and Pro Bowler Zak DeOssie has retired.DeOssie, who spent all 13 of his seasons with the Giants, announced his retirement on Friday in a statement released by the team. The decision...

AP Sports WriterNewton embracing new challenge, fresh start with PatriotsBy KYLE HIGHTOWERCam Newton is the first to admit he's still getting used to his new life as a member of the New England Patriots.Everything feels strange, from his morning ride to the stadium, to just putting on gear with...

AP Sports WriterPackers' Wagner savors chance to play for home-state teamBy STEVE MEGARGEEGreen Bay Packers offensive tackle Rick Wagner says the decision to sign with his home-state team was easy.The challenge Wagner now faces is much more difficult.Wagner is attempting to bounce back from a down season while making...

AP Sports WrterFalcons WR Ridley eager to step out of Julio's large shadowBy PAUL NEWBERRYFLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. (AP) When you're a receiver on the same team with Julio Jones, it's easy to get overlooked.Calvin Ridley is hoping to change that in 2020.Heading into his third season with the...

List of players to opt out of playing the 2020 NFL seasonBy The Associated PressPlayers who have opted out of playing the 2020 NFL season because of the coronavirus:Arizona Cardinals - T Marcus GilbertBaltimore Ravens - OL Andre Smith, KR De'Anthony ThomasBuffalo Bills - CB E.J. Gaines, DT Star...

AP Sports WriterWhile Steelers remain united, Tomlin warily eyes 2020By WILL GRAVESPITTSBURGH (AP) The Pittsburgh Steelers are united heading into the 2020 season. Yet even with every member of his team opting to play this fall, that doesn't mean Mike Tomlin is certain his club - or the...

AP Pro Football Writer66 players opt out of NFL season due to coronavirus pandemicBy BARRY WILNERA total of 66 players have opted out of the 2020 NFL season due to the coronavirus pandemic, nearly half of them linemen.Twenty offensive linemen and 11 on defense opted out before Thursday's deadline....