NFL

AP Sports WriterFormerly unknown names key in Patriots' Super Bowl runBy KYLE HIGHTOWERFOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) When it comes to filling out his roster each season, Bill Belichick has always placed a premium on potential.From late-round draft picks to guys that never heard their name called on draft night,...

Associated PressNFL auditioning Orlando as permanent Pro Bowl homeBy TERRANCE HARRISORLANDO, Fla. (AP) As the NFL plays its first Pro Bowl in Orlando, wondering if it can be a long-term landing point for the beleaguered all-star game, Drew Brees can't help but think about what was left behind.The...

Colts reach deal with OLB Ayers, finalize practice squadINDIANAPOLIS (AP) The Indianapolis Colts agreed to terms on a contract with outside linebacker Akeem Ayers on Tuesday.Ayers was Tennessee's second-round selection in 2011 but was cut Sunday by the Los Angeles Rams. He's made 57 career starts and enters...

Associated PressFrustrated Steelers defense looks to rebound during byeBy DAN SCIFOPITTSBURGH (AP) The Pittsburgh Steelers defense is a frustrated and embarrassed group after back-to-back losses against Miami and New England.One day after defensive end Cameron Heyward said he felt like his defensive teammates quit during Sunday's home loss...

SPARTANBURG, S.C. (AP) - Wofford College will continue as the summer home of the NFL's Carolina Panthers.The team and the school announced a five-year extension on Monday that will keep Panthers at Wofford through 2019. Carolina has trained at Wofford ever since it entered the NFL 20 years ago.Carolina...

The Seattle Seahawks hosted the Marysville-Pilchuck High School football team Tuesday, welcoming the players to their facility just days after a tragic school shooting left three people dead. Marysville-Pilchuck players and coaches arrived at the Seahawks' practice facility in Renton, Washington, as they try to prepare for their playoff game...

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) - The Colts held a meeting this week to ensure the team was headed in the same direction.Players only. No coaches.''It was a chance for a player, if he wanted to leave, it was a chance to leave and not be crucified,'' said receiver Reggie Wayne, who...

ALAMEDA, Calif. (AP) - The Oakland Raiders sent Derek Carr home to rest after the rookie quarterback showed up Tuesday feeling ill.It's the first practice that Carr has missed since being selected as Oakland's starter at the end of the preseason. The 23-year-old has also been slowed by ankle,...

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) - Peyton Manning will take a physical and sign his revised contract at Broncos headquarters Thursday, then head home until the Broncos reconvene April 13 for the start of offseason workouts.Then, it's time to adapt to new coach Gary Kubiak's West Coast offense and continue his...

Associated PressBay Area investors still working to keep Raiders in OaklandBy PAUL ELIASSAN FRANCISCO (AP) Oakland civic leaders and deep-pocketed investors fighting to keep the Raiders from moving insist they are still in the game despite team owner Mark Davis formally applying to the NFL to relocate to...

Chiefs sign DT Bennie Logan to 1-year contractKANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) The Chiefs signed defensive tackle Bennie Logan to a one-year contract on Tuesday, filling the void left by free agent Dontari Poe in the middle of the Kansas City defensive line.Logan made 51 starts and appeared in...