NFL

The NFL reinstated New Orleans Saints coach Sean Payton on Tuesday from his season-long suspension as a result of the league's investigation into the team's bounty program. The league said the decision to reinstate Payton was made after a meeting between the coach and commissioner Roger Goodell on Monday in...

AP Sports WriterRavens' skid stems from uncharacteristically bad defenseBy DAVID GINSBURGOWINGS MILLS, Md. (AP) For well over two decades, defense has been a key component of the Baltimore Ravens' success.Four weeks into the 2019 season, it's a glaring weakness.Baltimore has allowed more than 500 yards in each of...

AP Pro Football WriterNFL teams curtailing or stopping scouting operationsBy BARRY WILNERNFL teams are curtailing or completely stopping scouting operations as a safeguard against the spread of the new coronavirus.The Washington Redskins, Minnesota Vikings, Miami Dolphins, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Tennessee Titans and New York Jets have ordered their scouts...

Ex-Packer Ahman Green avoids jail; abuse charge dismissedGREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) Former Green Bay Packers running back Ahman Green avoided jail time under a plea agreement in which a felony child-abuse charge was dismissed. He was sentenced to 18 months of probation.The 41-year-old Green on Thursday pleaded no...

Associated PressRaiders' Marshawn Lynch avoids questions about anthemBy MICHAEL WAGAMANNAPA, Calif. (AP) Oakland Raiders running back Marshawn Lynch spoke to reporters Thursday for the first time in training camp and avoided questions regarding his decision to sit during the national anthem before last week's preseason game against the...

Chiefs' Peters fined $24,309 for penalty flag tossBy The Associated PressNEW YORK (AP) Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Marcus Peters was fined $24,309 by the NFL on Friday for throwing a penalty flag into the stands against the New York Jets.Peters also was suspended one game by Chiefs coach...

AP Pro Football WriterLogistics share draft spotlight with Joe Burrow, Chase YoungBy BARRY WILNERFrom his home in the New York City suburbs, Roger Goodell will handle perhaps his most visible annual chore - announcing draft picks.Visible, but this time virtual.Not since the NFL draft became a televised event in...

Lattimore questionable, Harris out for Saints vs. PanthersMETAIRIE, La. (AP) Saints top cornerback Marshon Lattimore is listed as questionable and top returner Deonte Harris has been scratched for Sunday’s game against Carolina.Full back Zach Line also has been ruled out, while tight end Josh Hill practiced fully on...

AP Sports WriterPanthers rookie TE Ian Thomas making impact alreadyBy STEVE REEDCHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) The Panthers are beginning to feel like they have hit on something big with fourth-round draft pick Ian Thomas.The rookie tight end has carried over an outstanding performance in training camp to the preseason,...

AP Sports WriterPanthers expecting to lean more on rookie RB McCaffreyBy STEVE REEDCHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) The Panthers aren't prepared to call it a changing of the guard at running back.However, it's becoming increasingly clear that Carolina is shifting its focus in the backfield away from veteran Jonathan Stewart...

The Chicago Bears left no doubt about their confidence in Jay Cutler. Cutler, who was set to become an unrestricted free agent this offseason, signed a seven-year contract with the team, general manager Phil Emery announced Thursday. Although financial terms were not released, Cutler's deal is expected to eclipse the $17.6...

The Latest: Wilson atones for pick-6 with long TD to MetcalfBy The Associated PressThe Latest on wild-card Saturday in the NFL playoffs (all times EST):6 p.m.Seattle quarterback Russell Wilson threw a 51-yard touchdown pass to D.K. Metcalf to cut the Los Angles Rams' lead to 13-10 in the second...