NFL

AP Sports WriterSaints eyeing youth, new additions as pads come onBy BRETT MARTELMETAIRIE, La. (AP) Saints rookie linebacker Alex Anzalone quickly diagnosed a screen pass to running back Adrian Peterson, bolted into the backfield and swarmed Peterson moments after the catch.For the first time this year, Saints coach...

Former NFL receiver James Hardy's death ruled a suicideFORT WAYNE, Ind. (AP) The death of former NFL wide receiver James Hardy has been ruled a suicide by Indiana officials.The Allen County Coroner's Office said Wednesday that the 31-year-old Hardy died of ''asphyxia due to drowning.'' Michael Burris, chief...

AP Sports WriterBrowns place versatile OL Hubbard on injured reserveBy TOM WITHERSCLEVELAND (AP) Browns offensive lineman Chris Hubbard was placed on injured reserve Tuesday after sustaining a serious knee injury in Sunday night's win over the New York Giants.Hubbard is expected to undergo surgery at some point this...

Vikings re-sign Terence Newman, NFL's oldest on defenseEAGAN, Minn. (AP) The Minnesota Vikings have re-signed cornerback Terence Newman, bringing the NFL's oldest active defensive player back for a 16th season that will begin five days after he turns 40.The move was made Monday with Newman, who has played...

Associated PressStadium deal passes, Raiders move to Vegas looks more likelyBy MICHELLE RINDELSCARSON CITY, Nev. (AP) Nevada took a giant step closer to becoming home of the Raider Nation on Friday, after state lawmakers narrowly approved a hotel tax increase that would put $750 million in public money...

Saints adding ex-Steelers linebacker Anthony ChickilloMETAIRIE, La. (AP) Linebacker Anthony Chickillo has agreed to a contract with the New Orleans Saints after playing the last five seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers.The deal was announced Saturday by Saints general manager Mickey Loomis.The 6-foot-3, 255-pound Chickillo is changing teams for...

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) Greg Hardy's mouth is preceding his production.The Dallas Cowboys defensive end is returning to the field this week after serving a four-game suspension for roughing up his former girlfriend. His first opponent: The defending NFL champion New England Patriots, who are 3-0 under reigning Super...

Jets place CB Austin on IR, activate OLB Luvu from IRFLORHAM PARK, N.J. (AP) The New York Jets placed cornerback Bless Austin on injured reserve Saturday, another tough blow to their already thin and inexperienced secondary.Austin injured his neck in practice Wednesday. He sat out Thursday, had an...

AP Sports WriterHouston Texans abruptly fire GM Brian GaineBy KRISTIE RIEKENHOUSTON (AP) The Houston Texans abruptly fired general manager Brian Gaine on Friday less than 18 months after he took the job.The team announced the move with a statement from team owner Cal McNair, who said only that...

Panthers' Cam Newton throws for 1st time since March surgeryCHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) Cam Newton is throwing again.The Panthers said on Twitter on Monday the NFL's Most Valuable Player in 2015 threw his first passes since surgery in March for a partially torn rotator cuff in his right shoulder.Newton...

Falcons reach 3-year agreement to keep fullback Keith SmithFLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. (AP) Atlanta Falcons fullback Keith Smith agreed to a three-year contract extension Saturday.Smith, who started five games and led the team with eight special teams tackles in 2019, was set to become an unrestricted free agent Wednesday.The...

AP Sports WriterEagles, Steelers are top 2 in the latest AP Pro32 pollBy SIMMI BUTTARNEW YORK (AP) The Keystone State's NFL teams have been tough to beat.The Philadelphia Eagles (7-1) have won six games in a row and have the league's best record.After a slow start, the Pittsburgh...