NFL

AP Sports WriterErratic Steelers defense hoping to disrupt Gronk, PatriotsBy WILL GRAVESPITTSBURGH (AP) When the Pittsburgh Steelers drafted Sean Davis in the second round last spring, defensive coordinator Keith Butler reveled in the possibilities.Here was a 6-foot-1, 202-pound guy who could play both safety and cornerback depending on...

Titans agree to terms with Dane Cruikshank, QB Luke FalkNASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) The Tennessee Titans have agreed to terms with half their draft class in reaching deals with defensive back Dane Cruikshank and quarterback Luke Falk.The Titans announced the deals Thursday.Cruikshank was selected in the fifth round after...

FALL RIVER, Mass. (AP) - A state police trooper who specializes in fingerprint analysis testified Tuesday in the murder trial of Aaron Hernandez that the fingerprints of the former NFL player and his alleged victim, Odin Lloyd, were found inside a car that was allegedly used to drive Lloyd...

Patriots sign LB Jamie Collins, release DL Frank HerronFOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) Jamie Collins is returning to the New England Patriots.The Patriots signed the free-agent linebacker Thursday. They also announced the release of defensive lineman Frank Herron.The 29-year-old Collins was a second-round draft pick by New England in 2013....

DE Brian Robison signs 1-day contract to retire with VikingsEAGAN, Minn. (AP) Former Minnesota Vikings defensive end Brian Robison has announced his retirement from the NFL.Robison signed a one-day contract Wednesday to officially retire with the Vikings, who drafted him in the fourth round in 2007 out of...

AP Pro Football WriterPromising start for Titans' new offense under coach VrabelBy TERESA M. WALKERNASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) Mike Vrabel wanted his debut as Tennessee's head coach to start on offense.It was an impressive beginning in the Titans' preseason opener.Marcus Mariota and the Titans wasted no time providing a...

36-year-old daughter of NY Giants co-owner Steve Tisch diesEAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) The 36-year-old daughter of New York Giants co-owner and film producer Steve Tisch has died.Hilary Anne Tisch died Monday, Steve Tisch said in a statement issued on behalf of the family. The statement did not cite...

Ditka, Gronk, Munoz, Upshaw make NFL's All-Time TeamBy The Associated PressHall of Fame tight ends Mike Ditka, Kellen Winslow, John Mackey and Tony Gonzalez have been selected to the NFL's All-Time Team.Joining them on the squad is recent retiree Rob Gronkowski.The league revealed the tight ends and offensive linemen...

AP Sports WriterWashington NFL team dropping 'Redskins' name after 87 yearsBy STEPHEN WHYNOWASHINGTON (AP) The Washington NFL franchise announced Monday that it will drop the “Redskins” name and Indian head logo immediately, bowing to decades of criticism that they are offensive to Native Americans.A new name must still...

Coming off a season of disappointment and dysfunction, the New York Jets started the rebuilding process by hiring Seattle Seahawks executive John Idzik as their new general manager. Idzik, the fourth GM in Woody Johnson's 13 years as Jets' owner, inherits a 6-10 team, a possible lame-duck coach, a lean...

AP Pro Football WriterCarson Wentz led injury-depleted Eagles until he couldn'tBy ROB MAADDIPHILADELPHIA (AP) Carson Wentz helped the Philadelphia Eagles overcome one injury after another until he ended up on the sideline.A season that began with Super Bowl expectations ended early because most of the players who gave...

AP Sports WriterPanthers, Saints desperate as they renew divisional rivalryBy BRETT MARTELNEW ORLEANS (AP) This is what it has come to for the defending NFC champion Carolina Panthers.Either they beat the Saints in the Superdome on Sunday, or they fall into last place in the NFC South by...