NFL

AP Sports WriterBills QB Taylor returns to practice; not yet cleared to playBy JOHN WAWROWORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (AP) Bills starter Tyrod Taylor took the next step in recovering from a concussion by returning to practice on Monday.How Taylor feels over the next few days will determine whether he...

AP Sports WriterPanthers defense readying for test against Patriots offenseBy KYLE HIGHTOWERFOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) The Carolina Panthers' defense made a statement during the first two weeks of the season when it held the San Francisco 49ers and Buffalo Bills to a combined six points in back-to-back victories.It took...

Dez Bryant throws barbecue party for 3K in Texas hometownLUFKIN, Texas (AP) Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Dez Bryant returned to his East Texas hometown to thank supporters with free barbecue that drew several thousand fans to a park.Bryant was in Lufkin on Thursday afternoon for the outdoor event...

49ers release LB Ahmad Brooks after 8 seasons with teamSANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) The San Francisco 49ers have released outside linebacker Ahmad Brooks after eight seasons with the team.The Niners cut Brooks on Friday because they determined he would not make the roster and wanted to give him...

LA Rams sign OT Lucas, waive OL Dielman and DL JeffersonTHOUSAND OAKS, Calif. (AP) The Los Angeles Rams have signed offensive tackle Cornelius Lucas, who spent the past three seasons with the Detroit Lions.The Rams waived offensive lineman J.J. Dielman and defensive lineman Quinton Jefferson on Tuesday to...

AP Pro Football WriterDomata Peko the antidote for Broncos' biggest bugabooBy ARNIE STAPLETONDENVER (AP) A much better supporting cast awaits quarterback Trevor Siemian in his second season as Broncos starter and Mike McCoy in his second stint as Denver's offensive coordinator.The Broncos bolstered their backfield by bringing in...

Chicago Bears sign QB and top pick Mitchell TrubiskyLAKE FOREST, Ill. (AP) The Chicago Bears have signed quarterback Mitchell Trubisky, their first-round draft pick and the No. 2 overall selection in April.Trubisky started all 13 games for North Carolina last season, setting single-season school records for passing yards...

LA Chargers claim OL Schofield, DB Richards off waiversCOSTA MESA, Calif. (AP) The Los Angeles Chargers have claimed offensive lineman Michael Schofield and defensive back Jeff Richards off waivers.To make room on their 53-man roster Sunday, the Chargers waived cornerback Craig Mager and receiver Geremy Davis.The Chargers also...

AP Sports WriterDareus' playing time drops as part of Bills D-Line rotationBy JOHN WAWROWORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (AP) Buffalo Bills rookie coach Sean McDermott is sticking to his philosophy of rotating defensive linemen to keep them fresh during games.And that includes resting tackle Marcell Dareus, Buffalo's top-paid player.Salary doesn't...

Titans see blueprint for season in how they beat PanthersNASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) Marcus Mariota thinks the Tennessee Titans gave a glimpse of just how they can play this season in their second preseason game.Run hard, throw the ball efficiently and take the ball away from the opponent as...

AP Sports WriterSchwenke's return gives Colts' offensive line a boostBy MICHAEL MAROTINDIANAPOLIS (AP) The Indianapolis Colts spent three weeks trying to plug holes on the offensive line.They may, finally, have one solution.Veteran interior lineman Brian Schwenke was activated from the physically unable to perform list Wednesday, providing some...

Associated PressLewis scores 3 TDs as Jaguars rout Ravens in LondonBy ZAC BOYERLONDON (AP) Jaguars wide receiver Allen Hurns knew Sunday's game against the Baltimore Ravens had to be different.It was - significantly. Blake Bortles threw four touchdown passes, three to tight end Marcedes Lewis, and the Jaguars...