NFL

AP Sports WriterWatt returns after injury to lead Texans defenseBy KRISTIE RIEKENHOUSTON (AP) J.J. Watt is healthy and ready to lead what should be another strong Houston Texans defense.The superstar defensive end is set to return after missing all but three games last season because of two back...

AP Sports WriterPayday: Browns' Crowell wants ball more, contract extensionBy TOM WITHERSBEREA, Ohio (AP) While Isaiah Crowell is running, his mind is racing.As hard as he tries not to focus on his contract situation with the Browns, Cleveland's leading rusher said there's barely a moment when he's not...

AP Pro Football WriterTrevor Siemian unflappable in winning QB job againBy ARNIE STAPLETONENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) He's an undersized underdog, underpaid and unshakable.Trevor Siemian, who considered going into real estate when his college career ended on crutches, has spent three consecutive summers forcing the Denver Broncos to rethink their...

Dolphins LB Lawrence Timmons inactive after leaving teamCARSON, Calif. (AP) Linebacker Lawrence Timmons is inactive for the Miami Dolphins' season opener after he unexpectedly left the team one day before the game.The Dolphins got back in contact with Timmons on Sunday, but he wasn't at their game against...

AP Sports WriterGiants defense looking to build off excellent seasonBy TOM CANAVANEAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) New York Giants defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo has every right to be optimistic about the upcoming season.His unit carried the team to an 11-5 record and a playoff berth in Ben McAdoo's first...

AP Sports WriterPackers dealing with injuries going into game vs BengalsBy GENARO C. ARMASGREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) The banged-up Green Bay Packers are starting practice this week with about a dozen players on the injury report.Receivers Jordy Nelson and Randall Cobb, along with defensive lineman Mike Daniels were...

Former NFL GM Bobby Beathard a Hall of Fame finalistCANTON, Ohio (AP) Longtime general manager and personnel administrator Bobby Beathard is a finalist for the Pro Football Hall of Fame in the contributors category.Beathard helped build strong teams in football stops in Kansas City (1966-67), Miami (1972-77),...

AP Pro Football WriterON FOOTBALL: More fun coming to NFL this season?By BARRY WILNERNEW YORK (AP) Troy Vincent has heard, far too often, the No Fun League reference to his sport.While he finds it a totally inaccurate description, Vincent is confident the NFL will be even more entertaining...

Chicago Bears training camp capsuleBy The Associated PressCHICAGO BEARS (3-13)OPEN CAMP: July 26, Olivet Nazarene University, Bourbonnais, Illinois.LAST YEAR: Injuries and poor play doomed Bears to worst season in decades. Chicago posted lowest win total in non-strike year since 1973 team went 3-11, and most losses since 1969. Bears...

AP Sports WriterJaguars waiting on QB decision to 'see how this thing goes'By MARK LONGJACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) Jacksonville Jaguars coach Doug Marrone isn't quite ready to name Chad Henne his starting quarterback. Or Blake Bortles, for that matter.Marrone says Saturday he wants to ''see how this thing goes''...

Associated PressFalcons' Julio Jones says he's completely healthy for openerBy GEORGE HENRYFLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. (AP) All-Pro receiver Julio Jones said Thursday that he is 100 percent healthy with the Atlanta Falcons' opener three days away at Chicago.Jones had right foot surgery in March and took just eight snaps...

AP Sports WriterBrowns, Colts head into Week 3 with plenty of similaritiesBy MICHAEL MAROTINDIANAPOLIS (AP) Cleveland Browns coach Hue Jackson sees the Indianapolis Colts as a perfect match.They, like the Browns, will start a young quarterback who is still getting acclimated to a new system.They, like the Browns,...