NFL

A look at what to expect in Thursday night's NFL preseason games:---PACKERS AT PATRIOTSWill the New England Patriots' preseason opener be a coming-out party for Jimmy Garoppolo or a thumb in the eye to Roger Goodell and the NFL's ''Deflategate'' investigation?That's what football fans will see when the Patriots...

AP Pro Football WriterVon Miller defends shark hunting tripBy ARNIE STAPLETONENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) Von Miller says he didn't do anything wrong when on a recent shark fishing excursion in Florida that's drawn the interest of conservation officials.The Denver Broncos star said he's an avid hunter and fisherman who...

AP Pro Football WriterNFL to prohibit use of certain helmets for 1st timeBy BARRY WILNERNEW YORK (AP) The NFL for the first time is prohibiting certain helmets from being worn by players.In notifying the 32 teams Monday, the league has sought to have players stop using 10 helmet...

AP Sports WriterCarlson misses 2 FGs in OT, Vikings and Packers tieBy GENARO C. ARMASGREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) Daniel Carlson missed two field goals in overtime, including one from 35 yards as time expired, and the Minnesota Vikings had to settle for a 29-29 tie with the Green...

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) With Tom Brady under center, the Patriots have always had one of the NFL's best passing games. But New England is starting its playoff run with unprecedented efficiency. The Patriots set an NFL record this season by throwing just two interceptions . The previous record for fewest...

AP Sports WriterDavis complains about Colts' handling of injury situationBy MICHAEL MAROTINDIANAPOLIS (AP) Indianapolis Colts cornerback Vontae Davis is upset he was demoted because of what the team called a non-injury related matter.The two-time Pro Bowler says he has been limited by a lingering groin injury.Davis was hurt...

AP Sports WriterChiefs' Jones inactive for playoff game; Texans' Fuller OKBy DAVE SKRETTAKANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) The Kansas City Chiefs are without Pro Bowl defensive tackle Chris Jones for their divisional playoff game against the Houston Texans after their sacks leader hurt his calf in practice this week...

AP Pro Football WriterVikings, Thielen agree to 4-year, $64M extensionBy DAVE CAMPBELLMINNEAPOLIS (AP) The Minnesota Vikings and wide receiver Adam Thielen have agreed in principle to a four-year contract extension valued at $64 million.The Vikings announced the deal Friday. Thielen's agency, The Institute for Athletes, posted the terms...

AP Sports WriterAP source: Jaguars finalizing $54M extension with QB BortlesBy MARK LONGJACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) A person with knowledge of negotiations says the Jacksonville Jaguars are finalizing a three-year, $54 million extension that will keep quarterback Blake Bortles under contract through the 2020 season.The person spoke to The...

AP Pro Football WriterGruden tells paper: 'I hope I'm a candidate' for Raiders jobBy JOSH DUBOWALAMEDA, Calif. (AP) Jon Gruden hopes he's a candidate to return for a second stint as coach of the Oakland Raiders and believes a final decision will be made next week.Gruden made his...

AP Sports WriterCalifornia wildfires force LA Rams to hold practice indoorsBy GREG BEACHAMTHOUSAND OAKS, Calif. (AP) The Los Angeles Rams decided not to practice outdoors due to poor air quality around their training complex in Ventura County, where a wildfire has burned more than 100 square miles.The Rams'...

Associated PressNFL more forceful on Texas 'bathroom bill' after Super BowlBy PAUL J. WEBERAUSTIN, Texas (AP) The NFL is expressing sharper warnings about a Texas ''bathroom bill'' targeting transgender persons than statements prior to the Super Bowl in Houston.NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy on Friday raised the prospect of...