NFL

Vikings 2,000-yard man Adrian Peterson and Texans pass-swatting end J.J. Watt were unanimous choices for The Associated Press All-Pro team announced Saturday. Peterson, who came within 9 yards of breaking Eric Dickerson's single-season rushing record, and Watt, who led the NFL with 20 1/2 sacks, were selected by all 50...

AP Sports WriterSaints QB Brees calls his contract a 'non-issue'By BRETT MARTELMETAIRIE, La. (AP) Drew Brees had what would have to be an anxious moment for a 38-year-old quarterback entering a contract year.The New Orleans Saints star nearly became collateral damage when a couple of players got tangled...

AP Pro Football WriterJets' Darnold hopes to return to field in Week 5 vs. EaglesBy DENNIS WASZAK Jr.NEW YORK (AP) Jets quarterback Sam Darnold says he's feeling much better while recovering from mononucleosis and hopes to return to the field in Week 5 of the season against the...

AP Sports WriterLynch's return provides a spark for Seahawks locker roomBy TIM BOOTHRENTON, Wash. (AP) When Marshawn Lynch played his last game for Seattle in January 2016, a playoff loss to Carolina, the idea of him ever wearing a Seahawks uniform again seemed preposterous.Yet here was Lynch on...

AP Pro Football WriterQuarterbacks will dominate the 2018 NFL offseasonBy ARNIE STAPLETONQuarterbacks will rule the NFL's offseason.Beginning with Alex Smith going to Washington when the league's new year starts next month, several quarterbacks will find new riches and many teams will land new quarterbacks in 2018.Tom Brady may have...

AP Sports WriterJaguars expect more substance than style from MinshewBy MARK LONGJACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) Receiver Marqise Lee knew nothing about Gardner Minshew when the Jacksonville Jaguars drafted the quarterback in April.Lee eventually learned a few details from teammates: Minshew bounced around in college, played his final season at...

Bumpy 2019 over, Steelers' Rudolph eager to "push" Big BenPITTSBURGH (AP) Mason Rudolph spent a portion of his offseason watching every snap he took for the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2019. In many cases, more than once.The video reaffirmed to the third-year backup quarterback a couple of things. One,...

AP Pro Football WriterBrady, Patriots don't get usual R&R heading into playoffsBy ARNIE STAPLETONTom Brady and the defending champion New England Patriots aren't getting their usual bye week to rest, relax and recharge.Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens earned the AFC's top seed for the first time since the...

HOUSTON (AP) - The Houston Texans signed outside linebacker Whitney Mercilus to a four-year contract extension on Monday.A first-round draft pick in 2012, Mercilus has appeared in 47 games (33 starts) and has made 139 tackles, 18 sacks, 21 tackles for loss, forced four fumbles and had one fumble...

Associated PressMedia seek open hearing on NFL team's emails with churchBy KEVIN McGILLNew Orleans news outlets were set to argue Thursday for an open hearing on the confidentiality of emails between Roman Catholic officials and the city's NFL franchise concerning clergy sex-abuse scandals.As The Associated Press reported last month,...

AP Sports WriterPanthers' McCaffrey set for return to action vs. BroncosBy STEVE REEDCHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) Christian McCaffrey is chomping at the bit to get back on the field Sunday against the Denver Broncos after what has been a frustrating season marred by injuries.The Panthers' running back has been...

AP Sports WriterPanthers staying mum on Cam Newton's future with teamBy STEVE REEDCHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) While Cam Newton remains optimistic about his chances of playing for the Carolina Panthers next season, the team is remaining mostly silent on the quarterback's future.''He's rehabbing, that's all I can say,'' Panthers...