NFL

AP Sports WriterTessitore, McFarland return to ESPN 'Monday Night' boothBy JOE REEDYESPN's ''Monday Night Football'' will return to a two-man booth when it kicks off its 50th season later this year.The network announced Wednesday that Joe Tessitore will be back doing play-by-play while Booger McFarland moves up to the...

AP Sports WriterReich believes Colts have winning combination for playoffsBy MICHAEL MAROTINDIANAPOLIS (AP) From the start of training camp, Frank Reich kept insisting the Indianapolis Colts were a legitimate playoff team - and a real Super Bowl contender.He didn't waver when the running game got bogged down early...

AP Sports WriterMahomes knows risk, feels safe in return to Chiefs' facilityBy DAVE SKRETTAKANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes was on every call involving the NFL Players Association and took a significant role in putting in place the return-to-play protocols for training camp.So while...

ASHBURN, Va. -- Robert Griffin III was ready to return a week ago. Jay Gruden was close to putting him back in the lineup. Then they decided to wait one more week. Maybe it wasn't a direct nod to Griffin's injury past, but the Redskins didn't want to put him...

AP Sports WriterAlex Smith, defense help Washington defeat Steelers 23-17By HOWARD FENDRICHWith Alex Smith leading the way in the latest remarkable development of his oh-so-remarkable comeback, maybe it shouldn't be so surprising that Washington - below .500, representing the lowly NFC East, with little help from two leading playmakers,...

AP Sports WriterMissed opportunity: Tampa teams soar, fans watch from afarBy FRED GOODALLTAMPA, Fla. (AP) This has been a year for Tampa Bay sports like no other, though the area's three successful professional franchises haven't had a chance to truly capitalize on the boom and energize pockets of...

Panthers re-sign free agent linebacker Jacobs to 2-year dealCHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) The Panthers have re-signed backup linebacker and versatile special teams player Ben Jacobs to a two-year contract.Financial terms were not released Wednesday.Jacobs, 28, would have been a restricted free agent had he not re-signed.He returned to Carolina...

AP Sports WriterBills D delivers in 31-21 victory over winless DolphinsBy JOHN WAWROWORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (AP) Jordan Phillips was the first to admit the Buffalo Bills didn't resemble one of the NFL's best defenses through 2+ quarters against the winless Miami Dolphins.That changed when the defensive tackle dug...

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo practiced Monday, with his left eye looking better after his second bout with a sty that kept him out of practice for a day early in training camp a month ago.He doesn't figure to miss any important action with the minor...

AP Pro Football WriterJets’ Adams has sprained ankle, uncertain to play SundayBy DENNIS WASZAK Jr.NEW YORK (AP) The Jets might have to try to bounce back from an embarrassing loss without Jamal Adams.New York's star safety has a sprained left ankle that could sideline him for at least...

ESPN: Cowboys' Witten retiring after 15 seasons for 'MNF'FRISCO, Texas (AP) Dallas Cowboys tight end Jason Witten plans to retire after 15 seasons and join ESPN as its lead analyst for the ''Monday Night Football'' telecast, the network reported Friday.Witten met with owner and general manager Jerry Jones,...

AP Sports WriterRare win rejuvenates Cardinals for final two weeksBy DAVID BRANDTTEMPE, Ariz. (AP) It took 14 games, but the Arizona Cardinals finally put together an impressive all-around performance during Sunday's 38-24 victory over the Cleveland Browns.The win snapped a six-game losing streak and provided much-needed momentum as...