NFL

AP Sports WriterShort and sweet; Steelers’ Rudolph focusing on efficiencyBy WILL GRAVESPITTSBURGH (AP) Mason Rudolph splattered his name all over the Oklahoma State record book by cocking his right arm back and seeing just how far he could let it fly. It led to lots of wins and...

49ers place WR Jalen Hurd, CB Jason Verrett on IRSANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) The San Francisco 49ers have placed rookie receiver Jalen Hurd and cornerback Jason Verrett on injured reserve.The team also brought back receiver Jordan Matthews and cornerback Dontae Johnson on Thursday to replace them on the...

Pats sign veteran kicker Nugent to replace GostkowskiFOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) The Patriots have signed veteran kicker Mike Nugent to fill the spot created after Stephen Gostkowski was placed on injured reserve.Nugent's signing was announced Thursday. The 37-year-old was drafted by the Jets in 2005, spending four seasons in...

Associated PressWatson, Ryan look forward to meeting as peers on the fieldBy GEORGE HENRYDeshaun Watson and Matt Ryan are about to face off as NFL quarterbacks for the first time.When the Houston Texans host the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday, Watson and Ryan will compete as peers. That's just how...

AP Sports WriterGiants RB Saquon Barkley misses practice again with ankleBy TOM CANAVANEAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) Saquon Barkley picked up the pace in rehabilitating his sprained right ankle but he gave no hint when he will play for the New York Giants.Barkley, who sustained a high ankle sprain...

Skins coach Jay Gruden still not saying who’ll start at QBASHBURN, Va. (AP) Washington Redskins coach Jay Gruden still is not ready to say who will start at quarterback against the New England Patriots.Gruden said after practice Thursday that he is ''getting closer" to deciding on a QB...

AP Sports WriterSimple star: Browns’ Chubb dodges defenses, shuns spotlightBy TOM WITHERSBEREA, Ohio (AP) Nick Chubb prefers the shadows to the spotlight.On a Cleveland team with no shortage of giant egos and gargantuan personalities, Chubb's humility and modesty set him apart.In some ways, he's the anti-Baker Mayfield, the...

AP Sports WriterChiefs quarterback Mahomes has plenty of fans within NFLBy DAVE SKRETTAKANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) The popularity of Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes has soared into the stratosphere in just over one season as the starter, each no-look or left-handed passes drawing a fresh chorus of acclaim.It's not...

AP Pro Football WriterJets’ Darnold focused on making sure 'I'm not going to die'By DENNIS WASZAK Jr.FLORHAM PARK, N.J. (AP) Sam Darnold is eager to play in a game again, but the New York Jets quarterback is focused on his health and safety before returning to the field.Darnold...

NFL television ratings show 5% increase over last seasonBy The Associated PressNFL ratings through the first four weeks of the regular season have shown a 5% increase over last season.According to the league and Nielsen, games are averaging 16.6 million viewers on television and digital platforms.NBC's ''Sunday Night Football"...

Pats place kicker Stephen Gostkowski on injured reserveFOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) The Patriots have placed kicker Stephen Gostkowski on injured reserve.The team announced the move Wednesday, but didn't disclose the 35-year-old's injury.He is the fourth Patriots player to go on IR this season, joining receiver N'Keal Harry, left tackle...

AP Pro Football WriterDenver Broncos don’t see themselves as 0-4 teamBy ARNIE STAPLETONENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) The Denver Broncos insist they're not as rotten as their record or their luck.''We're 0-4,'' linebacker Todd Davis said, ''but we're not an 0-4 team."They're not the dreary Dolphins , who have been...