NFL

AP Business WriterDrinkers want fizz, low carbs, and Super Bowl ads reflect itBy DEE-ANN DURBINDETROIT (AP) When Americans crack open a cold one during Sunday's Super Bowl, it might not be a traditional domestic beer.Sales of classic beers like Bud Light have been dropping for nearly a decade...

AP Sports WriterPackers sign DT Kenny Clark to four-year contract extensionBy STEVE MEGARGEEGREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) Green Bay's Kenny Clark says he has always wanted to prove the value of nose tackles as complete players.Now the Packers have given him a contract that showcases that.The Packers announced Saturday...

Jaguars downgrade RB Fournette to doubtful with illnessJACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) Jacksonville Jaguars running back Leonard Fournette is doubtful to play in the team's season finale against Indianapolis because of an illness.Fournette posted a message on Twitter saying he won't be able to play ''due to the flu I...

Rams exercise 5th-year contract options for Gurley, PetersTHOUSAND OAKS, Calif. (AP) The Los Angeles Rams have picked up their fifth-year contract options for 2019 on running back Todd Gurley and cornerback Marcus Peters.The Rams announced their easiest decisions of the offseason Tuesday.Gurley led the NFL in all-purpose yards...

AP Sports WriterPolice: Ravens' Thomas threatened by wife with gun in TexasBy DAVID GINSBURGBALTIMORE (AP) The lawyer for the wife of Baltimore Ravens safety Earl Thomas said she is being subjected to an “unfounded ongoing investigation" by Texas police after she allegedly pointed a loaded gun at her...

AP Sports WriterImprov class: Steelers' offense at ease operating on the flyBy WILL GRAVESPITTSBURGH (AP) The Pittsburgh Steelers spent the first half against Baltimore stuck in neutral. James Conner couldn't get anything going on the ground. Ben Roethlisberger couldn't find any rhythm. And the NFL's last unbeaten team...

AP Pro Football WriterJets release Osemele a day after he has non-approved surgeryBy DENNIS WASZAK Jr.NEW YORK (AP) Kelechi Osemele is no longer a member of the New York Jets.The veteran guard's contentious standoff with the team, however, is far from over.The Jets announced Saturday they released Osemele...

AP Sports WriterNFL combine's speed week ends with another fast finishBy MICHAEL MAROTINDIANAPOLIS (AP) College football's top players turned the NFL's annual scouting combine into speed week.Running back Jonathan Taylor promised to run the 40-yard dash in under 4.4 seconds. He did. Receiver Henry Ruggs III came, literally,...

AP Sports WriterSaints WR Thomas plans to earn 'every penny' of new dealBy BRETT MARTELMETAIRIE, La. (AP) Saints receiver Michael Thomas took extra time after his first practice of training camp to catch footballs fired from a machine at close ranch, first while facing the machine, then while...

SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) Arizona Cardinals defensive back Tyrann Mathieu made waves this week with comments about San Francisco 49ers quarterbacks Colin Kaepernick and new starter Blaine Gabbert.''We just knew Kaepernick's tendencies. We knew what he liked to do,'' Mathieu said in a conference call with Bay Area...

AP Sports WriterGoing for it: Saints could clinch 1st-round byeBy STEVE REEDCHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) Don't tell Sean Payton the Saints' chances of earning a first-round bye in the NFC playoffs are a long shot.New Orleans' 13th-year coach said his team if preparing to go all out Sunday to...

AP Sports WriterGiants interview Judge, Rhule on deck, McCarthy to DalllasBy TOM CANAVANEAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) The New York Giants have interviewed New England Patriots assistant coach Joe Judge for their vacant head coaching job.The 38-year-old Judge has been a part of five championship teams, winning three Super...