NFL

Lions coach Matt Patricia fires 6 staff membersALLEN PARK, Mich. (AP) The Detroit Lions have fired special teams coordinator John Bonamego, linebackers coach Al Golden, defensive backs coach Brian Stewart, tight end coach Chris White, strength coach Harold Nash and assistant strength coach Rodney Hill.Lions coach Matt Patricia...

PITTSBURGH (AP) Pro Bowl running back Le'Veon Bell is officially back at work with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Bell signed his franchise tender on Monday, clearing him to return for the 2017 season. The team placed the franchise tag on Bell in February. He declined to sign his one-year, $12.1 million...

AP Sports WriterSaints' Morstead aiming for a career-high in key statBy BRETT MARTELMETAIRIE, La. (AP) Saints punter Thomas Morstead wasn't entirely satisfied with the booming boots he sent soaring nearly 60 yards down field during his latest exhibition outing.While the punts that traveled 57 and 53 yards in...

AP Pro Football WriterNFL faces tough times for 2020, then bright economic outlookBy BARRY WILNERLet's get this straight from the outset: If the NFL has no fans at any games this season - or doesn't have much of a season at all - it will not go out of...

NEW YORK (AP) - Former New York Giants running back David Wilson significantly improved his performance in the triple jump in his second meet in two days but still was short of the qualifying standard for the U.S. championships.Wilson jumped 52 feet, 3/4 inches at the East Region Open...

The well-rested Green Bay Packers attempt to continue their dominance of the Detroit Lions when the NFC North rivals meet at Lambeau Field on Sunday. Green Bay, which is coming off its bye week, has won 22 consecutive home meetings with Detroit and 14 of the last 15 overall...

The Latest: First day of draft has 2nd-largest TV viewershipARLINGTON, Texas (AP) The Latest on the NFL draft (all times local):5:25 p.m.The NFL said that Thursday's first round of the draft had the second-largest viewership ever for an opening night.The first round of the draft, which was televised...

Steelers place franchise tag on running back Le'Veon BellPITTSBURGH (AP) The Pittsburgh Steelers have placed an exclusive rights franchise tag on Pro Bowl running back Le'Veon Bell, ensuring he'll remain with the team in 2017.The tag gives the Steelers time to work out a long-term deal with Bell,...

Redskins' Williams reveals cancer scare, explains holdoutASHBURN, Va. (AP) Washington Redskins tackle Trent Williams revealed a cancer diagnosis that played a part in his lengthy holdout and distrust of the team's medical staff and the organization.Williams says he told the team of the medical issue six years ago,...

DENVER (AP) Ezekiel Elliott can easily recall the last time he was held to less than 10 yards rushing in a game.''Never,'' the Dallas Cowboys running back said. Elliott couldn't find any daylight against a swarming Denver Broncos defense as the Cowboys fell 42-17 on Sunday in a game that...

Rams' Aaron Neary suspended 4 games; substance abuse citedNEW YORK (AP) Los Angeles Rams offensive lineman Aaron Neary has been suspended without pay for the first four games of the season for violating the NFL's substance abuse policy.The NFL said Friday he can participate in preseason practices and...

AP Pro Football WriterNFL, union enhance pain management and behavior programsBy BARRY WILNERNEW YORK (AP) The NFL and the players' union have two new agreements to address player health in the areas of pain management/prescription medications, and behavior well-being.The joint agreements, announced Monday, are designed to lead to...