NFL

AP Sports WriterBackup Plan? Job behind Steelers QB Roethlisberger wide openBy WILL GRAVESPITTSBURGH (AP) Josh Dobbs did all the right things last summer, or at least enough of them for the Pittsburgh Steelers to cut veteran backup quarterback Landry Jones at the end of the preseason and promote...

AP Sports WriterDeion Jones says Falcons defense has 'chip on our shoulders'By CHARLES ODUMFLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. (AP) Defense looked to be a rising strength for the Atlanta Falcons in their 2016 Super Bowl season and especially in their return to the playoffs in 2017.A wave of devastating injuries...

AP Sports WriterPanthers' McCaffrey hoping stats translate to wins this yearBy STEVE REEDCHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) Christian McCaffrey would welcome another huge statistical season - if it translates into more wins for the Panthers.McCaffrey enjoyed a breakout season in 2018, flirting with prospect of joining Roger Craig and Marshall...

AP Pro Football WriterTitans retiring numbers of Eddie George, late Steve McNairBy TERESA M. WALKERNASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) Controlling owner Amy Adams Strunk says nobody with the Titans will ever wear Eddie George's No. 27 nor the No. 9 of the late Steve McNair again, players who helped the...

Chiefs sign Schwartz to 1-year extension through 2021 seasonKANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) The Kansas City Chiefs signed All-Pro offensive tackle Mitchell Schwartz to a one-year extension Wednesday that could keep him with the AFC West champions through the 2021 season.The 30-year-old Schwartz has not missed a snap in...

AP Sports WriterBengals' top pick Williams is injured, watching minicampBy JOE KAYCINCINNATI (AP) Left tackle Jonah Williams is a lonely figure at the Bengals' minicamp. He walks around the field in his No. 73 jersey watching everyone else work out. The first-round pick stands behind his teammates during...

AP Sports WriterRavens, Jackson get crash course in Roman's new-look offenseBy DAVID GINSBURGOWINGS MILLS, Md. (AP) The Baltimore Ravens are receiving a crash course this week from first-year offensive coordinator Greg Roman, who's rewritten the playbook to accommodate the peculiar talent of quarterback Lamar Jackson.Roman hopes the lessons...

Chicago Bears waive kicker Chris BlewittLAKE FOREST, Ill. (AP) The Chicago Bears have waived Chris Blewitt, leaving them with two kickers as they try to replace Cody Parkey.Blewitt left Pittsburgh as the school's career scoring leader with 363 points after making 55 of 79 field goals and 198...

Linebacker Quincy Williams signs rookie deal with JaguarsJACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) Jacksonville Jaguars linebacker Quincy Williams, a third-round draft pick from Murray State, has signed his rookie contract.Williams signed a four-year deal following mandatory minicamp practice Wednesday, becoming the last of the team's seven draft picks to do so.Under...

Associated PressPatriots' Kraft to receive warm welcome in IsraelBy JOSEF FEDERMANJERUSALEM (AP) Israel is rolling out the red carpet for New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft, who arrives next week to collect the Genesis Prize, a prestigious award commonly known as the ''Jewish Nobel Prize.''The ceremony on June...

AP Sports WriterShurmur again says Manning is Giants' starting quarterbackBy TOM CANAVANEAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) When the New York Giants report to training camp next month, two-time Super Bowl MVP Eli Manning is going to be the No. 1 quarterback for coach Pat Shurmur.Shurmur reiterated his support for...

AP Sports WriterJulio Jones in coach mode for start of Falcons' minicampBy CHARLES ODUMFLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. (AP) Julio Jones left his helmet inside and wore a floppy hat to the opening day of the Atlanta Falcons' three-day minicamp.As he prepares for his ninth season, Jones was in player-coach...