NFL

Former 49ers defensive end Cedrick Hardman dies at 70SAN FRANCISCO (AP) Former San Francisco 49ers defensive end Cedrick Hardman has died. He was 70.The team said he died Friday night.An-time All-Pro selection in 1971 and 1975 and Pro Bowl player in 1972 and 1976, Hardman anchored a defensive...

AP Sports WriterFinally arrived! John Ross III shows moves in Bengals openerBy JOE KAYCINCINNATI (AP) John Ross III had a clear path down the sideline to the end zone. All the receiver had to do was catch the ball and turn on his record-setting speed.Instead, the ball deflected...

AP Sports WriterCousins to play with franchise tag, no deal with RedskinsBy STEPHEN WHYNOWASHINGTON (AP) Kirk Cousins will play next season on the franchise tag after the quarterback and Washington Redskins were unable to agree on a long-term contract.The team confirmed it did not reach a deal with...

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...

LAS VEGAS (AP) A Nevada judge sentenced former NFL star Darren Sharper on Thursday to as many as eight years in prison for attempted sexual assault in Las Vegas as part of a four-state plea deal that could keep him behind bars for nearly two decades. Sharper was ordered to...

AP Sports WriterBeckham talks with Mara, has no regrets about celebrationBy TOM CANAVANEAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) New York Giants receiver Odell Beckham Jr. had little regret about the dog-like celebration that angered the team, and claims NFL rules about post-score revelry are confusing.Beckham said Wednesday he met with...

AP Sports WriterBengals facing big issues, languishing as midpoint nearsBy JOE KAYCINCINNATI (AP) The Bengals returned the nucleus of their playoff team to make another run at getting that elusive first-round win.As the season reaches its midpoint, just reaching the playoffs will be the big challenge.A 35-17 loss...

AP Pro Football WriterNFL This Week: Round 1 of Texans-Titans' AFC South showdownBy TERESA M. WALKERThe Houston Texans have won the AFC South three times in coach Bill O'Brien's five seasons, and they have led or shared the divisional lead all but three weeks this season.Adding a fourth title...

CLEVELAND (AP) One win separates the Browns from completing their turnaround. All it's going to take for them to make the playoffs for the first time since 2002 and end the NFL's longest postseason drought, return to relevance, and post their most wins in the regular season since 1994, is...

Cardinals get cornerback help, sign veteran Dre KirkpatrickGLENDALE, Ariz. (AP) The Arizona Cardinals have signed veteran cornerback Dre Kirkpatrick to boost their secondary after a season-ending injury to Robert Alford.The Cardinals announced on Sunday that Kirkpatrick has agreed to a one-year deal. The 30-year-old spent the first eight...

AP Sports WriterRookie coach Rhule has Panthers pointed in right directionBy STEVE REEDCHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) While the win-loss record might not reflect it, first-year coach Matt Rhule has the Carolina Panthers headed in the right direction.The Panthers are 4-8 entering the bye week and any realistic chances of...

AP Pro Football WriterCowboys' Andy Dalton placed on reserve COVID-19 listBy SCHUYLER DIXONThe Dallas Cowboys have placed quarterback Andy Dalton on the reserve COVID-19 list on Tuesday, keeping him out a second straight game after he was sidelined by a concussion.Dalton will be the first Dallas player to go...