NFL

Associated PressSteelers' OL DeCastro, Gilbert expected to return vs. RavensBy DAN SCIFOPITTSBURGH (AP) It looks like the Pittsburgh Steelers will return the starting right side of their offensive line for a home divisional rivalry meeting with the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday night.Starting right guard David DeCastro and right...

Wes Hopkins, 10-year safety for Eagles, has diedPHILADELPHIA (AP) Wes Hopkins, a 10-year safety with the Philadelphia Eagles and 1985 All-Pro, has died. He was 57.The team announced his death Friday. No cause was given.Hopkins spent his entire NFL career in Philadelphia, starting 125 games. Hopkins ranks fifth...

Chargers WRs Allen, Benjamin questionable vs. NinersCOSTA MESA, Calif. (AP) Los Angeles Chargers wide receivers Keenan Allen and Travis Benjamin are listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the San Francisco 49ers.Both were limited participants during Friday's practice.Allen did not practice Wednesday or Thursday due to soreness in...

AP Pro Football WriterZimmer, Vikings scrambling for solutions to suddenly shaky DBy DAVE CAMPBELLMINNEAPOLIS (AP) The Minnesota Vikings have been built around a stifling defense since Mike Zimmer was hired as head coach.That foundation has developed a frightening amount of cracks, one-fourth of the way through Zimmer's fifth...

AP Sports WriterLuck remains confident in making all throws for ColtsBy MICHAEL MAROTINDIANAPOLIS (AP) After Andrew Luck quickly moved the Indianapolis Colts into position for one final, desperation heave Sunday at Philadelphia, he came out.With 5 seconds left and Indy at its 46-yard line, coach Frank Reich put...

AP Sports WriterBengals' Kirkpatrick & Falcons' Jones resume Alabama rivalryBy JOE KAYCINCINNATI (AP) Cornerback Dre Kirkpatrick got to see receiver Julio Jones' rare abilities during practice at Alabama.They've never gone head-to-head in the NFL, which is about to change on Sunday in Atlanta when they're paired again in...

AP Pro Football WriterBroncos bring in practice squad punter to push KingBy ARNIE STAPLETONENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) Marquette King has not lived up to the lofty expectations the Denver Broncos had of the athletic punter working at altitude, so now he's got some competition.The Broncos signed rookie punter Colby...

Associated PressCarr leans on rookie lessons to get past Raiders' 0-3 startBy MICHAEL WAGAMANALAMEDA, Calif. (AP) Derek Carr has suffered through long losing streaks before. The Oakland Raiders lost their first 10 games during his rookie season in 2014 before winning three of the final six.He believes the...

AP Sports WriterRavens seek to shut down Roethlisberger in game vs SteelersBy DAVID GINSBURGOWINGS MILLS, Md. (AP) The last time Ben Roethlisberger faced the Baltimore Ravens, he threw for 506 yards and led four fourth-quarter scoring drives in a 39-38 Pittsburgh victory.The teams meet again Sunday night in...

AP Sports WriterJaguars rookie receiver Chark says 'learning curve is over'By MARK LONGJACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) DJ Chark's biggest contribution in three games with the Jacksonville Jaguars is a fumble recovery.The rookie receiver, a second-round draft pick from LSU, coughed up the football after his lone reception in Week...

Pilot Flying J ex-president sentenced to 12 ½ yearsCHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (AP) The former president of the largest U.S. fuel retailer has been sentenced to 12 + years in prison and fined $750,000 in a scheme to defraud trucking companies.The Knoxville News Sentinel reports U.S. District Judge Curtis Collier...

AP Sports WriterRidley's breakout game gives Falcons another big-play threatBy CHARLES ODUMFLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. (AP) Opposing coaches have a new reason to reconsider making Calvin Ridley the third priority in defensive plans against the Atlanta Falcons' passing game.The New Orleans Saints tried that approach last week, devoting extra...