NFL

AP Pro Football WriterAFC features plenty of star power even without Tom BradyBy ARNIE STAPLETONThe AFC doesn't lack for drama or star power even though Tom Brady has taken his talents to Davis Beach.The six-time champion with New England is tearing up the NFC at age 43 although the...

AP Sports WriterSteelers' Roethlisberger, 3 teammates go on COVID-19 listBy WILL GRAVESPITTSBURGH (AP) The Pittsburgh Steelers' pursuit of a perfect season has a new opponent in COVID-19.A day after NFL's last unbeaten team placed tight end Vance McDonald on the COVID-19 list following a positive test, quarterback Ben...

Jaguars sign Chase McLaughlin as kicking carousel continuesJACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) The Jacksonville Jaguars signed kicker Chase McLaughlin off Minnesota's practice squad Tuesday and expect him to play at Green Bay this weekend.McLaughlin will be the team's sixth kicker this season, following Josh Lambo, Brandon Wright, Aldrick Rosas, Stephen...

AP Sports WriterTexans hope 3 stars can help team finish 2nd half strongBy KRISTIE RIEKENHOUSTON (AP) Houston stars J.J. Watt and Will Fuller were both the subject of trade rumors leading up to last Tuesday's deadline after the team's terrible start cost coach Bill O'Brien his job.In the...

AP Sports WriterStefanski steady in first season, has Browns in playoff huntBy TOM WITHERSCLEVELAND (AP) Kevin Stefanski came to Cleveland armed with a coaching plan drawn up over 14 seasons cutting his teeth as an assistant with Minnesota.With the Browns, he's barely been able to follow it.Forced to...

AP Sports WriterPackers' ability to avoid slumps has them in enviable spotBy STEVE MEGARGEEDuring a year in which so much else has changed across the NFL, one constant has allowed Green Bay to maintain its status as the NFC North leader.The Packers never allow one bad performance to carry...

49ers put Kendrick Bourne back on COVID-19 listSANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) The San Francisco 49ers have placed receiver Kendrick Bourne back on the COVID-19 list three days after removing him.Bourne tested positive for the coronavirus last week and was forced to miss Thursday's game against Green Bay along...

AP Sports WriterHerbert exceeding expectations despite Chargers' 2-6 recordBy JOE REEDYJustin Herbert has exceeded expectations for the Los Angeles Chargers while the rest of the team has been a disappointment.Herbert is a contender for Offensive Rookie of the Year honors with four 300-yard games and 17 touchdowns in seven...

AP Sports WriterFalcons reach bye week on a modest two-game winning streakBy GEORGE HENRYATLANTA (AP) The Atlanta Falcons have reached their bye week on a modest two-game winning streak and with three victories in their past four games.Almost nobody saw that coming after a 0-5 start.It's still too...

AP Pro Football WriterSlow-starting Denver Broncos aim to quit playing catch-upBy ARNIE STAPLETONENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) The Denver Broncos have a knotty path to avoid infamy.They need a strong second-half surge to avoid becoming the first franchise in NFL history to miss the playoffs for a half decade following...

AP Sports WriterMayfield out, Browns welcome Chubb back from knee injuryBy TOM WITHERSBEREA, Ohio (AP) There was a buzz on the practice field Monday as the Browns returned from their bye with several starters, including star running back Nick Chubb, returning from injuries.However, there was a noticeable absence:...

Falcons waive disgruntled former 1st-round pick McKinleyFLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. (AP) The Atlanta Falcons on Monday waived defensive end Takk McKinley, a 2017 first-round pick, less than one week after he made public his displeasure he had not been traded.McKinley battled groin injuries this season and missed five of...