NFL

AP Sports WriterSaints place safety Kenny Vaccaro on injured reserveBy BRETT MARTELMETAIRIE, La. (AP) The New Orleans Saints placed starting safety Kenny Vaccaro on injured reserve, the latest blow to a defense that lost starting end Alex Okafor for the season a month ago and also placed starting...

AP Sports WriterZeke's return major test for Seahawks struggling run defenseBy TIM BOOTHRENTON, Wash. (AP) Seattle's Michael Bennett was clearly paying attention when news started circulating of the workouts Ezekiel Elliott was doing to stay in shape during his suspension.''He definitely going to have fresh legs,'' Bennett said...

AP Sports WriterHandling distractions: Panthers can reach playoffs with winBy STEVE REEDCHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) The Carolina Panthers find themselves on the brink of clinching a playoff spot despite a season filled with off-field distractions.The Panthers (10-4) can reach the postseason for the fourth time in the last five...

AP Pro Football WriterGaroppolo faces toughest test yet in Jaguars' defenseBy JOSH DUBOWSANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) Jimmy Garoppolo has started his tenure with San Francisco better than any quarterback has done with a new team.The player who brought hope to the 49ers after three-plus years of struggles in...

Associated PressFalcons know turnover margin is key in final 2 gamesBy MATT WINKELJOHNFLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. (AP) The Falcons know they need to start winning the turnover margin if they want to return to the playoffs.Starting this Sunday at New Orleans would be a good time.Falcons linebacker Deion Jones...

AP Sports WriterSaints place safety Kenny Vaccaro on injured reserveBy BRETT MARTELMETAIRIE, La. (AP) The New Orleans Saints have placed Kenny Vaccaro on injured reserve, ending the starting safety's season.Vaccaro, whose status appeared on the NFL's official transactions report on Thursday afternoon, has been in and out of...

Hall of Famer Moon denies allegations in harassment lawsuitSEATTLE (AP) Hall of Fame quarterback Warren Moon denies he sexually harassed a former assistant.Moon did an extensive radio interview on KIRO-FM on Thursday to address claims of sexual assault brought in a lawsuit by Wendy Haskell.Haskell filed the lawsuit...

AP Retail WriterPapa John's founder out as CEO weeks after NFL commentsBy JOSEPH PISANINEW YORK (AP) Papa John's founder John Schnatter will step down as CEO next month, about two months after he publicly criticized the NFL leadership over national anthem protests by football players - comments for...

Vikings LT Reiff's ankle improves; questionable vs PackersEDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. (AP) Minnesota Vikings left tackle Riley Reiff's sprained ankle has improved, and the team has listed him as questionable to play at Green Bay.Reiff practiced on a limited basis Thursday, after missing the previous game. Cornerback Mackensie Alexander...

Packers QB Aaron Rodgers done for season, put on IRGREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) Aaron Rodgers is done for the season.The Green Bay Packers put their star quarterback on injured reserve Tuesday, a day after they were eliminated from playoff contention.Rodgers missed seven games after breaking his right collarbone...

Lions put TJ Jones on IR, add Andy Jones to active rosterALLEN PARK, Mich. (AP) The Detroit Lions have put wide receiver TJ Jones on injured reserve with a shoulder problem.The Lions also announced Tuesday that they have signed wide receiver Andy Jones to the active roster from...

AP Sports WriterSteelers star Brown out vs. Texans, Conner done for seasonBy WILL GRAVESPITTSBURGH (AP) The Pittsburgh Steelers will have to pick up the pieces from an emotional loss to the New England Patriots without Antonio Brown.Coach Mike Tomlin says Brown will miss Pittsburgh's Christmas Day visit to...