NFL

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) The Latest from the NFL's annual scouting combine (all times local): --- 3:40 p.m. The NFL scouting combine is known as much for the grilling as the drilling of prospective pros. Tennessee running back Alvin Kamara, for instance, says every team he's met with wondered why he had transferred from Alabama. He...

Raiders' Marshawn Lynch suspended game for shoving officialNEW YORK (AP) Oakland running back Marshawn Lynch was suspended for one game without pay by the NFL on Friday for shoving a game official during the Raiders' victory over Kansas City on Thursday night.Lynch was ejected from the game after...

AP Sports WriterRoof to remain closed for openers at Atlanta's new stadiumBy CHARLES ODUMATLANTA (AP) The retractable roof for the $1.5 billion Mercedes-Benz Stadium will be closed when the facility debuts for an Atlanta Falcons preseason game next month.There's no date set on when the roof will be...

AP Pro Football WriterNFL owners offer 17 games, shorter preseason, larger rostersBy BARRY WILNERNEW YORK (AP) The new labor agreement accepted by NFL owners and now being considered by players features a 17-game season, shorter preseason, larger rosters and limits on the number of international games.The NFL Players...

AP Sports WriterBrady: It was 'just time' to leave Pats for new challengeBy FRED GOODALLTAMPA, Fla. (AP) Tom Brady entered his final season in New England with a strong inkling that it would be his last with the Patriots.The six-time Super Bowl champion who signed with the Tampa...

AP Pro Football WriterMore than half of NFL coaching staffs not at team facilitiesBy BARRY WILNERMore than half the 32 NFL teams will not have coaching staffs at their facilities Friday even though the league has approved such returns where local governments allow them.Clubs with coaches in place at...

ALAMEDA, Calif. (AP) - The Oakland Raiders will release safety Tyvon Branch before the start of the new league year next month.The team told Branch of the plans on Thursday to cut ties with one of Oakland's longest-tenured non-specialists.Branch joined Oakland as a fourth-round pick out of Connecticut in...

AP Sports WriterDareus' playing time drops as part of Bills D-Line rotationBy JOHN WAWROWORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (AP) Buffalo Bills rookie coach Sean McDermott is sticking to his philosophy of rotating defensive linemen to keep them fresh during games.And that includes resting tackle Marcell Dareus, Buffalo's top-paid player.Salary doesn't...

Brees says he 'completely missed the mark' in flag commentsNEW ORLEANS (AP) Drew Brees apologized Thursday for comments that were “insensitive and completely missed the mark” when he reiterated his opposition to Colin Kaepernick’s kneeling during the national anthem in 2016, drawing sharp criticism from fellow high-profile athletes...

AP Sports WriterChiefs' Edwards-Helaire rejoins Hill, others at practiceBy DAVE SKRETTAKANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) Chiefs running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire practiced Wednesday for the first time since getting hurt against New Orleans in Week 15, raising hopes the first-round pick can play in the divisional round of the playoffs...

AP Sports WriterBears try to build momentum against Rams after beating LionsBy ANDREW SELIGMANLAKE FOREST, Ill. (AP) The Chicago Bears took a big step toward the NFC North championship and their first playoff appearance since 2010 when they shut down Jared Goff and the Los Angeles Rams last...

Packers CEO says team shouldn't have to 'stick to sports'GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) Green Bay Packers CEO Mark Murphy takes issue with the notion that the team should ''stick to sports'' and discusses the team's plans for addressing social justice concerns in video posted on the team's website.The...