NFL

AP Sports WriterWatson's emergence helps ease loss of Watt for TexansBy KRISTIE RIEKENHOUSTON (AP) Without J.J. Watt for the second straight season, a new star has emerged for the Houston Texans. Rookie Deshaun Watson has this team long known for its defense rolling on offense.Though the Texans are...

Ravens fill void on DL, agree on 1-year deal with WolfeOWINGS MILLS, Md. (AP) The Baltimore Ravens have reached agreement on a one-year contract with defensive tackle Derek Wolfe, ending his eight-year run with the Denver Broncos.Wolfe had seven sacks in 12 games last season before going on...

AP Pro Football WriterJerry Jones doesn’t like looks of America’s TeamBy BARRY WILNERNever one to mince words, Jerry Jones has put Jason Garrett and his coaching staff on alert heading into what’s supposed to be a festive holiday.Dallas plays its traditional Thanksgiving home game on Thursday, hosting the Bills....

Tight end Lee Smith back with Bills after time with RaidersORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (AP) Tight end Lee Smith has rejoined the Buffalo Bills after spending the past four seasons with the Oakland Raiders.The Bills said Monday the 31-year-old Smith signed a three-year contract. He played his first four...

AP Sports WriterSeahawks release TE Ed Dickson, waive S Tedric ThompsonBy TIM BOOTHRENTON, Wash. (AP) The Seattle Seahawks cleared a chunk of salary cap space by waiving safety Tedric Thompson and releasing veteran tight end Ed Dickson on Tuesday.Both moves were expected after each player seemed to fall...

AP Pro Football WriterTeams back at combine in search of 2018 successBy ARNIE STAPLETONINDIANAPOLIS (AP) Lured out of the broadcast booth with a $100 million contract that makes him the highest-paid football coach ever, Jon Gruden sauntered up to the podium and flashed that mischievous smile.''I'm very excited...

Raiders agree to deal with running back Devontae BookerALAMEDA, Calif. (AP) The Las Vegas Raiders agreed to a deal Monday with former Denver Broncos running back Devontae Booker.A 2016 fourth-round pick out of Utah, Booker played four seasons with the Broncos and rushed for 1,103 yards over 61...

AP Pro Football WriterRetired Vikes CB Terence Newman: 'It was my time, you know?'By DAVE CAMPBELLEAGAN, Minn. (AP) Terence Newman was among the many members of the Minnesota Vikings saddened by the release of 11-year veteran defensive end Brian Robison, one of the most difficult moves made during...

Football patriarch Clay Matthews Sr. diesSANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) Former San Francisco 49ers lineman Clay Matthews Sr., who was the patriarch of a famous football family, has died. He was 88.The 49ers said Matthews died Thursday. He had been dealing with a long illness.Matthews was a two-way player...

AP Sports WriterRoll Tide: Giants' Collins and Packers' Clinton-Dix shineBy GENARO C. ARMASGREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) The Crimson Tide-tinted friendship of Landon Collins and Ha Ha Clinton-Dix will be tested on Sunday at Lambeau Field.Two of the game's top young safeties have known each other since college. Collins...

NFL teams propose 7 rules changes, including extra officialsNEW YORK (AP) Two NFL teams have suggested changes to game officiating, including a ''sky judge'' utilized by colleges, among seven rules proposals that will be presented to team owners later this month.Also proposed is revamping overtime to minimize the...

AP Pro Football WriterJamal Adams expects more Pro Bowls, wants to stay with JetsBy DENNIS WASZAK Jr.FLORHAM PARK, N.J. (AP) Jamal Adams insisted he was excited, even if his toned-down reaction to making his second straight Pro Bowl didn't quite match last year's emotional moment.The New York Jets...