NFL

AP Sports WriterHightower, 2 other key Patriots return to practiceBy KYLE HIGHTOWERFOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) Linebacker Dont'a Hightower was one of three key players to return to practice Tuesday as the Patriots prepared to head to Detroit for their third preseason game.Starting left tackle Nate Solder and running back...

AP Pro Football WriterBroncos linebacker Shaq Barrett returns from hip injuryBy ARNIE STAPLETONENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) The fresh-legged pass rusher lined up against Denver's newly anointed starting left tackle Garett Bolles on Tuesday and promptly bowled the rookie first-round draft pick over.Welcome back, Shaq Barrett .The Denver Broncos' battered...

AP Pro Football WriterRaiders look for more out of tight ends this seasonBy JOSH DUBOWALAMEDA, Calif. (AP) The Oakland Raiders showed off a new wrinkle in their offense on the opening drive of their second preseason game.A passing game that had been predicated on getting the ball into...

AP Sports WriterPolitical football: Patriots gave Trump a Super Bowl ringBy JIMMY GOLENBOSTON (AP) President Donald Trump has a Super Bowl championship ring - just like Vladimir Putin.New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft gave Trump the diamond-encrusted ring. The sitting president usually receives gifts from sports teams during...

AP Sports WriterFitzgerald on Anquan Boldin: 'He's like a big brother to me'By BOB BAUMGLENDALE, Ariz. (AP) Larry Fitzgerald took a moment Tuesday to talk about the retirement of his good friend and former teammate Anquan Boldin.''It's bittersweet,'' Fitzgerald said. ''He's like a big brother to me.''For six...

AP Sports WriterPanthers could get Newton, Samuel back for next gameBy STEVE REEDCHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) Panthers coach Ron Rivera is chomping at the bit to get his full contingent of offensive players on the football field.That might just happen this week.Quarterback Cam Newton and wide receiver Curtis Samuel,...

AP source: NFL, Goodell working on 5-year contract extensionBy The Associated PressCommissioner Roger Goodell is on track to maintain his prominent place at the table for the next round of collective bargaining between NFL owners and players, a process that's sure to be contentious.The league is working on a...

Green Bay Packers sign DT Calvin HeurtelouGREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) The Green Bay Packers have signed defensive tackle Calvin Heurtelou.The Packers announced the deal on Monday. Heurtelou (HURT'-uh-loo) is a first-year player out of the University of Miami. He originally signed with the Denver Broncos as an undrafted...

NFL, Electronic Arts unveil Madden '18 competitionNEW YORK (AP) NFL fans and gamers can play their way to the Super Bowl - if they're good enough at the newest edition of ''Madden NFL 18.''Electronic Arts and the NFL on Monday announced they're teaming up to create an online...

Jaguars rule out Fournette, Lee for exhibition vs PanthersJACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) The Jacksonville Jaguars will be without running back Leonard Fournette, receiver Marqise Lee and cornerback A.J. Bouye for their preseason game against Carolina on Thursday night.Coach Doug Marrone ruled out all three projected starters Monday, adding that...

AP Sports WriterBowles will announce Jets' starting QB next MondayBy DENNIS WASZAK Jr.FLORHAM PARK, N.J. (AP) New York Jets coach Todd Bowles says he will announce the team's starting quarterback next Monday.Veteran Josh McCown is widely expected to be under center when the Jets open their season on...

AP Sports WriterColts look to go on offensive after dismal preseason startBy MICHAEL MAROTINDIANAPOLIS (AP) Chuck Pagano expects more out of the Indianapolis Colts' dreadful offense.So Indy's coach is changing it up.Quarterback Stephen Morris is expected to reclaim the No. 2 job behind Scott Tolzien on Saturday at...