NFL

TEMPE, Ariz. (AP) - As NFL coaches and general managers go, Bruce Arians and Steve Keim already make up quite a tandem. So much so that after only two years in their jobs, they've been given contract extensions, and a big raise in pay, that both say they didn't seek. ''Flattered,''...

AP Sports WriterBengals receiver A.J. Green hurt, carted off 1st practiceBy JOE KAYDAYTON, Ohio (AP) Near the end of a festive afternoon commemorating the NFL's centennial season, the Cincinnati Bengals watched A.J. Green get carted off the field with an injury that left the receiver distraught.''You never want...

AP Pro Football WriterJoe Staley thankful to be back in playoffs with 49ersBy JOSH DUBOWSANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) Joe Staley was moved to tears as he ran off the field during the San Francisco 49ers' division-clinching win in Seattle to end the regular season.Years of lopsided losses to...

AP Pro Football Writer49ers sign K Robbie Gould to 4-year contractBy JOSH DUBOWSANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) The San Francisco 49ers have signed kicker Robbie Gould to a four-year contract.The 49ers had placed the franchise tag on Gould in February for a price tag of about $5 million and...

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) - The Minnesota Vikings have been in transition all year.Rookie quarterback Teddy Bridgewater is learning on the job. Coach Mike Zimmer is shaping his new team's mindset. Dave Mansell is making sure a 970-foot steel roof truss will be in place on time and within budget, along...

AP Sports WriterFormerly unknown names key in Patriots' Super Bowl runBy KYLE HIGHTOWERFOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) When it comes to filling out his roster each season, Bill Belichick has always placed a premium on potential.From late-round draft picks to guys that never heard their name called on draft night,...

AP Sports WriterJags QB Minshew hopes work as backup benefits him as starterBy MARK LONGJACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) When the Jacksonville Jaguars sent rookie quarterback Gardner Minshew back to the bench, they didn't banish him to the usual backup role.Coach Doug Marrone added an extra practice period designed to...

Falcons RB Freeman, DE McKinley to sit Sunday vs. SaintsFLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. (AP) Atlanta running back Devonta Freeman will miss his second straight game with a knee injury, and the Falcons also will be without starting defensive end Takk McKinley when they host the New Orleans Saints on...

Bears TE Zach Miller gets 1-year deal after leg injuryLAKE FOREST, Ill. (AP) The Chicago Bears have re-signed veteran tight end Zach Miller to a one-year contract, clearing the way for him to return from a gruesome injury last October that nearly cost him his left leg.Miller tore...

AP Pro Football WriterCut by Raiders, Brown becoming a Patriot on eve of openerBy JOSH DUBOWALAMEDA, Calif. (AP) Randy Moss. Josh Gordon. And now Antonio Brown.A dozen years after Bill Belichick took a chance on Moss when the talented but troubled diva had worn out his welcome in...

AP Sports WriterFalcons face Packers with five starters hurting on defenseBy GEORGE HENRYATLANTA (AP) The Atlanta Falcons are banged up on defense at just the wrong time.Facing a Green Bay offense Monday that leads the NFL in scoring and ranks second in total offense, the Falcons will limp...

AP Sports WriterGiants start coaching interviews, Cowboys Kris RichardBy TOM CANAVANEAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) The New York Giants have started their third search for a head coach since 2015, talking to Dallas defensive assistant coach Kris Richard.The team said Thursday the 40-year-old Richard met with co-owner John Mara,...