NFL

AP Sports WriterFalcons give second chance to Hageman following 2017 releaseBy CHARLES ODUMFLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. (AP) The Atlanta Falcons signed Ra'Shede Hageman to a one-year deal on Friday, giving a second chance to the defensive tackle the team released in 2017 after he was charged with domestic violence.Hageman,...

AP Sports WriterPackers' defense finally starting to produce more takeawaysBy STEVE MEGARGEEGREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) The Green Bay Packers thrived on big plays from its defense last year, but didn't produce nearly enough of them the first half of this season.That's starting to change now as the Packers...

Raiders sign QB Mike Glennon, S Curtis RileyALAMEDA, Calif. (AP) The Oakland Raiders have signed unrestricted free agent quarterback Mike Glennon and safety Curtis Riley.The additions on Friday give the Raiders a second backup to Derek Carr along with Nathan Peterman and depth in the secondary.Glennon is entering...

AP Sports WriterDespite losing to Patriots, New York Giants showed promiseBy TOM CANAVANEAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) Getting beaten by 21 points in a game filled with major mistakes might not be a reason for optimism for most teams.It is for the New York Giants (2-4) despite the refusal...

AP Pro Football WriterRaiders release LB Derrick JohnsonBy JOSH DUBOWALAMEDA, Calif. (AP) The Oakland Raiders are releasing linebacker Derrick Johnson.Coach Jon Gruden announced the move Tuesday and said linebacker Jason Cabinda will be promoted from the practice squad to take Johnson's spot on the roster.The Raiders signed Johnson...

AP Sports WriterBills' McCoy denies allegation of bloodying girlfriendBy JOHN WAWROWBuffalo Bills running back LeSean McCoy says an allegation posted on social media accusing him of bloodying his former girlfriend's face is baseless and false.An Instagram post Tuesday from a person who says she is friends with the woman...

Associated PressSteelers' defense eager to prove itself after dismal showingBy DAN SCIFOPITTSBURGH (AP) Members of the Pittsburgh Steelers' defense are eager to play again. They're going to have to wait an extra day.They want to put a forgettable performance against Kansas City in the past and prove themselves...

AP Pro Football WriterWhen things go sour in the NFL, QBs often are changedBy BARRY WILNERWhen things go sour, an NFL team's fan base often points to two people: the guy calling plays on the sideline, and the man behind center trying to execute them.As we get deeper into...

AP Sports WriterFinally healthy, Steelers rookies playing catch-upBy WILL GRAVESPITTSBURGH (AP) Juju Smith-Schuster felt a twinge in his left leg and limped off the Heinz Field turf, making a halting beeline for Pittsburgh Steelers trainer John Norwig. It's become all-too familiar routine for the rookie wide receiver, one...

AP Sports WriterDip time: Browns coach backs up promise to jump in Lake ErieBy TOM WITHERSCLEVELAND (AP) His team already sunk, Browns coach Hue Jackson is taking the plunge.Jackson said Wednesday he'll make good on his promise to jump in Lake Erie because of his team's horrible record....

AP Sports WriterSuspension for Bengals LB Burfict reduced to 3 gamesBy JOE KAYCINCINNATI (AP) Bengals linebacker Vontaze Burfict had his NFL suspension reduced from five to three games for his egregious hit on a Chiefs running back during a preseason game.During the second preseason game, Burfict leveled running...

AP Pro Football WriterLock used time on IR to slow his mind, speed his growthBy ARNIE STAPLETONENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) Drew Lock used his time on injured reserve to slow down his racing mind and speed up his transition from spread college quarterback to drop-back pro passer.Lock, expected to...