NFL

First-time NFL protestors explain how they became wokeBy The Associated PressFootball coaches warn players not to say anything that could wind up on the opposing team's bulletin board.When he set out to challenge NFL protestors, Donald Trump took the opposite tack. He put up a billboard.The president essentially called...

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) Colts linebacker D'Qwell Jackson has been suspended for four games for violating the NFL's policy on performance-enhancing substances. Jackson will be eligible to return to the Colts' active roster on Jan. 2, a day after the team's regular-season finale against Jacksonville. The Colts (6-6) are tied for first place...

Chargers sign kick returner/wide receiver Darius JenningsCOSTA MESA, Calif. (AP) Darius Jennings has signed a contract with the Los Angeles Chargers, the team said Monday.Jennings spent the past two seasons with the Tennessee Titans, and has been utilized more as a returner than wide receiver. He led the...

The Latest: Temperatures in the 90s in Jacksonville, DenverBy The Associated PressThe Latest on the second Sunday of the NFL regular season (all times EDT):4:55 p.m.Teams in Jacksonville and Denver are contending with some unusually high temperatures.It was 97 degrees at kickoff for the Jaguars and Patriots, with a...

AP Sports WriterPassing judgment: Mayfield 'humbled' by praise from BreesBy TOM WITHERSBEREA, Ohio (AP) Baker Mayfield has assorted shiny trophies, plaques and awards from his college days. Probably more than he realizes.So far, his biggest NFL honor can't be hung or placed on a shelf.Mayfield was humbled by...

AP Pro Football WriterQB Josh McCown retires after 16 NFL seasonsBy DENNIS WASZAK JR.NEW YORK (AP) Josh McCown was sometimes the starting quarterback, often the backup- and always among the most-respected and well-liked players in whatever locker room he was in.And there were many.McCown, who turns 40...

Baltimore Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis will make his return from a torn triceps in Sunday's wild-card game against the Indianapolis Colts, coach John Harbaugh said Friday. "He's ready to go,'' Harbaugh said. "He's going to play in this game and he should be full speed.'' It's uncertain how much Lewis --...

AP Sports WritersBrotherly love; Watts embracing unique family reunionBy KRISTIE RIEKEN and WILL GRAVESGrowing up in Wisconsin, the sibling rivalry between the Watt brothers had no boundaries. Out front playing roller hockey. In the backyard playing football. Mini-baseball in the basement. Even the kitchen table at grandma's was not...

AP Pro Football WriterLe'Veon Bell ready to run in Jets debut: 'Don't hold back'By DENNIS WASZAK Jr.FLORHAM PARK, N.J. (AP) Le'Veon Bell has waited long enough.The star running back will make his debut for the New York Jets on Sunday in the season opener against the Buffalo Bills....

AP Pro Football WriterCowboys, Elliott agree on $90 million deal that ends holdoutBy SCHUYLER DIXONFRISCO, Texas (AP) Ezekiel Elliott was finishing the early stretching at the first practice since ending his long holdout with the Dallas Cowboys when the star running back was called to the front of...

The Latest: Jets finally score 1st first-half TD of seasonBy The Associated PressThe Latest on Week 3 in the NFL (all times EDT):--4:31 p.m.It took three weeks, but the New York Jets finally have a first-half touchdown.The Jets trailed 21-3 at halftime each of the first two weeks.But after...

AP Sports WriterSaints coach: Breaux needs surgery, club changing doctorsBy BRETT MARTELMETAIRIE, La. (AP) Saints coach Sean Payton says cornerback Delvin Breaux needs lower-leg surgery that will sideline him about six weeks and that an initial misdiagnosis of Breaux's injury has sparked a shake-up in the team's medical...