NFL

Ravens K Tucker agrees to 4-year deal; loses franchise tagOWINGS MILLS, Md. (AP) Baltimore Ravens kicker Justin Tucker has agreed to a four-year contract after being designated the team's franchise player.The Ravens and Tucker had until 4 p.m. Friday to reach accord on a long-term deal. If no...

AP Pro Football WriterSweep of Texans key to Titans' 1st AFC South title since '08By TERESA M. WALKERNASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) The Tennessee Titans have some very simple math to clinch their first AFC South title since 2008 and second playoff berth in three seasons.Sweep the Houston Texans.The Titans...

PITTSBURGH (AP) Antonio Brown can do a lot of things, most of them spectacularly. Weaving his way through three defenders to get open, however, is not one of them. For the Pittsburgh Steelers' offense to snap out of its midseason malaise, the All-Pro wide receiver needs help. While Brown is...

AP Pro Football WriterNFL coaching carousel started spinning early this yearBy ARNIE STAPLETONJudging by the jump start, it looks like we're headed for a ninth consecutive season with at least a half-dozen NFL head coaches getting canned.The coaching carousel began whirling earlier than usual this season with Jay Gruden...

Agent: Brady didn't have concussion last seasonBy The Associated PressThe agent for Tom Brady says the New England Patriots quarterback wasn't diagnosed with a concussion last year.Don Yee made that statement to ESPN and added that ''it's obviously a good thing that the organization and everyone close to him...

AP Sports WriterBortles tosses 2 TD passes, Jags handle Darnold, Jets 31-12By MARK LONGJACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) Blake Bortles felt as though Jacksonville's offense wasted a dominant defensive performance last week.He refused to let it happen again.Bortles threw two touchdown passes, including a 67-yarder to Donte Moncrief, and the...

AP Pro Football WriterBroncos coach apologizes after suggesting NFL free of racismBy ARNIE STAPLETONENGLEWOOD, Colorado (AP) Denver Broncos coach Vic Fangio is apologizing for suggesting discrimination and racism aren’t problems in the NFL.“After reflecting on my comments yesterday and listening to the players this morning, I realize what...

AP Sports WriterShula, winningest coach in pro football history, dies at 90By STEVEN WINEMIAMI (AP) Measuring Don Shula by wins and losses, no NFL coach had a better year. Or career.He looked the part, thanks to a jutting jaw and glare that would intimidate 150-pound sports writers and...

Packers to honor Bart Starr this season with helmet decalMILWAUKEE (AP) The Packers will wear a No. 15 helmet decal this season to pay tribute to Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback Bart Starr.The organization announced Friday that it also will honor Starr during halftime of the team's...

AP Sports WriterRevamped Rams, reeling Falcons looking to stop losing skidsBy CHARLES ODUMATLANTA (AP) There is no guarantee that a Super Bowl appearance will generate long-term momentum.Just ask the Los Angeles Rams, who return to Atlanta as a .500 team with three straight losses only eight months after...

Former NFL receiver James Hardy's death ruled a suicideFORT WAYNE, Ind. (AP) The death of former NFL wide receiver James Hardy has been ruled a suicide by Indiana officials.The Allen County Coroner's Office said Wednesday that the 31-year-old Hardy died of ''asphyxia due to drowning.'' Michael Burris, chief...

AP Pro Football WriterShelby Harris counting his blessings, not his lost millionsBy ARNIE STAPLETONAURORA, Colo. (AP) Shelby Harris is counting his blessings and not his lost millions.“I’m just happy to have a job. There are millions of Americans who have lost their jobs because of this,” the sixth-year...