Fred Dean, 68, fearsome pass rusher of 49ers’ dynasty, dies
By JOSH DUBOW AP Pro Football Writer
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — The fearsome NFL pass rusher Fred Dean has died. The death of the former San Francisco 49ers star on Wednesday night was confirmed by the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Ex-teammate Dwight Hicks says Dean was hospitalized last week with the coronavirus and was on a ventilator. Dean was a key part of the launch of the 49ers’ dynasty. He was an undersized pass rusher who began his career as a second-round pick with the San Diego Chargers in 1975 and ended it in the Hall of Fame after being named an All-Pro twice and making four Pro Bowls. Dean was an All-Pro for the Chargers in 1980 but had his biggest impact after being traded to San Francisco during the 1981 season. Fred Dean was 68 years old.

Rookie WR Claypool scores 4 TDs, Steelers top Eagles 38-29
By WILL GRAVES AP Sports Writer
PITTSBURGH (AP) — Rookie wide receiver Chase Claypool scored four touchdowns, including the clincher with 2:59 remaining, and the Pittsburgh Steelers remained unbeaten with a 38-29 win over the Philadelphia Eagles. Claypool, a second-round pick from Notre Dame, finished with seven receptions for 110 yards and three scores. He also added a 2-yard rushing touchdown on the ground as the Steelers improved to 4-0 for the first time since 1979. Carson Wentz threw for 258 yards and two touchdowns for the Eagles and Miles Sanders ran for two scores in his return to his hometown but Philadelphia’s defense sagged late.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — The NFL has rescheduled the Pittsburgh-Tennessee game postponed from Sunday to Oct. 25 in Week 7, and the Steelers will play Baltimore on Nov. 1 as a result of the Titans’ COVID-19 outbreak. The league announced the scheduling changes Friday, hours after the Titans’ outbreak expanded by two more players to a total of 14 within the past week. Officials from the NFL and its players union were in Nashville reviewing how the Titans have handled the outbreak. The Vikings, who played the Titans last week, again had no positive results and are on target to play Houston on Sunday.

Steelers stay perfect, keep Texans winless in 28-21 victory
By WILL GRAVES AP Sports Writer
PITTSBURGH (AP) — James Conner ran for 109 yards and the go-ahead touchdown midway through the fourth quarter as the Pittsburgh Steelers stayed perfect by rallying past the Houston Texans 28-21. The Steelers improved to 3-0 for the first time in a decade by putting the clamps on the Texans in the second half. Houston managed just 51 yards and two first downs after halftime as an early 11-point lead vanished. The Texans dropped to 0-3. Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt collected a sack to win bragging rights over older brother J.J., a star defensive end for the Texans.

Still ticking: “Big Ben” to set franchise mark vs. Texans
By WILL GRAVES AP Sports Writer
PITTSBURGH (AP) — Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger will do something no Steelers player has ever done when Pittsburgh hosts Houston in Week 3. When Roethlisberger trots onto the field, he will appear in his 221st game with the Steelers. That will break a tie with Hall of Fame center Mike Webster for the most appearances in black-and-gold in team history. The 38-year-old Roethlisberger credits his faith and his 6-foot-5 frame for his durability. Roethlisberger took a pounding early in his career but says he’s learned over time to avoid big hits when he can.