Category: NFL

NFL reveals more in-game social and racial justice plans

NFL reveals more in-game social and racial justice plans
NEW YORK (AP) — NFL end zones will be inscribed this season with two slogans: “It Takes All Of Us” on one end line, “End Racism” on the other. As part of its social justice awareness initiatives, the NFL also will allow similar visuals on helmets and caps. Previously announced were decals on the back of helmets, or patches on team caps, displaying names or phrases to honor victims of racism and/or police brutality. Now, a T-shirt designed by NFL Players Association executive committee member Michael Thomas, a safety with the Houston Texans, can be worn in warmups.

Finally pain-free, Roethlisberger ready to sling it

Finally pain-free, Roethlisberger ready to sling it
By WILL GRAVES AP Sports Writer
PITTSBURGH (AP) — Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger says his surgically repaired right elbow feels better than it has in years. Roethlisberger missed most of the 2019 season after tearing three flexor tendons in his right elbow in Week 2 against Seattle. The 38-year-old says the elbow had been bothering him for quite some time but now he is able to throw pain-free. While the team is trying to keep Roethlisberger on a “pitch count” as he prepares for his 17th season, he’s taken on a heavier workload this camp than he has in previous years.

Roethlisberger’s return makes Steelers major factor in 2020

Roethlisberger’s return makes Steelers major factor in 2020
By The Associated Press undefined
The Pittsburgh Steelers believe the return of quarterback Ben Roethlisberger will put them in contention for a return to the postseason. The Steelers missed the playoffs for the second straight year in 2019 after Roethlisberger exited at halftime of Week 2 with a right elbow injury. Roethlisberger has drawn raves from teammates during training camp and says he’s as motivated as ever. The defense that nearly carried Pittsburgh to the playoffs while leading the league in sacks and turnovers remains largely intact, giving the Steelers optimism they can unseat defending AFC North champion Baltimore.

Watt’s Up; Steelers LB TJ Watt stepping into spotlight

Watt’s Up; Steelers LB TJ Watt stepping into spotlight
By WILL GRAVES AP Sports Writer
PITTSBURGH (AP) — Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebacker TJ Watt is stepping out of the shadow cast by older brother JJ. The youngest member of the Watt family in the NFL spent a portion of the offseason co-starring in commercials and TV shows with JJ and middle brother Derek. TJ Watt says he’s dipping his toe in celebrity following his second Pro Bowl selection in three seasons. Watt says it’s good for him to get out of his comfort zone but stresses he wants to be known as a football player first.

NFL positive COVID-19 tests from NJ lab could be false

NFL positive COVID-19 tests from NJ lab could be false
By BARRY WILNER AP Pro Football Writer
NEW YORK (AP) — The NFL revealed Sunday that several positive COVID-19 tests were found a day earlier by one of its testing partners. Among teams reporting false positives, the Minnesota Vikings said they had 12, the New York Jets 10 and the Chicago Bears nine. The league has asked the New Jersey lab BioReference to investigate the results “while the clubs work to confirm or rule out the positive tests.” The NFL did not identify the teams or say how many tests were positive. Other teams that were affected are the Buffalo Bills, Pittsburgh Steelers, Philadelphia Eagles and Cleveland Browns. The NFL uses BioReference for all of its COVID-19 testing, though tests are handled by labs throughout the nation to ensure teams get results quickly.

Bumpy 2019 over, Steelers’ Rudolph eager to “push” Big Ben

Bumpy 2019 over, Steelers’ Rudolph eager to “push” Big Ben
PITTSBURGH (AP) — Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph believes he can be a starter in the NFL despite a rocky 2019. Rudolph was thrust into a starting role last fall after Ben Roethlisberger was lost for the season due to a right elbow injury. The team went 5-3 during his starts, but his season was side-tracked following an incident with Cleveland defensive star Myles Garrett. The two fought near the end of a Browns’ victory, with Garrett ripping off Rudolph’s helmet and hitting him with it. Garrett claimed Rudolph used a racist slur, a slur the NFL found no evidence of. Rudolph says he’s focused on getting better in 2020.

Eagles coach Doug Pederson tests positive for COVID-19

Eagles coach Doug Pederson tests positive for COVID-19
By ROB MAADDI AP Pro Football Writer
PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Philadelphia Eagles coach Doug Pederson has tested positive for COVID-19. The Eagles released a statement Sunday night saying Pederson hasn’t experienced any symptoms, is feeling well and under self-quarantine. The team also said any person who was in close contact with Pederson has been notified and will be tested daily. Per NFL protocols, Pederson must wait at least five days and have consecutive negative tests at least 24 hours apart during that five-day span before he can return to the team’s practice facility.  arch.

Antonio Brown suspended 8 games by NFL

Antonio Brown suspended 8 games by NFL
NEW YORK (AP) — The NFL has suspended wide receiver Antonio Brown for the first eight regular-season games of the 2020 season. Brown does not have a contract with any team. He was suspended Friday under the league’s personal conduct policy. Brown played one game last season for the Patriots before being released. He can be signed by any team and would be eligible to participate in all of his club’s preseason activities. The suspension would take effect when teams make their final cuts on Sept. 5.

Steelers sign RB Wendell Smallwood to 1-year deal

Steelers sign RB Wendell Smallwood to 1-year deal
PITTSBURGH (AP) — The Pittsburgh Steelers have signed running back Wendell Smallwood to a one-year deal, giving the backfield a bit of experienced depth heading into training camp. Smallwood joins a group that includes James Conner, Benny Snell Jr., Jaylen Samuels and rookie Anthony McFarland. The 26-year-old Smallwood played for Philadelphia for 2016-18 after being taken in the fifth round of the 2016 draft out of West Virginia. His rookie season included running for 79 yards and a touchdown against the Steelers. His rushing total in that game remains a career high.

Ben’s back: Roethlisberger’s return to hit full go at camp

Ben’s back: Roethlisberger’s return to hit full go at camp
By The Associated Press undefined
The Pittsburgh Steelers will stay at home during training camp for the first time in 54 years. The team opted not to train at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, because of the COVID-19 pandemic. All eyes will be on quarterback Ben Roethlisberger as he returns from a right elbow injury that ended his 2019 season at halftime of Week 2. The team focused on giving Roethlisberger more playmakers in 2020, drafting wide receiver Chase Claypool and signing tight end Eric Ebron in free agency. Roethlisberger drew raves from teammates during informal workouts but coach Mike Tomlin hasn’t seen Roethlisberger throw a pass in 10 months.