Category: NFL

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.

Brady leaving Patriots, says ‘football journey’ is elsewhere

Brady leaving Patriots, says ‘football journey’ is elsewhere
By KYLE HIGHTOWER AP Sports Writer
Tom Brady says he’s leaving the New England Patriots. Brady posted on social media “my football journey will take place elsewhere.” The comments by the 42-year-old quarterback were the first to indicate he would leave the franchise he’s led to six Super Bowl titles, and the only pro team he has ever known. Comments from owner Robert Kraft and coach Bill Belichick made clear Brady’s remarkable stint in New England is over. The one-year contract the four-time Super Bowl Most Valuable Player and three-time league MVP signed before last season expires Wednesday afternoon.

AP source: Saints, Brees agree on 2-year, $50 million deal

AP source: Saints, Brees agree on 2-year, $50 million deal
By BRETT MARTEL AP Sports Writer
NEW ORLEANS (AP) — The Saints and record-setting quarterback Drew Brees have agreed on a two-year, $50 million contract. A person familiar with the situation spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity on Tuesday because the deal has not been announced. Brees has said repeatedly that he is taking career decision one year at a time. His new contract gives the 41-year-old, 19-year veteran the leverage to decide after this season whether he wants to continue playing. Brees is the NFL’s all-time leader in completions with 6,867, yards passing with 77,416, and touchdowns with 547.

Panthers: Newton can seek trade; QB says didn’t request it

Panthers: Newton can seek trade; QB says didn’t request it
By STEVE REED AP Sports Writer
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — The Panthers are moving on from Cam Newton. The team says it has given Newton permission to seek a trade. The quarterback responded on responded saying he never requested one. Panthers general manager Marty Hurney said via Twitter that the team is working with Newton and his agent to find the best fit for him moving forward. Hurney added that Newton “will always be a Carolina Panther in our hearts.” Newton responded on Twitter by telling the Panthers to “stop the word play” and that the team is trying to manipulate the narrative and act like he wanted a trade.

Mahomes, Chiefs win NFL title with late surge

Super Rally: Mahomes, Chiefs win NFL title with late surge
By BARRY WILNER AP Pro Football Writer
Patrick Mahomes led the Kansas City Chiefs to three touchdowns in the final 6:13, and they overcame a double-digit deficit for the third postseason game in a row to beat the San Francisco 49ers 31-20 in the Super Bowl. The Chiefs trailed 20-10 and faced a third and 15 when Mahomes threw to Tyreek Hill for 44 yards. They scored a touchdown four plays later, and quickly forced a punt. Mahomes then hit Sammy Watkins for 38 yards to set up a 5-yard scoring reception by Damien Williams that put Kansas City ahead to stay with 2:44 to go.

Mostert lifts 49ers to Super Bowl with 37-20 win vs Packers

Mostert lifts 49ers to Super Bowl with 37-20 win vs Packers
By JOSH DUBOW AP Pro Football Writer
Raheem Mostert rushed for 220 yards and four touchdowns to make quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo mostly a spectator, Nick Bosa harassed Aaron Rodgers from the start and the San Francisco 49ers beat the Green Bay Packers 37-20 for the NFC championship. The 49ers advanced to their first Super Bowl in seven years and will play the Kansas City Chiefs in two weeks in Miami for the championship. Aaron Rodgers threw for  326 yards but the Packers lost the NFC title game for the third time since their last Super Bowl trip following the 2010 season.