The Lions didn’t do much to hide their desire to change the look of their running game this offseason.

They signed LeGarrette Blount as a free agent and then drafted Kerryon Johnson in the second round in hopes of creating a potent rushing attack that’s been missing in Detroit for years. Ameer Abdullah was once drafted in the second round with similar hopes Josh Morrissey Jersey , but three years of injuries and inconsistent production have left him as one of the players trying to hold onto a roster spot in the final week of the preseason.

“Right now, my mindset is on tomorrow, getting things even more broken down and focused and narrowed down on Cleveland,鈥?Abdullah said Monday, via the Detroit Free Press. 鈥淚鈥檓 not really here to say I鈥檓 going to be on the roster. Cause right now that鈥檚 out of my control and that鈥檚 something that鈥檚 next week. I can鈥檛 control the future.”

With Theo Riddick on hand to do work as a receiver out of the backfield, the question may not be whether the Lions keep Abdullah. It may be whether they can getting anything in a trade before cutting him loose on their way to 53 players.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Matt Ryan to Julio Jones failed in Philly again.

Jay Ajayi had a pair of touchdown runs James Neal Jersey , Nick Foles caught another pass to jump-start a sputtering offense and the defending champion Philadelphia Eagles needed another defensive stand to open the NFL season with an 18-12 victory over the Atlanta Falcons on Thursday night.

A sloppy, mistake-filled game that featured 26 penalties came down to Ryan throwing an incomplete pass to Jones in the left corner of the end zone on the final play from Philadelphia’s 5.

Jones couldn’t come down with Ryan’s pass from the 2 in the right corner of the end zone in Atlanta’s 15-10 loss in the divisional round in January.

“It was deja vu,” said cornerback Ronald Darby, who covered Jones on the last play this time around instead of Jalen Mills. “Jones is one of the best but we got the stop.”

A weather delay pushed kickoff back 45 minutes, forcing fans to wait for the unveiling of the “world champions” banner following the franchise’s first Super Bowl victory. Wearing his gold Hall of Fame jacket, former safety Brian Dawkins riled up the sellout crowd with owner Jeffrey Lurie by his side and led a chorus of “Fly Eagles Fly.”

The defense fed off that energy with a strong goal-line stand on the opening series Morgan Cox Jersey , stopping the Falcons three times at the 1.

“We put a big emphasis on red zone,” safety Malcolm Jenkins said. “We trust our matchups and do we do our job.”

They did it again at the end.

After Ajayi’s 11-yard TD run and 2-point conversion gave the Eagles a lead with 2:25 left, Ryan led the Falcons down the field. He completed a 36-yard pass to Jones and connected with him again for 18 yards on third-and-17.

The Falcons had a first down at the 10 but Ryan threw four straight incomplete passes. A penalty on Jordan Hicks gave them one more chance and the Eagles held again.

“That’s a great defense and a great team,” Jones said. “You aren’t going to score at will on that team. They won a Super Bowl for a reason, they have the same guys on defense.”

Needing a spark on offense, Eagles coach Doug Pederson resorted to the “Philly Special” play that helped the Eagles beat the New England Patriots 41-33 in the Super Bowl. This time Authentic Olivier Rodrigue Jersey , Foles caught a 15-yard pass from Nelson Agholor to extend a drive that ended with Ajayi scoring a go-ahead 1-yard TD run in the third quarter.

“It was in our third-down men,” Pederson said.

Foles, the Super Bowl MVP still filling in for Carson Wentz, played it safe and the offense was conservative until Pederson turned to his favorite play on third-and-5 midway through the third quarter. Corey Clement took a toss and flipped to Agholor, who threw it to Foles running open down the right side for a gain to the Falcons 26.

Foles hit Zach Ertz for 18 yards on third-and-6 and Ajayi ran in a few plays later to put Philadelphia up 10-6.

“No panic, we’re resilient Authentic Customized Vikings Jerseys ,” Pederson said.

Against New England, tight end Trey Burton took a flip from Clement on a reverse and threw a 1-yard TD pass to Foles to give the Eagles a 10-point halftime lead.

Philadelphia’s defense overcame a pair of blunders to temporarily preserve the lead. Tre Sullivan kicked a loose ball on a punt and the Falcons recovered the fumble at the Eagles 32. A sack by Fletcher Cox on third down was negated by Derek Barnett’s offside penalty to keep the drive going. But Rasul Douglas intercepted Ryan’s pass at the 4. Jones said he lost the ball in the lights.

Deion Jones then intercepted Foles’ pass that bounced out of Dallas Goedert’s hands and returned it 20 yards to Philadelphia’s 27, setting up Tevin Coleman’s 9-yard TD run that gave the Falcons a 12-10 lead in the fourth quarter. Matt Bryant hit the right post on the extra point.

On a hot, muggy night, it looked more like an August preseason game than a playoff rematch. Both teams looked rusty after many starters didn’t play much in preseason. It didn’t compare to the action in Kansas City’s 42-27 victory at New England in the 2017 NFL opener.

Bryant kicked field goals of 52 and 21 yards in the first quarter.

ANTHEM

Jenkins and defensive end Michael Bennett were on the sideline when the national anthem was played and made no overt demonstrations while it was played. Jenkins raised his fist during “The Star-Spangled Banner” last year and in the first preseason game as one of the most high-profile NFL players protesting racial inequality and other social injustices. He stayed in the tunnel for the last three weeks. Bennett mostly stayed off the field in the preseason. He wandered behind teammates near the bench and adjusted his equipment this time.

INJURIES

Falcons: S Keanu Neal left the game with a knee injury in the first half. … LS Josh Harris had his streak of 103 consecutive games played end because of a hip injury.

Eagles: WR Mack Hollins was placed on injured reserve hours before the game because of a groin injury.

UP NEXT

Falcons: Host the Carolina Panthers on Sept. 16.

Eagles: Visit the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sept. 16.

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Texans pass rusher Jadeveon Clowney hasn’t been practicing during Organized Team Activities Mikael Granlund Jersey , and it may be a couple months until he’s ready to take the field.鈥?/p>

Houston coach Bill O鈥橞rien told James Palmer of NFL Network he doesn鈥檛 expect Clowney to participate in any OTAs, and said Clowney most likely wont practice at all until training camp.

Although Clowney played in all 16 games for the first time in his career last season, he had arthroscopic knee surgery after the season. Clowney has been at the Texans’ facility, but he’s focusing on rehabbing his knee, not doing practice drills.

Clowney is heading into the final year of his rookie contract and set to make $12.3 million this season. The Texans have indicated that they’re hoping to get a long-term extension done with him this year Julius Peppers Jersey , which would suggest that they’re confident he’s going to be able to get healthy and stay healthy. Even if he’s not ready to go just yet.

BEREA, Ohio (AP) Football’s giving Browns coach Hue Jackson refuge to cope with family loss.

Jackson, trying to turn around a Cleveland team that didn’t win a game in 16 tries last season, plans to remain with the team in training camp while mourning the recent deaths of his 83-year-old mother and brother in California.

A team spokesman confirmed Wednesday night that Jackson’s mother, Betty Lee A.J. Green Jersey , died over the weekend in Los Angeles following a long illness. Her passing came two weeks after Jackson’s brother, John Jr., died unexpectedly.

Jackson intends to stay with the Browns through next week’s exhibition opener against the New York Giants while the family finalizes funeral plans.

Jackson, who is in his third season with Cleveland, has not made any public comments about the deaths during camp http://www.panthersauthorizedshops.com/authentic-donte-jackson-jersey , which opened last week. Beyond his daily duties, Jackson’s every move on and off the field as the Browns’ camp is being chronicled by cameras for HBO’s ”Hard Knocks.”

Jackson’s agent, John Thornton, told Cleveland.com that the deaths have deeply affected the coach.

”It’s been really tough on him,” Thornton said. ”He’s just trying to let football help him out.”

Although Jackson is just 1-31 in two seasons with the Browns Authentic DJ Moore Jersey , owners Dee and Jimmy Haslam said last week that the coach still has their unwavering support.

—

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A National Arena League football player is accused of firing a gun in an arena parking lot as players confronted each other after a game in Columbus Nick Bellore Jersey , Georgia.

Florida's Jacksonville Sharks said in a statement there was an "altercation" between Sharks and Columbus Lions players outside the Columbus Civic Center Saturday night.

Muscogee County Jail records show that Sharks defensive end Leon Mackey faces charges of discharging a gun near a highway; and reckless conduct causing harm/endangering safety.

Columbus police didn't immediately respond to requests for comment Monday.

The team said the league has suspended Mackey pending the outcome of the police investigation.

Mackey, who played at Texas Tech, participated in the Minnesota Vikings training camp in 2015. The Sharks say he went to high school in Wilmington, Delaware.


The Jets have several running backs with names that hard-core football fans instantly will recognize: Isaiah Crowell, Bilal Powell, Thomas Rawls. The team’s running backs coach thinks another running back on the depth chart may become a household name.

Stump Mitchell believes Elijah McGuire could perform like one specific Hall of Famer.

“He has the skill set to be a LaDainian Tomlinson Christian McCaffrey Jersey , if he was given that opportunity,鈥?Mitchell said recently, via the New York Post. 鈥淭hat鈥檚 not what presents itself to him at this point in time. The skill set, he can do it all. He can catch, he can run as a running back, and he can run routes as a receiver. He just happens to be here Justin Abdelkader Jersey , and I鈥檓 glad we got him.鈥?/p>

And Mitchell knows a thing or two about spotting running back talent before everyone else does.

鈥淚 told David Johnson the same thing,” Mitchell said.

McGuire, a sixth-round pick in 2017, played college football at Louisiana-Lafayette. He had three 1,000-yard rushing seasons there, adding a high of 468 receiving yards in 2014. For the Jets Sonny Milano Jersey , McGuire had 315 rushing yards as a rookie, with an average of 3.6 yards.

The guy who ultimately determines whether and to what extent McGuire will receive enough opportunities to thrive downplayed the comparison to L.T., with a very simple but important message.

“[H]e doesn鈥檛 have to live up to being LaDainian,” coach Todd Bowles said. “He has to live up to being Eli.鈥?/p>

To do that, he’ll have to first successfully compete with the likes of Crowell, Powell Kyle Juszczyk Jersey , and Rawls.

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No Olli Maatta Jersey , the Patriots didn’t have a deal in place for tight end Rob Gronkowski that was kiboshed by owner Robert Kraft after quarterback Tom Brady threatened to retire. Yes, they were calling teams about a potential trade as recently as three days before the draft.

So who were they calling? Albert Breer of SI.com recently said on FS1 that the Patriots talked not to the entire league, but to “some teams they trust.”

“Detroit, Tennessee Buccaneers Authentic Jerseys , Houston, San Francisco,” Breer said, via NESN.com.

There were more than that Tyus Bowser Jersey , per a league source. It’s unclear how many more there were. It is clear that a deal was never close enough to result in Gronkowski being informed about the possibility — and that would have been a key ingredient, given that Gronkowski didn’t even commit to playing in 2018 until two days before the draft.

There once was a time when Washington boasted a season ticket waiting list of more than 200,000 fans. That was a time when the team was much more popular than it is today.

Today Washington acknowledged that there’s no wait for season tickets at all, and anyone who wants to buy season tickets is free to do so. Good seats are available.

That’s a bad sign for the franchise Eagles Avonte Maddox Jersey , especially considering that they’ve removed seats from FedEx Field and don’t even have as many season tickets to sell as they had in the past.

The team’s new chief operation officer, Brian Lafemina, said they are “taking a fresh look at every area of the business.” That should include team owner Dan Snyder looking in the mirror: He’s been running the show this whole time, while tens of thousands of fans have decided it’s a show they don’t want to watch.

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The Packers Womens Ezekiel Elliott Jersey , Cowboys, Raiders and Bengals will each receive four compensatory picks in April's draft.

The NFL announced Friday that 32 such selections will be split among 15 teams. Compensatory picks are awarded to teams who lost more or better compensatory free agents than they acquired in the previous year.

For example, Arizona lost defensive lineman Calais Campbell, who became a 2017 All-Pro with Jacksonville. Same thing with Cincinnati losing tackle Andrew Whitworth, who was an All-Pro with the Rams last season.

All compensatory picks will be positioned within the third through seventh rounds based on the value of the compensatory free agents lost. Receiving selections in the third round are the Cardinals, Texans, Broncos and Bengals at Nos. 97-100 overall.

In the fourth round, Green Bay, Arizona Radim Vrbata Jersey , the New York Giants, New England and Dallas will have picks, from Nos. 133-137.

Cincinnati has one spot and Dallas and Green Bay each have two spots at the end of the fifth round. All four of Oakland's choices will be in the sixth round, when Houston and Minnesota have two selections each, and Baltimore, Green Bay, Dallas and Kansas City each have one.

At the end of the final round, the Bengals have two picks, while the Chargers Oscar Klefbom Jersey , Buccaneers, Cardinals and Falcons each have one.

Rockets star Chris Paul is receiving treatment ”around the clock” on his injured right hamstring and coach Mike D’Antoni hopes it will only be a matter of days before he is healthy enough to play again.

The timeline remained unclear whether Paul might be fine to play a possible Game 7 if the Rockets lost Saturday night’s Game 6 and had to return to Houston to face the Golden State Warriors again Monday night. Eric Gordon started in Paul’s place Saturday at Oracle Arena.

”I think he’ll play as soon as he can,” D’Antoni said before the game Saturday. ”It’s just not a question of trying to outsmart. He’s going to play. As soon as he’s able to walk and run, he’ll do it. There was no shot at it today.”

Golden State forward Andre Iguodala was out for a third straight game this series after he sustained a bone bruise in his left knee during Game 3. Coach Steve Kerr said Iguodala continues to have pain when running, so he’s still listed as day to day.

”It’s a bone bruise, and those are hard to predict,” Kerr said. ”Until he’s able to really run without pain, then he can’t play.”

Paul’s presence at Oracle Arena still meant plenty.

”He’s devastated. He has to be. We’re all devastated for him. At the same time, we’ll rally and do what’s right Nathan MacKinnon Jersey ,” D’Antoni said. ”He’s so integral in what we do and the spirit of the team. And him being here is a big deal, and him being on the bench is a big deal. He’ll will us through, if he can.”

Kerr felt terribly for Paul – and others who have gone down.

”More than anything, I feel bad for Chris. The guy is a phenomenal player and competitor, and pretty much willed his team the last two games. He’s just been haunted by these types of injuries in his career, and it’s a shame,” Kerr said.

”I hate when anybody gets hurt. I hate when Andre got hurt. I hate to see Kevin Love last night, Kyrie (Irving). These guys train so hard and they’re here and they’re competing, and you want everybody to be healthy Womens Ryan Kerrigan Jersey , but just the reality is it usually doesn’t work out that way. So you’ve just got to keep playing with whoever’s there and keep going.”

Second-year Golden State guard Patrick McCaw, who had been out since a scary back injury at Sacramento on March 31 when undercut by Vince Carter, was available to play after earlier being upgraded to questionable. He wasn’t expected to contribute key minutes given the injury and time missed.

”It would be a tough spot to put him in, in the meat of the game, with not having played for a long time. But at this point, it’s all hands on deck, obviously,” Kerr said. ”You never know how the game’s going to play out. I had teammates who literally played one play in a playoff game and made a play and helped us win a game. So you just never know.”

—

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George McPhee will only get a ring if the Vegas Golden Knights win the Stanley Cup.

Maybe he should get one if the Washington Capitals win.

McPhee is responsible for acquiring 13 players on the current roster during his 17 years as general manager and also hired longtime friend Brian MacLellan Youth Tyler Pitlick Jersey , who became his successor and built the rest of the team. Kicked around the past five years for trading Filip Forsberg to Nashville for Martin Erat and not being able to bring the Cup to Washington, McPhee has his fingerprints all over this final after building the foundation of each team.

”It’s funny how life goes,” McPhee said Sunday in Las Vegas. ”Two years ago I was walking around Ann Arbor kicking stones and couldn’t get a job.”

McPhee went two years between his job as Capitals GM and his new one when new owner Bill Foley hired him for the dream job of his life as GM running the as-yet-named Vegas expansion team. From MacLellan to captain Alex Ovechkin, star center Nicklas Backstrom, goaltender Braden Holtby and management staffs on either side, this final in many ways is a validation of McPhee’s philosophy, knowledge and career.

”It’s great to see him have success somewhere else,” said Capitals defenseman John Carlson, one of 12 McPhee draft picks facing him in the final. ”I knew he would, based on the pieces that he put in place here.”

McPhee was GM when the Capitals last made the Cup Final in 1998 but had just taken over the previous summer. Until the past year, his greatest accomplishment was rebuilding Washington into a perennial playoff team and title contender that went to the playoffs from 2008-2013.

After missing the playoffs in 2014, the Capitals did not renew McPhee’s contract.

”When you’re working with (players), they’re sometimes like your own kids,” McPhee said. ”You’re on call for them all the time, you’re trying to help them, you try to steer them in the right direction. Then you get fired and you’re suddenly persona non grata because nobody wants to be seen to be too close to you in the organization. I understand that’s how things change quickly and that’s the business.”

Things changed quickly because MacLellan went from McPhee’s college teammate and roommate and then right-hand man as assistant GM to the person who owner Ted Leonsis said gave ”the most negative of the interviews” among candidates. MacLellan said he felt like he had nothing to lose during the interview process, which led to him landing the job at the same time Barry Trotz was named coach.

MacLellan conceded Friday his relationship with McPhee was ”not as close” as in previous decades.

”I think it just took a little time for things to evolve Noah Hanifin Jersey ,” MacLellan said. ”I think he needed a break from the game, needed a break from how it went down for him here and it just took time.”

MacLellan choked up a couple of times talking about glory days with McPhee, when they won the Central Collegiate Hockey Association Championship together at Bowling Green. McPhee and MacLellan have had dinner and texted in recent days about how strange it is to face each other after all that has transpired.

”It’s kind of a weird experience,” MacLellan said. ”It’s a little awkward, but it’s going to be a fun experience, I hope.”

McPhee still has plenty of supporters in the Capitals’ locker room, especially among players he stuck his neck out for. He signed Jay Beagle as a college free agent in 2007, listened to now-Vegas goaltending coach Dave Prior and selected Holtby as the 10th goaltender in the 2008 draft and picked Tom Wilson in the first round in 2012.

”I have a very fond respect for George,” Wilson said. ”You always have kind of a soft spot for the guy that drafted you, that brought you into the league, that gave you a chance. … He kind of always had his players’ back.”

Not only is Beagle thankful to McPhee for taking a chance on him, but he also believes in the moves made to try to bring a championship to Washington well before now, even if they didn’t work out perfectly.

”The trades and the deals that he made were to win the Stanley Cup that year,” Beagle said. ”You can always look back and be like, `Oh it wasn’t the right one’ or `It was the right one.’ But at the time it was the moves that he felt needed to be done to win a Stanley Cup that year because we had a team to do it for a lot of years.”

Now that the Capitals – and Golden Knights – have that team, McPhee will be there each night to see one of his teams lift the Cup.

”I’m certainly proud of the Washington team and the players,” McPhee said. ”Really happy for them – and really proud of this team we have in Vegas.”

—

More Stanley Cup coverage: The Detroit Tigers lost much more than a game on Tuesday night.

Miguel Cabrera ruptured his left biceps tendon in the third inning of a 6-4 loss to the Minnesota Twins and will have season-ending surgery later this week.

”This is obviously a very sad day for Miggy and for the entire ballclub Womens Devante Smith-Pelly Jersey ,” manager Ron Gardenhire said. ”It is obviously a huge blow to the team, both on and off the field, but we will have to find a way to overcome it.”

Gardenhire said Cabrera’s status for the 2019 season won’t be known until after the operation. He still has $154 million left on a contract that runs through 2023.

Cabrera swung awkwardly at Jake Odorizzi’s slider and immediately walked to the dugout with his arm limply at his side. When he was joined by team trainers, the slugger gestured to his biceps and continued walking into the Detroit clubhouse.

”At that end of that inning, I ran up to check on him in the clubhouse and he said he felt a pop on that swing,” teammate Nicholas Castellanos said. ”I knew that wasn’t good, but we didn’t find out how bad it was until after the game.”

Many of the Tigers had already left the clubhouse before it was opened to the media, more than 20 minutes after the final pitch.

”We’re all kind of stunned,” said JaCoby Jones. ”You don’t think anything like that is going to happen to Miguel Cabrera, especially on a swing.”

Cabrera has played through numerous lower-body injuries in the past few years, even while winning a Triple Crown, two MVP awards and four batting titles, but it started to catch up with him in 2017. He played 130 games, but hit a career-worst .249 with 16 homers.

This year, he missed three games with spasms in the same biceps tendon that ruptured on Tuesday, then was out for 26 games with a hamstring strain and back tightness. He returned on June 1, hitting .244 with no home runs and one RBI in 12 games before the latest injury.

Gardenhire didn’t think the earlier injuries played a role in what happened on Tuesday.

”He took BP before the game and he said he felt great Sean Monahan Jersey ,” Gardenhire said.

John Hicks, normally Detroit’s backup catcher, played first base during Cabrera’s previous absence and will return there for the time being. Gardenhire said the team will discuss long-term plans in the upcoming days.

”We’re all going to have to step up, starting tomorrow, to try to fill Miggy’s shoes,” Castellanos said. ”That means everyone, beginning with me.”

The mood in the clubhouse wasn’t helped by a late-inning loss. Detroit led 2-1 after six innings before Ehire Adrianza’s first career grand slam rallied the Twins.

Tigers starter Blaine Hardy allowed a leadoff single to Eduardo Escobar to start the seventh and was replaced by Louis Coleman.

”I understand that move completely,” Hardy said. ”I have just as much faith in Lou as I do myself, and that hasn’t changed.”

Coleman (3-1) only threw nine strikes in a 23-pitch outing, walking two batters to load the bases with two out. Gardenhire brought in Warwick Saupold, who went to a 3-1 count on Adrianza before throwing a fastball that ended up in the right-field stands.

”I’m not a home run hitter, so this is very exciting,” Adrianza said. ”It was a hitter’s count, so I was looking for a fastball and I hit it hard. I was emotional.”

The Tigers made it 5-4 with two runs in the seventh. With runners on second and third with two outs, Jones beat out an infield single and Escobar’s throw sailed past first baseman Logan Morrison for Minnesota’s second throwing error of the inning.

Miguel Sano gave the Twins a 6-4 lead with an RBI single in the eighth.

”We walked some people and we just let the game get away from us,” Gardenhire said. ”That was disappointing.”

Ryan Pressly (1-1) got the win with a scoreless inning of relief. Fernando Rodney pitched the ninth for his 14th save.

”I think we’ve played better in games that we’ve lost, but winning is the important part Andre Burakovsky Jersey ,” Twins manager Paul Molitor said. ”What Ehire did was obviously huge. We were hoping he’d get something to the outfield, and he puts it in the seats.”

Hardy pitched six-plus innings, allowing one run on three hits and a walk. Hardy, who replaced Jordan Zimmermann in the rotation, is expected to make at least one more start before Zimmermann and Francisco Liriano return from the disabled list.

Odorizzi permitted two runs on four hits and four walks in five innings. He struck out four while throwing 102 pitches.

The Twins took a 1-0 lead by manufacturing a run in the third. With one out, Adrianza reached on an infield single, stole second, moved to third on a wild pitch and scored on Ryan LaMarre’s sacrifice fly.

Jose Iglesias tied the game with a one-out RBI triple in the fourth, and scored on Leonys Martin’s sacrifice fly.

STAYING IN SHAPE

While on third base after his fourth-inning triple, Iglesias had to dive to the ground to avoid being hit by teammate Dixon Machado’s line drive. He broke his fall with his hands and snapped off three quick push-ups before jumping back to his feet.

HEALTHY RESUME

Cabrera made his major league debut for the Florida Marlins on June 20, 2003, and played in 87 of their final 88 games. He averaged 153 games in the next 14 seasons, but will finish 2018 with 38.

TRAINER’S ROOM

Twins: Minnesota signed RHP Matt Belisle to a major league contract and he joined the team in Detro Cheap Los Angeles Rams Jerseys

Johnny Football is huddling up again for a long-awaited comeback – in Canada.

Heisman Trophy winner Johnny Manziel signed a two-year contract with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats of the Canadian Football League on Saturday Adrian Kempe Jersey , looking to salvage his football career after a turbulent and unsuccessful stay with the Cleveland Browns.

”I don’t want to wait around anymore,” Manziel said during a news conference at Tim Hortons Field, where he will play his home games this season.

The decision to head north of the U.S. border to play football ended months of speculation on his possible path back to the game.

”I want a chance to get on the field and get into the locker room and get a chance to play ball again,” Manziel said. ”This isn’t just a pit stop for me. I’m not coming here to get what I need to go back down to the NFL. I’ve signed into this for the long haul, for two years.

”I’m here to make the most of it.”

Manziel actively pursued an NFL contract this offseason and played in the developmental Spring League last month, his first action in organized football since the 2015 NFL season. He now comes to a team coached by June Jones, a former NFL and college quarterback and coach. Players report to training camp Sunday.

”I don’t know what two years down the road looks like for me,” Manziel said. ”Maybe I come up here and I love it and I don’t want to go anywhere. We’ll play it by ear and take it day by day, like I’ve been doing.”

The 25-year-old quarterback won the 2012 Heisman Trophy at Texas A&M, and was selected in the first round – No. 22 overall – in the 2014 NFL draft by the Browns. He was released in March 2016 after posting a 2-6 record over two tumultuous campaigns.

This offseason, Manziel threw during pro days at both Texas A&M and the University of San Diego, and participated in The Spring League – a development circuit for players overlooked by the NFL.

”He has the ability to play at any level he wants to play at,” Jones said. ”He’s ready to get that challenge done and accomplish what he knows he can do.”

Manziel is not guaranteed a starting spot with Hamilton, though. He’s the fifth quarterback on the roster, joining Jeremiah Masoli – who was named the starter when Jones took over as coach late last season – CFL veterans Bryant Moniz and Vernon Adams Jr., and Dane Evans.

”I want to play, as anybody does,” Manziel said. ”I know there’s talent in our quarterback room and I respect the guys we do have. I know there’s going to be a learning curve and I’m going to have to take some time. I have realistic goals to come in, learn the offense, learn the game and hopefully my talent and making some throws and doing some things I feel I can do on the football field will show.”

Jones echoed Manziel’s comments, and reiterated that Masoli remains the Tiger-Cats’ starter as of Saturday.

”Let me tell you something right now: He has got his work ahead of him to beat out Jeremiah,” Jones said of Manziel. ”Now Adam Larsson Jersey , I am a firm believer, even when I was in the NFL, I wanted three quarterbacks that had started and played in the NFL. You can’t have too many quarterbacks because you’re one play away.”

Manziel has dealt with several off-field issues. In 2016, a domestic assault charge against Manziel in Dallas was dismissed after he took an anger management course and participated in the NFL’s substance-abuse program. In a recent interview, he said he’s been diagnosed with bipolar disorder and has stopped drinking.

The CFL has a policy on violence against women. The league said in a statement that in December it began a process to determine if Manziel could join the league. Manziel had to meet certain conditions, including an assessment by an independent expert on domestic violence, a review by legal counsel and a discussion with Commissioner Randy Ambrosie.

The league said it informed Manziel and the Tiger-Cats it would approve his signing. He must, however, continue to meet the specified conditions to ”maintain his eligibility.”

In January, after signing a three-year contract to remain Hamilton’s coach, Jones gushed about Manziel’s potential.

”I think he’d be the best player to ever play up here,” he said. ”He can throw it and he can run it like nobody ever has been able to do.”

Manziel is arguably the highest-profile NFL player to come to the CFL since 2006, when running back Ricky Williams joined the Toronto Argonauts. And with 2.23 million followers on Twitter, Manziel has no shortage of people interested in every move he makes – on and off the field.

But Manziel said he’s in a much better place in his life now than he was when he first entered the NFL.

”I remember the day I got drafted,” he said. ”I was probably a little hesitant on the team I was going to and where I was going. It was a big jump and a lot of uncertainty from the system I ran in college to what the NFL system was going to be when I walked into the building the first day.

My situation here, I’ve completely accepted this team and where I’m at that this is my best opportunity to get a chance to go out on the field and be a part of a team. I’ve done a lot of things in my personal life. I’ve worked extremely hard in the physical and football aspects of my life. I feel like I’m in the best place that I’ve been mentally and physically in my life.”

—

The ball was flying down the field often for Minnesota during that drizzly night in Green Bay, and Randy Moss kept going over and past the defense to get it.

Five games into his NFL career, Moss was a star. He was a revolutionary, too. There was no moment that better defined his arrival as the league's premier deep threat than that breakout prime-time performance against the two-time reigning NFC champion and bitter rival Packers.

"Seeing Randall Cunningham smile, seeing him energetic," Moss said, reflecting on his five-catch Kyle Connor Jersey , 190-yard, two-touchdown connection with Cunningham that carried the Vikings to a 37-24 victory. "It was just a great feeling."

When the Vikings landed in Minnesota, his half-brother, Eric Moss, who was briefly his teammate, wondered about the celebrating the big win.

"I said, 'Going out? No, I want to go home,'" Moss said.

Then defensive tackle John Randle tapped him on the shoulder.

"Man, we're going to party tonight!" Moss said, recalling Randle's pronouncement to the rookie. "That's when I finally understood what it really meant to the guys for us to go into Lambeau and win."

Twenty years later, with Moss set to enter the Pro Football Hall of Fame this weekend after being elected in his first year of eligibility, the swift, sleek and sometimes-sassy wide receiver has finally understood the depth of his impact on the game and the privilege of opportunity to serve as a celebrant of the sport.

"I came into the league with, I guess, my head not really screwed on my shoulders properly," Moss said recently on a conference call with reporters.

Over time, the "homebody-type guy" from tiny Rand, West Virginia, who ranks second in NFL history in touchdown receptions (156) and fourth in receiving yards (15,292), learned how to soften some of the edges he's carried since he was a kid.

"I've been able to open myself up and meet more people Authentic Marcus Johansson Jersey , be able to travel the world," said Moss, who's in his third season as an ESPN analyst. "Football here in America is a very powerful sport, and just being in that gold jacket, hopefully I can just be able to continue to reach people and continue to do great things."

Moss will become the 14th inductee from the Vikings, joining former teammates Cris Carter, Chris Doleman, Randall McDaniel and Randle. He'll be the 27th wide receiver enshrined at the museum in Canton, Ohio. That's a three-hour drive from his hometown, but it's sure a long way from poverty-ridden Rand where Moss and his sports-loving friends played football as frequently as they could in the heart of coal country next to the Allegheny Mountains just south of the capital city, Charleston.

"It was something that just felt good. I loved to compete. I just loved going out there just doing what kids do, just getting dirty," Moss said.

He landed at Marshall University after some off-the-field trouble kept him out of Florida State and Notre Dame, and he took the Thundering Herd to what was then the NCAA Division I-AA national championship in 1996. Several NFL teams remained wary of his past, but Vikings head coach Dennis Green didn't flinch when Moss was still on the board in the 1998 draft with the 21st overall pick. Moss never forgot the teams that passed on him, with especially punishing performances against Dallas, Detroit and Green Bay.

"I just carried a certain chip on my shoulder because the way I grew up playing was just basically having a tough mentality," Moss said. "Crying, hurting, in pain? So what? Get up, and let's go."

The Vikings finished 15-1 in 1998, infamously missing the Super Bowl by a field goal. The next draft Authentic Derrick Henry Jersey , the Packers took cornerbacks with their first three picks.

Moss never escaped his reputation as a moody player whose behavior and effort were often questioned. That led to his first departure from Minnesota, via trade to Oakland in 2005.

The Raiders dealt him to New England in 2007, when the Patriots became the first 16-0 team before losing in the Super Bowl, to the New York Giants.

After a rocky 2010 for Moss, including being traded by the Patriots and released by the Vikings, he took a year off. He returned in 2012 to reach one more Super Bowl with the San Francisco 49ers.

Moss was not a particularly physical player, but for his lanky frame he had plenty of strength. His combination of height and speed was exceptional, and his instincts for the game were too.

Carter taught him how to watch the video board at the Metrodome to find the ball in the air, and he had a knack for keeping his hands close enough to his body that if the defensive back in coverage had his back to the quarterback he couldn't tell when the ball was about to arrive.

In an NFL Films clip that captured a sideline conversation between him and Cunningham during one game, Moss yelled, "Throw it up above his head! They can't jump with me! Golly!"

For Vikings wide receiver Adam Thielen, who has lived his entire life in Minnesota, was a sports-loving 8-year-old in 1998 when Moss helped lead the Vikings to what was then the NFL season scoring record with 556 points. The first team to break it was New England in 2007 with, again, Moss as the premier pass-catcher who set the all-time record that year with 23 touchdown catches.

"It's fun to look back at his career and watch his old film. I love when that stuff pops up on Instagram, to be able to watch some of those old Randy plays that made me want to play this game," Thielen said. "I try to emulate him as much as I can."

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BALTIMORE (AP) — As long as Mike Tomlin is standing on the Pittsburgh sideline Womens T.Y. Hilton Jersey , watching Ben Roethlisberger pass to Antonio Brown or give the ball to Le’Veon Bell, the Steelers will be favored to win the AFC North.

It makes no difference that Randy Fichtner is the new offensive coordinator, or that Roethlisberger turned 36 in March.

The Steelers are going to score points, and they’re going to play their best against division rivals in big games.

Baltimore knows this all too well. Two years ago, Bell rushed for 122 yards and Roethlisberger connected with Brown for a last-minute touchdown in a 31-27 victory that clinched the AFC North title.

Last December, Roethlisberger threw for 506 yards and two TDs, Bell scored twice and the Steelers beat the Ravens 39-38.

Baltimore hopes to turn things around this year, but if the Ravens are to break a run of three straight years without a playoff appearance Authentic Derrick Henry Jersey , it will likely be as a wild card.

There are, by the way, two other teams in the division. Cincinnati and Cleveland deserve mention only because one will likely finish in third place and the other will occupy the cellar.

In Cincinnati, coach Marvin Lewis got a two-year extension despite his NFL-record 0-7 mark in the playoffs. After two straight losing seasons, he’s getting a 16th chance to finally get it right.

Cleveland is coming off an 0-16 embarrassment and can only hope to be respectable. Since the creation of the current AFC North in 2002, the Browns are the only team never to finish in first place.

Some things to know about the AFC North:

FOR WHOM THE BELL TOILS: Pittsburgh and its “Killer Bs” — Roethlisberger, Brown and Bell — have reached the playoffs four straight years. Yet all those trips to January have turned into just three postseason wins and no trips to the Super Bowl.

While the rejuvenated Roethlisberger believes he can play until he nears 40, this may be his last legitimate shot to win a third championship. Bell is likely in his final year in black-and-gold after being unable to come to terms with the club on a new long-term deal.

Bell is one of the most versatile backs in the league and not easily replaceable. He won’t lack for motivation. He believes he’s a unique talent and wants the paycheck to prove it.

Pittsburgh’s best chance to return to the Super Bowl will rely heavily on having Bell at the top of his game and will certainly take the tradeoff of seeing Bell elsewhere in 2019 if it means hoisting the Lombardi Trophy in February.

FAREWELL TOUR: Ozzie Newsome is the only general manager the Ravens have ever had Cal Clutterbuck Jersey , running the show in Baltimore since the team arrived from Cleveland before the 1996 season.

Newsome will be stepping aside after this season, to be replaced by current assistant GM Eric DeCosta, who in 2019 will finally get the job he wanted after spurning offers from several other clubs.

The Ravens have won two Super Bowls under Newsome, who in his final season has assembled a team that appears better than last year’s model.

Having provided quarterback Joe Flacco with a new receiving group, Newsome addressed Baltimore’s most glaring weakness in 2017.

BENGALS ON THE LINE: Cincinnati’s offense finished last in the league in yards last season, the worst showing in franchise history. The focus of their offseason was overhauling the line, which failed to protect Andy Dalton or open holes in the running game.

The Bengals fired line coach Paul Alexander, traded with Buffalo for left tackle Cordy Glenn Jake Allen Jersey , signed right tackle Bobby Hart and drafted center Billy Price in the first round from Ohio State. Despite all that, the right side of the line struggled against the Cowboys in the second preseason game, renewing concerns that problems remain.

GOTTA BE BETTER, CAN’T GET WORSE: Cleveland coach Hue Jackson is 1-31 in two seasons with Cleveland, but Browns owners Dee and Jimmy Haslam still believe they hired the right coach in 2016. Time will tell, but the pressure is on Jackson from the get-go to win or there could be more changes in a team that has known mostly upheaval for 20 years.

The Browns drafted quarterback Baker Mayfield with the No. 1 overall pick, but the Heisman Trophy winner will begin the year as a backup to Tyrod Taylor, who helped Buffalo snap a 17-year postseason drought last season.

MONTREAL (AP) Montreal Canadiens defenseman Shea Weber will be out for an extended period after undergoing arthroscopic knee surgery to repair a torn meniscus in his right knee.

The Canadiens said Thursday that Weber’s recovery time is expected to be five to six months Claude Giroux Jersey , meaning he won’t be suiting up until December at the earliest.

It’s the second surgery this year for Weber, who had a torn tendon in his left foot repaired in March.

Team surgeon Dr. David Mulder said the damage to Weber’s knee was discovered last month as part of his rehabilitation from foot surgery.

The 32-year-old Weber said earlier this year that his foot injury occurred in Montreal’s season opener against the Buffalo Sabres.

He continued to play with the torn tendon until a Dec. 16 game in Ottawa, when he realized the situation wasn’t improving. Weber had six goals and 10 assists in 26 games despite the injury.

He was acquired by Montreal in a June 2016 trade that sent popular defenseman P.K. Subban to the Nashville Predators.

Weber has 189 goals, 312 assists and 620 penalty minutes over 13 seasons with Nashville and Montreal.

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In the aftermath of Wednesday’s decision by the NFL to alter the anthem policy in a way that managed to do more harm than good Authentic Gustav Nyquist Jersey , the NFL Players Association wasn’t happy. The NFL’s players can do something about that in a way that is far more immediate and tangible than pursuing legal remedies over the next several months.

The NFL’s players can make their displeasure known by boycotting OTAs.

Technically (but not actually), these ongoing offseason workouts are voluntary. There’s no requirement to be there. So if the players aren’t happy with ownership right now, all they have to do is nothing.

Yes, some players would jeopardize offseason workout bonuses if they miss more than 10 or 20 percent of the total offseason program. But if players aren’t willing to go without a six-figure payment in order to prove a point now, how will they ever go without seven-figure salaries when the time comes to consider striking, or not caving in the face of a lockout?

Besides, it’s not as if all players need to not show up. If the NFL’s starting quarterbacks come together and agree to make it known to all other quarterbacks on the roster that none of them will be working, well, good luck having football practice with no quarterbacks.

And if any of the young quarterbacks decide to cross the de facto picket line, consider this cautionary tale from Paul Zimmerman’s memoir.

In 1974, Chiefs quarterback David Jaynes, a third-round rookie Youth Derek Stepan Jersey , crossed the picket line. Center Jack Rudnay, who was the leader of Kansas City’s strike effort, had a message for Jaynes when the strike ended.

“Before practice Rudnay had taken a pair of scissors and cut out the crotch of his football pants,” Zimmerman writes. “When he got down to snap the ball, everything was hanging out. Jaynes began his call . . . he reached down . . . and the ball went flying out of his hands.”

Coach Hank Stram, monitoring practice from a tower, yelled, “What’s the hell’s going on down there?”

“He won’t take the snap, Coach,” Rudnay replied.

“Well, get another quarterback in there,” Stram said.

And that Womens Samuel Girard Jersey , according to Zimmerman, was the beginning of the end for David Jaynes.

At best, it’s the end of the beginning of the NFL’s anthem controversy. If the players are genuinely upset about what has happened, it also could be the beginning of perhaps the most significant thing they can do.

Come Tuesday morning, they can not show up.

Rashad Greene has missed nearly twice as many games as he's played in three seasons with the Jacksonville Jaguars, leaving the receiver with plenty to prove going into the final year of his rookie contract.

It's not an ideal position. It's also not one Greene seems concerned about.

"I'm a deep thinker and I'm aware that life is going to hit you sometimes," Greene said after minicamp Wednesday. "It's hitting me this way, and it's my job. You've got to be able to bounce back and be strong and show that you can overcome adversity. It builds character and makes you a better person."

He's counting on it making him a better player, too.

Just being healthy is a good start.

Greene missed seven games as a rookie in 2015 because of a broken thumb. He missed eight more the following year because of an Achilles injury. He sat out all of last season with an ailing back.

Even with the injuries mounting, his confidence never wavered.

So it didn't bother him when the Jaguars signed Donte Moncrief to a one-year, $9.6 million deal in free agency or when they selected DJ Chark in the second round of the NFL draft.

"I wasn't thinking, 'Oh Connor Brown Jersey , this is the end,' or getting agitated with what was going on," Greene said. "You've got to make plays. At the end of the day, it's a job, and if you don't make plays, you're not going to make the team. That's imperative.

"You can't have anxiety. You just got to relax, have fun and make plays."

Greene would have been considered a long shot to make Jacksonville's roster just a few weeks ago. But the former Florida State standout, a fifth-round draft pick in 2015, has made his share of plays during organized team activities.

He's been so impressive that he looks like a strong option to be part of a rotation that includes Marqise Lee, Moncrief, Keelan Cole and Chark.

"A lot of times when you are injured, you do not have that ability to showcase what you can do Michael Frolik Jersey ," coach Doug Marrone said. "I think he went through that last year and right now he is healthy, performing well and looking a lot like the player that I first saw when he came here, making plays and doing things.

"I think that if he keeps continuing the way he does and continues to play this way during training camp and the preseason, he will be heavily involved in the mix of making this team."

Greene has 24 receptions for 125 yards and two touchdowns. He's been more dynamic on special teams, returning 39 punts for 432 yards and a score. He averaged 16.7 yards a punt return as a rookie.

But injuries have been his more prominent story line.

"He is definitely versatile," offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett said. "He is a smooth wide receiver that has a lot of good quick shake and control of his body. He is a guy that we are excited to see as the pads come on and as training camp goes. We just want to keep seeing him. He is doing everything he can to put himself in position to get out on the field."

And maybe watch less and play more.

"All I can ask for is a chance," Greene said. "And the organization is giving me that. It feels great to be out there and competing. I'm having fun, and I can live with the results."

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Just as the Golden State Warriors had hoped Zack Smith Jersey , Stephen Curry is poised to return from a left knee injury to play in Game 2 of the Western Conference semifinals Tuesday night against New Orleans.

Coach Steve Kerr listed the two-time MVP as probable Monday with the idea that he’s a go to play as long as no issues arise with Curry’s sprained left knee in the morning shootaround or before the game. Kerr didn’t say whether Curry would start or come off the bench but he won’t have a minutes restriction.

”He’ll want to get his legs underneath him,” Kerr said after practice. ”So we’ll try to find that balance between being cautious and letting him go a little bit.”

Golden State leads the best-of-seven series 1-0 after a 123-101 rout in the opener Saturday.

Curry has a history of returning to the court from injury and finding his groove immediately.

”I expect him to be who he is,” Kevin Durant said Monday. ”I’m not saying it’s guaranteed to happen. But he puts in the work and prepares himself right when he’s put in that position, so when he comes out and he plays well it’s not a surprise to me at all.”

Curry participated in his first full-contact practice in more than a month last Thursday and then scrimmaged Friday 5-on-5. On Sunday, Curry scrimmaged with some of the reserves before the Warriors brass and medical staff determined he is ready for game action again.

”Right from that window up there I had one eye on the game tape and one eye on Steph. I had a good vantage point,” Kerr said. ”He came out of it good. I talked to him afterward and he came out well. Feeling good today, went through the whole practice, so I’d be very surprised if he didn’t play. But just for caution issue, we’ll wait `til tomorrow to see how he’s feeling.”

Curry was injured March 23 in the same game where he had come back from a six-game absence with a right ankle injury.

”He needs rhythm http://www.officialflyersproshop.com/authentic-adidas-nolan-patrick-jersey ,” Kerr said. ”The only factor in terms of allowing him to play is health, and he’s ready to go. He’s been cleared. Now it’s a question of rhythm and how much time we give him, and that’s important. He needs to get his groove back.”

Curry also missed 11 games in December with a sprained right ankle.

He played in only 51 of 82 regular-season games for the defending champions.

”It’s been interesting. Obviously when I’m out there I’ve been playing well, playing at a very high level, we’ve been winning” Curry said. ”You have some kind of unfortunate situations, landing on somebody’s foot, being in the wrong place at the wrong time, whatever the case is, missing games. The back of my mind I know I’m still durable Niklas Hjalmarsson Jersey , I’m still a player that’s expected to be out there every single night helping my team win. And that confidence in myself has never wavered.”

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The Tennessee Titans are heading into their 20th season with that nickname sporting a new look that wound up more of an update featuring some subtle changes.

And the Titans themselves love the redesign.

”This is that fierce, tough, Titan look that we all wanted,” linebacker Brian Orakpo said decked out in the all-white road uniform. ”I was kind of skeptical at first with the whole new uniform change and things like that because you got so accustomed to the old ones. But these, we’re going to love them. I know the rest of the guys are going to love them too.”

The Titans unveiled the first major redesign of their uniforms in two decades Wednesday night with quite a party of a fashion show. An estimated 20,000 fans packed shoulder to shoulder over two city blocks blocked off on Nashville’s famous honky tonk row for the event being capped with a concert by popular country pop duo Florida Georgia Line and fireworks.

”Man, it was electric,” All-Pro safety Kevin Byard said. ”I didn’t realize how many people were out there until I actually got on stage and it was stretching out so far back on Broadway man it was excellent man just to see so many fans excited to see this jersey even though the leak and things like that it’s definitely great.”

Quarterback Marcus Mariota, Byard Gustav Forsling Jersey , Orakpo, tight end Delanie Walker and Pro Bowlers in left tackle Taylor Lewan and defensive lineman Jurrell Casey showed off the variety of options on a stage across the river from Nissan Stadium.

Controlling owner Amy Adams Strunk gave some tips at the NFL owners meetings, noting all her friends in Tennessee and Texas have been trying to get her to spill what the uniforms will look like. She had promised a ”significant” change to what was first introduced in April 1999 as part of the franchise’s switch from the Tennessee Oilers and the old Houston logo and uniforms.

The Titans’ uniforms went through very minor tweaks in 2012, with Nike unveiling some new technology, but essentially the look remained the same.

The biggest switch comes with the helmet as the Titans are going from white with two navy blue stripes to navy blue with one stripe in two-toned silver for a sword. The fireball remains on the sides.

For the jersey, the Titans will wear navy at home, white on the road and light blue as the color rush option. The change comes on the shoulders with a two-toned silver mimicking the sword in the team logo along with a new light blue insert under each arm. There’s also a two-tone silver stripe on the outside of the pants.

The numbers feature a point in honor of the state’s northeast corner, with red stars from the Tennessee flag inside the back neckline.

Tennessee has been teasing the new uniforms for weeks after the franchise was routed by New England in the divisional round of the playoffs before firing coach Mike Mularkey and then hiring new coach Mike Vrabel .

Eddie George, who helped introduce the original uniforms in 1999 Mark Scheifele Jersey , was on hand with Frank Wycheck, Blaine Bishop and Craig Hentrich. George said he was a bit jealous of the upgrade and noted that the Titans went to their lone Super Bowl in Atlanta the last time the team unveiled new uniforms.

”So hopefully the signs are all heading toward having a great year for the Titans and ending in Atlanta with us crossing over the 1-yard line for a win, a Super Bowl win,” George said. ”So I’m hoping it all leads to that great outcome.”

The big show and turnout should only help Nashville’s bid to host the NFL draft in either 2019 or 2020, a decision being made at the spring NFL owners’ meetings.

”I think Nashville needs to host the NFL draft,” Adams Strunk told fans.

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Kyrie Irving doesn’t have to worry about free agency until next summer Michael Frolik Jersey , though he’s got plenty to keep him busy for now.

There’s a movie to promote and a knee to mend. He hopes he’s good on screen, but wants to be better than ever on the court.

”Now becomes the real climb to Mount Everest, back to the top,” Irving said Monday. ”So I’m just taking my time.”

The Boston Celtics All-Star is hoping he can start playing again in a couple weeks. But he’s staying patient in his rehab from late-season surgery because of an infection in his knee, figuring the extra time can only help after he played deep into June the previous two years with the Cleveland Cavaliers.

He was traded to the Celtics last summer while filming ”Uncle Drew.” The movie, in which he plays an old playground basketball legend who started as a character in Pepsi commercials, premieres in New York on Tuesday and opens nationwide Friday.

The Cavaliers gave Irving’s former jersey number to Collin Sexton, drafted last week with the No. 8 pick that Cleveland acquired from Boston in the trade. But Irving wasn’t upset, saying he already gave away the only Cavs’ No. 2 that matters to him – the one he wore while hitting the biggest shot in the franchise’s history.

That was on Father’s Day in 2016 Womens Connor Hellebuyck Jersey , the night Irving nailed the 3-pointer that helped the Cavaliers beat the Warriors in Game 7 of the NBA Finals for the franchise’s first championship.

”The history, it’s already captured, man,” Irving said. ”I was on one of the best teams in NBA history in my opinion, just accomplishing something that was that much bigger than ourselves. A feat that was, we’re one of no other teams. We’re like 1 of 1, in history. So for me, I think the biggest thing was giving that jersey to my dad, and if that’s where the No. 2 legacy ends Casey Cizikas Jersey , then cool.”

Though Irving asked to be traded – a request LeBron James hoped the Cavs wouldn’t honor – he looks back fondly on his time in what’s now Sexton’s number.

”I gave a lot of commitment and sacrifice to being there from Day 1, so to have that six-year span of doing some unbelievable things, I’m definitely happy about it,” he said. ”I never shy away from that in terms of Cleveland giving me the opportunity to a 19-year-old kid of wearing No. 2. Now, it’s just a transition in the league.

”There’s no hard feelings from my end. But now he has to start from kind of the chopping block just like everyone else did, so I’m excited for him.”

And he’s excited for ”Uncle Drew,” in which Irving rounds up his old teammates to play in a tournament at New York’s Rucker Park. Shaquille O’Neal, Reggie Miller, Chris Webber and Nate Robinson star as his old running mates. They were on set with him when they started getting alerts that Irving had been traded.

”Once it happened Jordan Staal Jersey , the dancing just got a little better,” Irving said.

Irving needed three hours of makeup daily to look like a senior citizen before the 14 hours a day of filming. He believes his love of basketball shows up through his role of wise old sage who hangs around the courts – though Irving himself hasn’t played on outdoor playgrounds in years.

His game is indoors now, and he plans on being back there this summer before dealing with his own free agency next summer.

”Not just the same way but also a lot better,” Irving said. ”That’s where the focus has to be. If you leave any room for doubt or uncertainly, I mean you might as well get out of the game.”

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For the first time in years, the Toronto Maple Leafs are in the聽better half of the NHL. After a remarkable season last year, the Maple Leafs are looking to improve even more and show the NHL that they mean business. With the emergence of young forwards like Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner, and William Nylander Authentic Benoit Pouliot Jersey , the Maple Leafs are a team that are going to be at the top of the offensive charts for years. Yet, there are still a handful of areas that they need to improve upon if they want to have success now. To fix these holes, they will need to rid of their surplus players, even if they are beloved by the city.

With all of that said, this article will focus on ten players that the Maple Leafs need to acquire and five that they need to rid of. The areas that the Maple Leafs need to focus primarily on聽are聽their below average defence and veteran presences in the locker room. The Maple Leafs have accomplished so much since the start of their post-Phil Kessel era and it is now time for them to try to win. The future looks very bright for the Maple Leafs, but there still is some serious work to do before they can classify themselves as true contenders.

Nonetheless, let鈥檚 look at the players they should acquire to help their chances of winning and five players they could get rid of in the process.

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Dez Bryant said last Thursday that he will be heading to Cleveland to meet with the Browns this week and one member of the team has already said he wants Bryant to stick around for the regular season.

It’s not clear whether quarterback Tyrod Taylor‘s opinion will impact the decision to sign the wide receiver and it didn’t come up when head coach Hue Jackson talked about Bryant’s visit on Sunday. Jackson framed the decision as one that will come down to how Bryant will mesh with the team on and off the field.

“It’s a discussion Jimmy Howard Jersey ,” Jackson said, via Cleveland.com. “We have a lot of good things going, but at the same time I don’t think you can ever have too many good football players as long as they fit and as long as it’s the right fit for the organization, for the locker room and for all involved.”

There’s been debate this offseason about how good a football player Bryant is at this point, but the team is clearly interested in finding out as they work to flesh out a receiver group that’s missing Josh Gordon for an indefinite period of time.

GOLD COAST, Australia (AP) — He can laugh about it now, the concept of being “too big” that led him on this extraordinary journey to the Philadelphia Eagles.

Jordan Mailata has made the cut for the Super Bowl champions’ 53-man roster less than a year after first putting on a helmet and is ready to start his rookie season.

Mailata grew up in western Sydney, dreaming of making his living in Australia’s National Rugby League. He got close Roman Josi Jersey , too, with his work ethic and his pure bulk impressing the senior coaches at South Sydney, the NRL club owned by the actor Russell Crowe.

But, somehow, a theory that at 6-foot-8 and more than 350 pounds Mailata was too big for a game that relies so heavily on aerobic fitness became a potential roadblock to a lucrative contact. So his agent put together a highlight video of this human wrecking ball rampaging through defenses and making crunching tackles in the NRL’s under-20 competition and sent it around.

The video was designed, Mailata said, “to help generate interest in the rugby universe.”

It did way more than that.

“At the same time it generated attention in the NFL,” he said. “I was quite lucky when I reached the crossroad in my life Devan Dubnyk Jersey , the NFL pathway reached out to me as another avenue to pursue. That’s what it came down to.”

Navigating the NFL’s International Pathway program and the draft and then making the Eagles’ roster has been, as the 21-year-old offensive tackle put it, “surreal.”

A couple of nights before the Eagles were scheduled to open the season against Atlanta, Mailata was doing a telephone conference with reporters in Australia, where his story is making news even as the rugby league season heads into the playoffs. It was Wednesday morning in Sydney, and Mailata prefaced his response to the first question: “Good to hear another Aussie on the phone.”

And with that, he may have single-handedly increased the NFL’s audience Down Under.

Mailata didn’t play football high school or college and wasn’t even thinking about the game in his late teens. He had two heart operations in 2015 which interrupted his junior rugby league progress, but has been given the all-clear. All in all Nathan MacKinnon Jersey , it has been a very non-conventional approach to the NFL.

“I guess it’s every American football player’s dream to be part of an NFL team and I’m quite lucky to be living my own dreams and theirs,” Mailata said.

While being so big was a benefit in short bursts, it was also the concern for top-flight rugby league coaches who figured Mailata would lack endurance.

Michael Maguire guided South Sydney to a drought-breaking NRL title in 2014 and remained as coach of the Rabbitohs until last year, when he crossed paths with Mailata. He saw plenty of character in Mailata, but realized as soon as reports filtered back about him being interested in the NFL scouting combine that the young player was better suited to the American game.

“He’s huge, obviously, but he’s also explosive out of the blocks and agile for a man his size,” Maguire wrote in an article for PlayersVoice. “Whereas the repeat efforts required in rugby league weren’t suited to a bloke of his genetics Authentic Nick Bjugstad Jersey , the explosiveness needed in the NFL definitely is.

“Short bursts of maximum effort. That’s a great match for him.”

Mailata is confident he can handle the physical elements of the NFL. The tactical and technical side of the game is his focus right now, and he’s dedicated to learning the playbook.

The Eagles list Mailata at 6-foot-8 and 346 pounds, so he’s big but not the biggest player in the league. He would have been the biggest player in the NRL, and that would have made him a big target for defenders.

“I didn’t feel I was too big to play. It wasn’t a self-proclaimed label I gave myself — it was something I was told,” he said. “There were a lot of second-grade contracts up for grabs. Personally, I wanted a full-time contract so I could develop.

“Making the decision to transition was a shot I was willing to take once I was labeled too big to play rugby,” he added. “I laugh at it now.”

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The Ravens opened training camp with five players on the physically unable to perform list Sergei Bobrovsky Jersey , but one of the quintet has been activated.

The team announced on Friday morning that tight end Vince Mayle is off the PUP list. Mayle was bothered by a high ankle sprain, but passed his physical and is now eligible to practice with the rest of the team.

Mayle saw most of his time on special teams while appearing in all 16 games last season, but did carry the ball twice for two yards and a touchdown during his 21 offensive snaps. Now that he’s healthy Eric Staal Jersey , he’ll be vying for time at tight end with Nick Boyle, Maxx Williams, first-round pick Hayden Hurst and third-round pick Mark Andrews. Andrews is not practicing right now due to a soft-tissue injury.

Guard Marshal Yanda Justin Braun Jersey Kids , cornerback Jaylen Hill, linebacker Bam Bradley and wide receiver Quincy Adeboyejo remain on the PUP list.

ASHBURN, Va. (AP) — The Washington Redskins have signed four-time All-Pro running back Adrian Peterson.

The team announced the deal Monday after meeting with Peterson. Jamaal Charles and Orleans Darkwa also visited the Redskins the past two days after several injuries at the position http://www.officialislanders.com/authentic-adidas-nick-leddy-jersey , with the team opting to sign Peterson and De’Veon Smith.

Peterson, 33, joins his fourth team as he enters what would be his 12th NFL season. The 2012 MVP is 12th all-time in rushing with 12 http://www.officialpenguinsproshop.com/authentic-adidas-justin-schultz-jersey ,276 yards and needs 37 to pass Jim Brown.

The former Minnesota Vikings star split last season between Arizona and New Orleans, playing six games for the Cardinals and four for the Saints and finishing with 529 yards rushing and two touchdowns. Peterson is not guaranteed the starting job with Washington and will likely share responsibilities with Rob Kelley and third-down back Chris Thompson.

Washington also waived offensive tackle Cameron Jefferson with an injury designation.

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No debate that the most important position in the NFL is quarterback. But in fantasy Tim Schaller Jersey , there may be as much depth at the position as there ever has been.

Sure, we'd all like Green Bay superstar Aaron Rodgers to start for our teams, but that privilege may not be worth a third- or fourth-round pick in most leagues.

Unless you're in a league in which you can start more than one QB (superflex/2 QB leagues) or one that awards 6 points for a touchdown pass, do not take a QB until the eighth round at the earliest.

This isn't to say that you should completely pass on players like Rodgers or New England's Tom Brady. If Rodgers falls to the fifth round or later, the value would be too good. But generally, load up on as many running backs and wide receivers as possible.

The depth at QB means you can get a player like Philip Rivers (Chargers), Ben Roethlisberger (Pittsburgh) or Andrew Luck (Indianapolis) later in your draft. They each have warts but it's better to have depth at RB or WR in the middle rounds rather than take a QB that may not outscore someone you can draft several rounds later by anything more than a few points per week.

History tells us that there will be several top QBs that will outscore others at that position by a significant amount, but the passers ranked No. 4 to No. 13 will be separated by about 4 fantasy points per week. That just isn't enough of a difference to justify passing on a third running back or receiver.

A question that every fantasy owner should ask when thinking about drafting a top-level QB is whether the team will look better with that QB and a running back like Marlon Mack, or with a receiver like Golden Tate and Luck. Take the second option every time.

When it comes to quarterbacks and other positions, fantasy analysts place players in tiers. Rodgers is in a tier all by himself. He is the best fantasy QB today and it may not be all that close. Don't be worried about the broken collarbone from last season. Rodgers has the arm strength to throw every pass required and although he won't run as much as Carolina's Cam Newton or Seattle's Russell Wilson, he still has the ability to escape the pocket to gain yardage on the ground or more importantly, buy time for one of his receivers to get open.

The next tier has a few more options: Philadelphia's Carson Wentz, Houston's Deshaun Watson, Newton, Wilson and Brady. Any one of them can start for your fantasy team but they aren't perfect by any means.

Newton had accuracy problems throughout his career and they aren't likely to improve much this season. Still Ryan Getzlaf Jersey , his ability to scramble for yardage and TDs make him valuable. Wentz may or may not be ready for Week 1. If you draft Wentz, you may feel the need to select Nick Foles later as insurance. While no one can truly blame you for doing so, it's a waste of a valuable bench slot. Watson is also coming off a torn ACL and one has to wonder if he will be able to move around as well as he did last season, and let's also not forget that he only has a handful of starts under his belt. You may love Wilson for what he did last year, but now that Doug Baldwin (knee) could miss the entire preseason and Jimmy Graham left via free agency, there just isn't much left for him to throw to. Brady may be the greatest real-life QB of all time, but the team lost Nate Solder and Brandin Cooks and Julian Edelman is suspended for four games. Throw in that rookie running back Sony Michel will undergo knee surgery and maybe this won't be his year.

After those top QBs are gone, wait another round or two and just take whoever's left. Drew Brees (New Orleans), Kirk Cousins (Minnesota), Matthew Stafford (Detroit), Roethlisberger, Rivers, and Luck round out the next tier. Brees is not the QB he once was. The Saints have one of the best ground attacks in the game and a legitimate defense. They don't need Brees to put the ball in the air 40-plus times a game anymore. Cousins has solid weapons around him and a strong defense. Now that he finally has the big contract he may finally relax and put up big numbers. Stafford is about as consistent as they come and is a safe play. Yeah, starting Roethlisberger on the road can be an issue as his splits are awful but perhaps a change in coordinators eliminates that problem. Rivers is sort of a forgotten man but like Stafford, also very consistent and won't cost you much. Luck's price is only going to get higher as fantasy owners start to believe in his health.

The position is so deep that even if you don't end up with one of the top 12 Chris Wideman Jersey , you still have the likes of Matt Ryan (Atlanta), Jimmy Garoppolo (San Francisco), Alex Smith (Washington) and Marcus Mariota (Tennessee) available.

That gives you the wiggle room to wait while filling other positions early.

ROTOEXPERTS TOP 15 QBS

Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay Packers

Tom Brady, New England Patriots

Russell Wilson, Seattle Seahawks

Carson Wentz, Philadelphia Eagles

Cam Newton, Carolina Panthers

Jimmy Garoppolo, San Francisco 49ers

Deshaun Watson, Houston Texans

Marcus Mariota, Tennessee Titans

Andrew Luck, Indianapolis Colts

Alex Smith, Washington Redskins

Philip Rivers, Los Angeles Chargers

Kirk Cousins, Minnesota Vikings

Ben Roethlisberger Authentic Carl Gunnarsson Jersey , Pittsburgh Steelers

Patrick Mahomes II, Kansas City Chiefs

Matt Ryan, Atlanta Falcons

HOUSTON — On Sunday, it was shortstop Carlos Correa who played a pivotal role in keeping Houston’s winning streak alive, belting a game-tying home run in the eighth inning as the Astros subsequently rolled to an 11th consecutive victory by rallying past the Kansas City Royals.

Houston (48-25) relied on a number of contributors to complete a 10-0 road trip through Texas, Oakland and Kansas City, with Correa following Evan Gattis, Max Stassi, Brian McCann and an assortment of others in striking the decisive blow to keep the line moving.

The Astros have benefited from a resurgent offense and exceptional work from their bullpen to set a pace as the hottest team in the majors, with their stellar road trip underscoring their might.

“This was incredible just by the way we played and the way we completed games,” Astros manager A.J. Hinch said. “Obviously, winning every game is incredible. We did it in a lot of different ways and so we want to keep the same intent and the same mentality that we’ve been playing with. It’s been pretty remarkable.

“It’s hard to put into words. It’s been somebody different every night. We’ve had good pitching; we’ve had good defense. We’ve rallied late, we’ve blown guys out early, so we’re in a good place right now and we’ve got to continue to do that going home.

“It was a long trip. We played in some hot weather. It’s a pretty resilient group to keep playing well and coming up with enough runs to win.”

Now the Astros return to Minute Maid Park to start a nine-game homestand on Monday against the Tampa Bay Rays. After improving to 29-11 on the road, the Astros are aiming to elevate their play at home Youth Kevin Labanc Jersey , where they’ve been only slightly better than pedestrian (19-14).

“Hopefully, we can go home and keep grinding and keep playing the way we’ve been playing,” Correa said.

Right-hander Gerrit Cole (8-1, 2.40 ERA) gets the starting nod for the Astros. Cole will face the Rays for the first time in his career. He allowed a season-high four runs in his previous start, working six innings and getting six strikeouts in a 13-5 win at Oakland on June 13.

Cole is 4-0 with a 3.89 ERA in his previous six starts, surrendering eight home runs during that stretch.

Right-hander Ryan Stanek (1-1, 2.55) will start the series opener for the Rays. It will mark the sixth start and 16th appearance of the season for Stanek, who has yet to face the Astros.

After working out of the bullpen three times in his first four appearances this month, Stanek logged consecutive abbreviated starts against the Toronto Blue Jays and New York Yankees on June 12 and 16, respectively.

Stanek’s outing against the Astros will mark the third consecutive bullpen day for the Rays (33-38), who claimed the finale of a four-game set in New York on Sunday behind 4 2/3 innings from right-hander Wilmer Font and four additional relievers.

The Rays welcomed back shortstop Adeiny Hechavarria from the 10-day disabled list, with Hechavarria finishing 3-for-4 with a run scored against the Yankees.

Hechavarria, who missed nearly a month with a right hamstring strain, is expected to play behind rookie Willy Adames and could be showcased as a trade chip in advance of the nonwaiver trade deadline.

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FLORHAM PARK Dan Hamhuis Jersey Kids , N.J. (AP) Sam Darnold huddled up with his Pad to keep on top of the New York Jets‘ offense during his brief contract holdout.

The rookie quarterback missed the first three practices of training camp while his representatives ironed out details of his four-year, $30.5 million fully guaranteed deal. But Darnold wasn’t very far from the field – literally.

Staying at a hotel just a few deep passes down the road from the Jets’ practice facility, the No. 3 overall pick was able to view film of the team’s camp sessions on his own while staying patient as his contract negotiations played out.

”It sucked watching them,” Darnold said Wednesday, speaking to reporters for the first time since rejoining the team Monday. ”But at the same time, I knew what needed to be done. It was tough watching them, but at the same time, I knew that it was necessary.”

The hang-up appeared to be over contract language – namely offsets and possibly defaults – and Pro Football Talk first reported that the deal includes offset language on future guarantees – if he gets cut. But the Jets also agreed to pay the quarterback’s full $20 million signing bonus within 15 days after Darnold signed Monday and removed language in the deal voiding guarantees based on fines by the NFL.

”I thought it played out great,” Darnold said. ”But honestly, you know, I think with the way that everything worked out, that’s why I have great agents because they’re able to figure that stuff out. And then whenever I get back on the field, that’s my job and my job is to play football to the best of my ability.”

While sitting out camp, Darnold said he worked out at the hotel gym and also was able to throw passes at a nearby high school with fellow clients of his agents’ group – CAA – serving as his receivers.

Darnold is competing with Josh McCown and Teddy Bridgewater for the Jets’ starting job, but has to make up for a little bit of lost time because of his early camp absences.

”That’s a coach’s decision,” Darnold said when asked if his goal is to be the starter in Week 1. ”The competitor in me, yeah, I want to start. But at the same time Kevin Shattenkirk Jersey , it’s about the team and what’s best for the team.”

Darnold has appeared comfortable running the offense, hardly looking like a lost 21-year-old who’s simply trying to tread water. He has made his share of mistakes, too, but his ability to immediately bounce back from them has been impressive.

”It was the second day for him,” coach Todd Bowles said. ”He’s learning, progressing. He’ll watch the film, learn and get better.”

After having his arm hit as he was throwing a pass that was intercepted by Morris Claiborne, Darnold completed a long pass to Chad Hansen for a big gain.

”We always talk about it in the quarterbacks room, but we also talk about it as a team: You want to limit your mistakes,” Darnold said. ”At the same time, if you do make a mistake, you don’t want to keep your head down. You want to hold your head up high and go after the next play with all you’ve got. So that’s kind of our mentality here, but that’s also been my mentality throughout playing football.”

That cool-headed, veteran-like approach has impressed his teammates.

”Just his decision-making with the football,” running back Bilal Powell said. ”Just taking what the defense gives him and not just trying to force it in there. He’s a smart guy and I think he’s going to do well in this league.”

Added Bridgewater: ”I’m a huge fan of Sam Darnold. I’m glad to be in the quarterback room with him.”

While a rookie holding out might rub some teammates the wrong way, many insisted they understand the business side of the game and didn’t resent Darnold for not being there with them when camp opened.

That didn’t make the young QB immune from some good-natured razzing, of course.

He received a slow-clap as he jogged onto the field for the first time Monday, causing him to break into a sheepish smile just before practice.

”That was awesome Authentic Alexander Radulov Jersey ,” Darnold said with a laugh. ”To be able to just be a part of that, not really expecting anything and them doing that, it kind of pushed everything – me not showing up to camp on time and me being late – it kind of pushed all that aside. It made me feel comfortable and made me feel like a part of the team.”

Darnold was the main attraction during and after practice Wednesday, with a couple dozen reporters and cameras surrounding him as he spoke.

Even the other two quarterbacks knew who everyone wanted to hear from.

Bridgewater went first and cracked about how he was part of the undercard to the main event. McCown then compared himself to a warmup act at a concert.

”I’ve only got three songs,” the 39-year-old quarterback joked, ”and one of `em is a cover.”

Then, the headliner made his way to the podium.

”Personally, because I have really high expectations for myself, I’ve got a ways to go in terms of growth,” Darnold said. ”But I feel comfortable with the offense at a rudimentary level.”

—

The Los Angeles Rams exceeded every expectation and stunned the NFL during their surge to an 11-win season and the NFC West title.

That didn’t make the Rams’ opening-round playoff loss to Atlanta any easier to bear – at least not while it’s still fresh for the players and coaches who led the turnaround to get there.

”It’s a good start, a great start,” receiver Robert Woods said Sunday. ”But we’ve got to keep building.”

The Rams’ comeback season is over after a 26-13 loss to the defending NFC champion Atlanta Falcons on Saturday night. The players still seemed stunned by the abrupt conclusion to a remarkable turnaround season as they cleaned out their lockers at the team’s training complex.

”It’s hard, because we had a good thing going,” guard Jamon Brown said. ”For it to come to a halt and stop like it did, it’s tough. But we learned that we have the guys to do it. It was a matter of having the scheme, having the right coaches, having the right attitude. We’re going to get better.”

After 13 consecutive non-winning seasons and 12 straight non-playoff seasons, the Rams (11-6) suddenly had it all under 31-year-old Sean McVay Duncan Keith Jersey , who became the youngest head coach in league history to reach the playoffs. Los Angeles improved by seven wins on last season’s performance while moving from 32nd in the NFL in scoring in 2016 to first this season, more than doubling last season’s point production.

Although McVay said he isn’t sure exactly what to do this week, he hopes his players will understand they’re only as good as what happens next year. After outstanding seasons from Todd Gurley, Jared Goff and Aaron Donald, the Rams have pieces in place to do this again and again, McVay believes.

”I think this organization is going in the right direction,” McVay said. ”I think we’ve got a good foundation in place that we can build on, but by no means does that mean that you win games automatically next year. While we did win some games this year, you still have to earn everything.”

The Rams have several decisions to make in the offseason on the fates of free-agent players including cornerback Trumaine Johnson, receiver Sammy Watkins and linebacker Connor Barwin. But after a season that revitalized a franchise and a fan base, McVay and the Rams appear to be on the way up.

Here are more things to watch as the Rams move on:

TRU STORY: Six Rams starters will be unrestricted free agents, including three defensive backs: Johnson, Lamarcus Joyner and Nickell Robey-Coleman. Johnson played the last two seasons under the franchise tag, but is likely to get a big contract this offseason as an elite cover cornerback. Los Angeles must navigate potential upheaval in the secondary, perhaps by drafting a cornerback or safety, if it hopes to return with another strong defense.

PAY THE MAN: Donald is entering the final year of his rookie contract, and the Rams seem unlikely to force their All-Pro defensive lineman into another holdout – except that also seemed unlikely this season, when Donald skipped the entirety of training camp and didn’t play in the first regular-season game. Donald is the Rams’ defensive cornerstone Youth Matthew Tkachuk Jersey , and getting a record-setting deal done will be high on general manager Les Snead’s to-do list, just as it was last year.

SAMMY’S FUTURE: Watkins occasionally clicked with Goff after arriving during the preseason in a trade with Buffalo, catching 39 passes for 593 yards and eight touchdowns. But Goff clearly had more familiarity with Robert Woods and Cooper Kupp, and it showed. Watkins is a free agent, but could be kept in LA with the franchise tag or the transition tag. Watkins said he would love to stay with the Rams, but added: ”I just know it’s a business. Since I got traded from the Bills, it’s like anything can happen. I didn’t see that coming. I think I played pretty hard this year, and I can’t wait to see what my future holds, here or anywhere else.”

NEW QBs COACH?: McVay all but confirmed that quarterbacks coach Greg Olson is talking about moving to Oakland to work for new coach Jon Gruden, who happens to be McVay’s mentor. If Olson leaves, Goff will have his third position coach in three seasons. McVay encourages his assistants to move up in the coaching world, but he also hopes to keep the rest of his staff intact, saying he anticipates no changes other than the possible departure of Olson.

UNSWEET HOME: The Rams’ playoff loss was their fifth in eight games this season at the Coliseum, where the franchise is just 4-11 since returning home from St. Louis in 2016. The Rams also lost their final three home games this year despite increasingly raucous crowds while their improved play grabbed the attention of LA’s long-abandoned football fans. Linebacker Alec Ogletree believes the Rams had a strong us-against-the-world vibe while going 8-1 away from the Coliseum this season, but nobody is quite sure how to replicate it. With two seasons left in the Coliseum before the opening of their lavish Inglewood palace, McVay said the Rams must figure out how to play better at home.

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