Canada and Sweden will face off for gold medal at the world junior hockey championship Friday night.

”I think it’s the two best teams that are going to meet Tomas Hertl Jersey ,” Swedish goaltender Filip Gustavsson said.

Gustavsson made 29 saves and Sweden had a three-goal third period to beat the defending champion United States on Thursday in the first semifinal.

Drake Batherson had a hat trick to lead Canada over the Czech Republic 7-2 and into the title game for the third time in four years.

Canada and Sweden have played for the gold medal game three times before, in 1996, 2008 and 2009. The Canadians won all three contests.

With the expected No. 1 pick in this year’s NHL draft, defenseman Rasmus Dahlin, and several other top prospects on the roster, the Swedes believe they have the talent to claim their first gold medal since 2012. Sweden finished fourth each of the last three years after finishing second in 2013 and 2014.

”Everyone is here to win,” Swedish coach Tomas Moten said. ”So if we’re not going to win tomorrow, I don’t think the feeling will be any different than last year when we lost the bronze medal game.”

The U.S. was trying to become the first country to win back-to-back gold medals since Canada claimed five straight from 2005-09. The Americans have never won a gold medal on home ice.

”This one blindsided us because we felt so strong with how we were going,” U.S. coach Bob Motzko said. ”We had a vampire suck it out of us today. It just tells you how tough it is.”

Elias Pettersson, Lias Andersson, Oskar Steen and Axel Jonsson Fjallby scored for Sweden, which has not trailed in any game during the tournament. Linus Lindstrom had two assists.

”We have every chance to win gold,” Dahlin said. ”We’re so excited about tomorrow.”

Sam Steel, Maxime Comtois, Jordan Kyrou and Boris Katchouk also had goals for Canada, which has won every game in dominating fashion aside from its 4-3 shootout loss to the U.S. in the preliminary round.

Canada came alive late in the first period after spotting the Czechs a 1-0 lead in the first six minutes. Steel and Batherson scored power-play goals to make it 2-1 by the end of the first.

”The first goal was more of a wakeup call for us Wayne Simmonds Jersey ,” Batherson said. ”After that, we played our game and showed our true colors.”

The Canadians scored four times in a 10-minute span of the second period. Batherson, a fourth-round draft choice of the Ottawa Senators, scored his third goal to make it 6-1 with 3:02 remaining in the third and tie U.S. forward Kieffer Bellows and the Czech Republic’s Filip Zadina for the tournament lead with seven goals.

Zadina, one of the top prospects eligible for this year’s NHL draft, scored both goals for the Czech Republic.

”I was glad to play well, but I’m so sad because we lost. My goals mean nothing,” Zadina said. ”We will do anything锟絫omorrow. We will die on the ice to bring a medal back to Czech Republic.”

After beating Canada in a shootout to win the gold medal last year, the U.S. will try for its sixth bronze medal against the Czechs on Friday. The Americans placed third in 1986, 1992, 2007, 2011 and 2016.

”The goal at the beginning of the tournament when everything starts is gold medal,” Bellows said, who scored his tournament-leading seventh goal against Sweden. ”But I know we have to push this behind us and get ready for the bronze medal game. We’re doing this for the team in the locker room and USA Hockey as a whole.”

The Czech Republic last won a bronze medal in 2005. Czechoslovakia placed third six times from 1977-1993.

Bellows and Brady Tkachuk scored late goals for the U.S. after Sweden built a 4-0 lead midway through the third period.

The U.S. controlled the action for much of the first two periods before Pettersson’s power-play goal put Sweden ahead 1-0 with 6:30 left in the second.

With U.S. defenseman Dylan Samberg in the penalty box for high-sticking, Pettersson, the Vancouver Canucks’ No. 5 overall pick last year Braydon Coburn Jersey , received a pass in the left faceoff circle from Buffalo Sabres 2016 first-round selection Alex Nylander and one-timed a slap shot over Woll’s shoulder into the far corner of the net.

Nylander’s assist gave him 28 career points at the world juniors, equaling father Michael Nylander for fourth on Sweden’s career list.

Gustavsson’ preserved the lead when stopped U.S. forward Casey Mittelstadt on a 3-on-0 breakaway in the final minute of the second period. Mittlestadt, the Sabres’ most recent first-round pick, entered the game leading the tournament with 10 points.

Andersson made it 2-0 when he tapped in his sixth goal of the tournment on a 2-on-1 with Fredrik Karlstrom early in the third period. Steen and Jonsson Fjallby scored shorthanded goals 38 seconds apart before the U.S. pulled goaltender Joseph Woll with 11:25 remaining.

”We failed Joe tonight,” Motzko said. ”Joe didn’t fail us.”

Bellows scored on a power play to end Gustavsson’s shutout bid with 7:36 remaining. Tkachuk’s goal came with 3:01 left to play and the U.S. was unable to score on a power play in the closing minutes.

Pro Football Hall of Famer Thurman Thomas dropped the ceremonial first puck wearing a replica of one of his older Buffalo Bills jerseys, matching the U.S. uniforms. Team USA also wore the blue jerseys and pants during its preliminary-round win over Canada outdoors at the Bills’ New Era Field.

Earlier Thursday, Jacob Schmidt-Svejstrup scored Washington Nationals closer Sean Doolittle was going through his usual routine Monday, preparing if needed for a save, when general manager Mike Rizzo sought him out.

Rizzo wanted to discuss two things: The Nationals were trading for two-time All-Star reliever Kelvin Herrera, and Doolittle was going to keep his ninth-inning job.

Getting a jump on the trade deadline, the Nationals picked up right-hander Herrera from the Kansas City Royals for three minor leaguers, adding him to a back end of the bullpen that already includes the lefty Doolittle and righties Ryan Madson and Brandon Kintzler.

”It’s almost their way of saying, `Here’s some help. Here’s some reinforcements.’ I think it’s one of those situations where you can’t have too many options down there,” Doolittle said. ”You get a guy who’s pitched in every high-leverage role from the seventh inning on. He’s won a World Series. … We’re planning on playing some really meaningful games down the stretch and making a run into the playoffs. We’re gonna need some help. I think it’s awesome.”

As for the effect on his role, which the Nationals say won’t change, Doolittle called it ”definitely a confidence boost” to hear that it’s ”still my job.”

”You want to add some stuff Derick Brassard Jersey , but you don’t want to have too many cooks in the kitchen,” Doolittle said. ”It’s not necessarily that guys are super-attached to their roles, but they like to know what to expect – when they’re going to pitch in a game, when to get ready, that sort of stuff.”

The Nationals sent infielder Kelvin Gutierrez, outfielder Blake Perkins and 17-year-old pitcher Yohanse Morel to Kansas City in the deal announced during Washington’s doubleheader against the New York Yankees. Gutierrez heads to Double-A Northwest Arkansas, Perkins will be assigned to Class A Wilmington, and Morel goes to rookie ball.

Herrera has 14 saves and a 1.05 ERA this season. He’s allowed three earned runs in 25 2/3 innings while striking out 22 batters and walking two.

”It’s just a moment you don’t want to see,” Herrera said about leaving his only major league home. ”It’s always hard. I was born and raised (as) a player here.”

The 28-year-old helped Kansas City win the 2015 World Series – and is among the last players left from that title team. He is 23-27 with 57 saves and a 2.75 ERA across 442 games in relief over eight seasons in the majors.

”We’ve known Kelvin since he signed with us when he was 16 years old. He’s one of the very best competitors that I’ve ever been around, probably that this organization has seen,” Royals general manager Dayton Moore said. ”Without him, there is no way we can ever make it to the World Series, win a World Series.”

Kintzler, the usual seventh-inning man for Washington, went on the disabled list June 10 with a right forearm flexor strain, and Madson spent time on the DL earlier this season.

Madson was a teammate of Herrera’s on the 2015 champions.

”He’s a bulldog Mark Stone Jersey ,” Madson said. ”I take it with welcoming arms. Let the old horse rest a little bit.”

Instead of waiting to make moves at the July 31 non-waiver deadline, the Nationals opted to strike now. They are the two-time reigning NL East champions but have never won a postseason series. Washington also currently stands in second place in the division, entering Monday 3 games behind the Atlanta Braves.

The Royals, meanwhile, are way out of contention in the AL Central in last place and 22-49 going into the day. They already shipped Jon Jay to the Arizona Diamondbacks for a pair of minor leaguers earlier in June.

”We’d like to be holding onto our players longer,” Moore said, ”but where we are in the standings and what we’re faced with and how we’re playing, if we can get the right move, it’s important to move.”

—

AP Sports Writer Dave Skretta and freelancer Alan Eskew in Kansas City, Mo., contributed to this report.

—

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We have plenty of speculation聽in this article. As you鈥檒l see, it features both the good and downright bad. We take a look at the recent rumors聽to emerge, we鈥檒l discuss which moves make sense, and which do not. We include several top tier players that might make a move this season such as Kovalckuk, Karlsson, Carlson http://www.officialsharks.com/authentic-adidas-logan-couture-jersey , O鈥橰eilly, Kessel, Pacioretty and many, many more.

Find out if your favorite team makes the good or bad side of this list. Some of these GMs might have you scratching your heads at the interest they have. That鈥檚 the beauty of hockey isn鈥檛 it? These GMs can be saviors or drive their fan base bananas! Here are ten rumored NHL offseason deals we hope are true and ten we don鈥檛. Enjoy folks, let鈥檚 begin.

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) — Jonathan Stewart has been involved in 11 training camps during his NFL career, so the 31-year-old veteran running back knows the drill.

Regardless that Stewart signed a reported two-year, $6.9 million contract with the New York Giants as a free agent, he knows that nothing in the NFL is guaranteed.

“Every year, I feel like I’m fighting for a spot Cal Clutterbuck Jersey ,” Stewart said after Sunday’s practice as the Giants prepare for their final preseason game Thursday night against New England. “I think everyone is battling. Every time I step onto the field, I’m trying to put my best foot forward.”

So far, the Giants have yet to see any of the ability that enabled Stewart to stay in the league so long. He had amassed 7,318 yards rushing and 51 touchdowns in 10 years with the Carolina Panthers.

Stewart’s preseason performance of a total of minus-5 yards on 10 rushing attempts should be cause for concern to some — but not Stewart.

“I think the preseason is a time to work on our craft,” Stewart said. “I’m still trying to jell with the first team. I’m trying not to dwell on certain things.”

One of those things was a fumble on one of his carries against the New York Jets on Friday night.

“I didn’t hold on to the ball like I should,” Stewart said. “I have to learn to bounce back from my mistakes. Not everything can go your way. I had a good offseason in terms of training. I think it has been a good preseason for me. I’ve been getting a good amount of practice reps.”

That number will decrease now that rookie Saquon Barkley, the team’s No. 1 draft pick out of Penn State and the No. 2 overall pick in the draft, returned to practice full time Sunday. Barkley has been held out most of the past two weeks after tweaking a hamstring in practice.

“He’s a very talented guy,” Stewart said of Barkley. “He’s a physical specimen. You don’t see many running backs of that caliber. He’s like nothing I’ve ever seen. It’s a great sign that he’s back. He’s a workaholic. When he got hurt, he was looking to get back as quick as possible.”

Barkley is back and projected to be the starting tailback. Second-year player Wayne Gallman Jr. Authentic Jonathan Toews Jersey , the team’s fourth-round selection in the 2017 draft who rushed for 476 yards and caught 34 passes as a rookie, has been impressive in the preseason and is probably ahead of Stewart on the depth chart.

Giants’ first-year head coach Pat Shurmur isn’t too concerned about Stewart’s preseason and doesn’t sound like a coach who is ready to give up on Stewart.

“Jonathan is a pro,” Shurmur said. “I know how his offseason training has gone for him. I trust Jonathan and I trust that he will be productive for us.”

Shurmur also knows that the Giants have not run the ball effectively in the preseason.

“When you don’t run the ball well, it’s the whole team’s fault,” Shurmur said. “When you don’t run the ball well early in the game, that sets the tone for the rest of the game. It’s a team thing to work on the running game. It’s not just one person. “

The Giants might have lost a key player during practice Sunday when starting outside linebacker Olivier Vernon went down with an apparent left ankle injury and had to be taken off the practice field on a cart.

“He just went inside the block and went over on his ankle,” Shurmur said. “He’s being evaluated right now.”

The Giants also welcomed back starting tight end Evan Engram, who left Friday night’s preseason game with the Jets with what was initially diagnosed as a concussion.

The second-year pass catcher, who had 64 receptions and six touchdowns as a rookie, was on the field running and riding the stationary bicycle Sunday David Krejci Jersey , but was not involved with any contact, because he’s still in the NFL’s concussion protocol.

NOTES: The Giants traded center Brett Jones to the Vikings for a 2019 draft pick. … WR Odell Beckham, Jr. has not seen any action yet in the preseason, but he looks healthy in practice and was actually joking around Sunday returning punts in some drills. … With the trade of Jones, Jon Halapio is entrenched as the team’s starter at center, but John Greco slides in as the No. 2 center on the depth chart. … Linebacker Ray-Ray Armstrong continues to impress in the preseason and looks as if he has earned a spot on the roster. If Armstrong makes the cut, it means that three of the Giants linebackers this season were members of the Los Angeles Rams a year ago, joining Alec Ogletree and Connor Barwin.

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A county medical examiner says Minnesota Vikings offensive line coach Tony Sparano died of heart disease.

The Hennepin County medical examiner’s office said Monday that the 56-year-old Sparano died of arteriosclerotic heart disease Jeff Skinner Jersey , or hardening of the arteries. The manner of death is listed as natural.

Sparano died Sunday in Eden Prairie, a Minneapolis suburb. He had been the Vikings’ offensive line coach since 2016.

Sparano began his NFL coaching career in 1999 and had stints as a head coach with the Miami Dolphins and Oakland Raiders.

He was the Dolphins’ head coach from 2008-11 and went 29-32. He went 11-5 and won the AFC East in his first season with Miami.

Sparano also spent time with the Browns, Redskins Alex Pietrangelo Jersey Kids , Jaguars, Cowboys and 49ers.

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The Browns wanted Nick Foles, offering the 35th overall pick to the Eagles for the Super Bowl LII MVP Nathan MacKinnon Jersey , Mike Silver of NFL Media reports. The Eagles presented the deal to Foles, who said he would prefer to remain in Philadelphia.

That started the dominoes falling another way.

The Eagles reworked Foles’ deal, giving him a $2 million bonus and incentives that allow him to earn up to $14 million. He also now has a mutual option to remain in Philadelphia in 2019.

The spurned Browns turned to Plan B Phillip Danault Jersey , sending a third-round pick to the Bills for Tyrod Taylor. Cleveland then drafted Baker Mayfield with the No. 1 overall choice.

The Eagles still could trade Foles before the October 30 deadline if Carson Wentz has returned to form. Philadelphia’s starting quarterback was on the practice field Tuesday, although he didn’t participate in team activities as he continues to rehab his left knee.

Wentz’s goal is to start the September 6 season opener against the Falcons.

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Five days after the NFL tried to solve the anthem issue Bryan Little Jersey , it continues to be obvious that the NFL found a way to make things worse.

Already, two members of Congress on opposite sides of the anthem debate have chastised the NFL for its decision.

On Saturday, New York Representative Peter King complained about Jets CEO Christopher Johnson’s decision to foot the bill for any fines imposed on players who protest in violation of the new rule, which requires players unwilling to stand to stay in the locker room. Now, Minnesota Representative Keith Ellison has declared that he will ignore the NFL for stifling the players’ right to protest.

“Friends who know me, know that I love football,” Ellison said on Twitter, via TheHill.com. “But I won鈥檛 be watching this NFL season because of the unfair cowardly and idiotic kneeling ban. #BoycottNFL.”

And so it will likely continue, with those opposed to the protests finding fault with certain aspects of the NFL’s new anthem policy and those who support the right to protest finding fault with other aspects of the NFL new anthem policy. As NFL P.R. gaffes go Youth Corey Crawford Jersey , this one could ending up being one of the worst in recent years, and that’s saying something.

Police acknowledged Tuesday that a woman was assaulted during a home invasion at a suburban Atlanta house owned by NFL star LeSean McCoy, hours after graphic posts on social media accused the Buffalo Bills running back of bloodying his former girlfriend.

One female was treated and released from the hospital, while another sustained a minor injury during a targeted invasion early Tuesday, Milton police said in a release responding to requests by The Associated Press.

McCoy denied allegations posted on social media earlier in the day accusing him of hurting his former girlfriend.

”For the record, the totally baseless and offensive claims made against me today on social media are completely false,” McCoy said in a statement released on two of his social media accounts. ”Further more, I have not had any direct contact with any of the people involved in months.”

McCoy was responding to an Instagram post from a person who said she is friends with the injured woman. The post showed a graphic photo of the former girlfriend and accused McCoy of physically abusing her, his son and his dog Youth Brandon Carlo Jersey , as well as injecting steroids.

The woman who posted the accusations and the ex-girlfriend have not responded to messages left by The Associated Press, though both Instagram accounts showed pictures of the women together in London during a music festival, with comments on each other’s posts. The AP generally does not identify people who may have been victims of abuse.

Police said it’s not clear how many suspects were involved, but one demanded specific items from one of the women in the home.

Police spokesman Charles Barstow said he could not release any further details.

The Bills issued a statement saying they have been in contact with McCoy and the NFL and will continue gathering information. NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy said the league is reviewing the matter.

McCoy turns 30 on Thursday and is preparing to enter his fourth season with the Bills. He spent his first six seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles, where he led the NFL in yards rushing in 2013 before being traded to Buffalo in 2015. He has never been suspended by the NFL for using performance enhancing substances during his nine-year career.

Fulton County Magistrate Court records show that McCoy initiated eviction proceedings against the former girlfriend in July 2017, saying that the pair were no longer in a relationship.

Court records show two attempts to serve the former girlfriend with the document but no other action. Eviction paperwork was filed again last month with McCoy listed as the plaintiff and the woman and ”and all others” listed as the defendant.

The sworn statement to initiate the proceedings was signed by Tamarcus Porter, who played football with McCoy in college.

Porter was arrested with McCoy following a nightclub brawl involving off-duty police officers in Philadelphia in February 2016. No charges were filed after prosecutors said they could not prove who initiated the fight in which two officers were injured.

The sworn statement signed by Porter said McCoy is the owner of the house and that his ex-girlfriend was refusing to leave.

No attorney for McCoy is listed in court records for the June 6 filing.

The former girlfriend challenged the eviction June 22, saying she had been in a relationship with McCoy for at least two years and that she and her children have lived with McCoy at his house since October 2016, according to a motion filed by her lawyer.

A hearing on the woman’s motion had been scheduled for Tuesday afternoon Mario Lemieux Jersey , but her attorney requested a delay because of a family emergency. The judge issued an order resetting the case 30 days.

McCoy discussed marriage with her over Memorial Day and, on May 29, gave her ”a substantial gift,” the motion says. McCoy left Georgia the next day and had not returned, the motion says.

The woman went to Virginia on May 31 to attend her sister’s graduation. While she was gone, on June 1, McCoy had some of his friends, family members and others remove her furniture and furnishings without her knowledge, the motion says.

The woman saw this happening through security cameras that she could monitor on her cellphone and called the police Anders Lee Jersey , the motion says. The police stopped the removal.

The eviction papers were served on the woman’s 16-year-old son on June 11.

The woman’s lawyer argues that serving the eviction papers on a minor was improper and invalid and the proceedings should be quashed. The lawyer also argues that since Porter is not an attorney, the case should be dismissed.

The woman’s attorney claims the eviction action was ”completely falsified” by Porter, that McCoy never asked her or her children to leave the home. The last time the pair spoke was on June 1, when McCoy said he was going to meet the woman in Virginia for her sister’s graduation.

—

Associated Press Writer Kate Brumback in Atlanta contributed to this report.

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The 49ers spent most the preseason playing without running back Jerick McKinnon and it looks like he may be missing some of the regular season as well.

According to multiple reports Nikita Zaitsev Jersey Kids , McKinnon suffered an injury during a team workout on Saturday. The exact nature of the injury isn’t known at this time, but Ian Rapoport of NFL Media called it “concerning” and General Manager John Lynch is expected to speak to reporters once the team’s cuts to 53 players are in.

The 49ers ruled McKinnon out for the preseason after hurting his knee in a mid-August practice. The idea was to have him ready for Week One John Hayden Jersey , but that’s up in the air now.

Alfred Morris was signed after Matt Breida was also hurt this summer and it appears he may be playing a bigger role than expected.

OWINGS MILLS, Md. (AP) — The Baltimore Ravens have placed cornerback Stanley Jean-Baptiste and offensive tackle Greg Senat on injured reserve Authentic Daniel Sedin Jersey , ending their 2018 seasons.

Baltimore also put safety DeShon Elliott and defensive back Bennett Jackson on IR as part of a series of moves Friday that trimmed 17 players from the roster.

The final cuts will come Saturday.

Jean-Baptiste broke his arm in Thursday night’s 30-20 preseason victory over Washington. Senat has a foot injury.

Three players are on the physically unable to perform list and 10 were waived, including safety Kai Nacua http://www.officialcoyotes.com/authentic-adidas-clayton-keller-jersey , who returned an interception for a touchdown against the Redskins.

The other cuts: cornerbacks Jackson Porter and Robertson Daniel; offensive linemen Andrew Donnal and Justin Evans; defensive end Christian LaCouture; receiver DeVier Posey; tight end Nick Keizer; linebacker Alvin Jones; and long snapper Trent Sieg.

__

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FLORHAM PARK Zack Smith Jersey , N.J. (AP) — Even Broadway Joe thinks the New York Jets might finally have their next franchise quarterback.

Joe Namath met Sam Darnold on the field at MetLife Stadium before the team’s third preseason game and it provided quite the snapshot.

Past meets future — and, maybe, the present.

“I’ve seen Sam perform tonight,” Namath said during the TV broadcast, “better than I’ve seen any rookies I can remember.”

That’s high praise from the only man to quarterback the Jets to a Super Bowl victory.

And that came 50 seasons ago.

The stunning win over the Colts will be celebrated by the team and its fans this year. It’s also a brutal reminder of how long it has been since the Jets were on top of the football world.

Darnold, they hope, can someday end that drought.

“That’s the goal for everyone,” Darnold said a few weeks after being drafted No. 3 overall. “Anything short of that is a failure and we’re aware of that. Everyone is aware of that. Whatever my role is, I’m going to star in that role to work us toward that Super Bowl.”

The former USC star had a solid summer and impressed the coaching staff with his ability to quickly digest the playbook along with his veteran-like presence and approach.

Darnold was given every chance to win the competition that included Josh McCown and Teddy Bridgewater Marc-Andre Fleury Jersey , and he didn’t disappoint. Bridgewater was traded to New Orleans on Wednesday.

“He’s able to take the classroom knowledge and all the stuff he’s studied in the classroom and take it right to the field and execute it,” offensive coordinator Jeremy Bates said. “We’re throwing a lot of football at him and he’s been able to handle it.”

Darnold could become the 31st quarterback to start a game for the Jets since Namath’s last appearance for the franchise in 1976. That’s a lot of searching and a long time waiting.

There’s big-time hope that Darnold is the answer, and that has the Jets and their fans optimistic about this season — and the future.

“He did everything we’ve asked him to do,” coach Todd Bowles said.

Here are some other things to know as the Jets enter the regular season:

WHOSE LINE IS IT?

While all eyes have been on the quarterbacks, the offensive line will be a major focus — no matter who’s calling the plays in the huddle.

The Jets signed center Spencer Long, who’s an upgrade over Wesley Johnson, but the rest of the line is back. And, it remains to be seen if that’s a good thing.

Inconsistency and injuries made for a shaky season, and depth this year could be an issue. Left tackle Kelvin Beachum dealt with an ankle injury most of the summer Womens Derek Dorsett Jersey , and right guard Brian Winters was in and out of the lineup with soreness.

“They’ve got to work together,” Bowles said of the line. “They have to be healthy, obviously, but I feel good about them when they are healthy.”

SEARCH CONTINUES

One of the priorities for the Jets during the offseason was to find a pass-rushing presence, particularly at outside linebacker.

No one emerged during training camp, and that could be something general manager Mike Maccagnan tries to address as the season goes along.

Leonard Williams is perhaps New York’s best overall player, but even he had only two sacks last season — although he racked up 28 quarterback hits. He needs help, though, and that means the likes of Jordan Jenkins Chris Wideman Jersey , Josh Martin and Henry Anderson must provide consistent pressure.

CATCHING ON

An under-the-radar strength might be the Jets’ receiving group, which might lack what some consider a true No. 1 talent but has good playmaking potential.

Robby Anderson had a breakout year in his second season, catching 63 catches for 941 yards and seven TDs while establishing himself as a deep threat. Jermaine Kearse led the Jets with 65 receptions after coming to New York from Seattle. Quincy Enunwa looked solid late in camp as he returned from a neck injury that sidelined him all last season. Terrelle Pryor, still working his way back from two ankle surgeries in the past year, showed flashes this summer of the player who was so promising in Cleveland in 2016.

SOLID SECONDARY

The Jets’ biggest offseason free-agent addition was cornerback Trumaine Johnson , who signed a five-year, $72.5 million deal. They’re hoping he and Morris Claiborne combine to form one of the NFL’s top cornerback combinations.

Add in the safety tandem of Jamal Adams and Marcus Maye, both coming off solid rookie seasons, and New York’s secondary could be a strength after struggling quite a bit the past few years.

“It’s all (on) what we do with it Youth Dion Phaneuf Jersey ,” Claiborne said. “We have all the pieces. We just have to find a way to put it together and go get some wins.”

PLAYOFFS OR BUST?

The Jets haven’t been to the postseason since the 2010 season — back when Rex Ryan and Mark Sanchez were all the buzz.

Yeah, it’s been a while.

But despite the drought, owner Christopher Johnson hasn’t set a playoff mandate for Bowles and Maccagnan. Johnson wants to see continued progression. The feeling is that the franchise is building toward next season, when the team has more than $100 million in cap space and could really make a playoff push.

John Tavares has been one of the most discussed superstars in the NHL over the past few months because of his looming contract extension. It's widely expected that Tavares will be seeking a contract with a yearly salary over the coveted $10 million per season mark and it's almost assured he will receive that type of contract from somebody because he is an amazing talent. With the New York Islanders recently getting a new聽arena approved near Belmont, it is believed by many experts that Tavares will re-sign with his current squad.聽 It also doesn't hurt that the Islanders are in playoff contention as I聽write this.

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During a short press conference that started after the NFL released a statement on its new national anthem policy Authentic Oscar Lindberg Jersey , NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said the policy was adopted after a unanimous vote by the league’s 32 teams.

Not all of the teams voted, however. 49ers CEO Jed York said that he abstained from the vote because he believed it required further study that, per Steve Wyche of NFL Media Brendan Leipsic Jersey Kids , includes discussion with players. The 49ers employed Colin Kaepernick in 2016 when his decision to not stand for the anthem started us down the road to Tuesday’s vote.

York also suggested that the change in policy, which calls for all on the field to “stand and show respect” will also lead to a change in procedures at the concession stands at Levi’s Stadium.

“I don鈥檛 think we should be profiting if we鈥檙e going to put this type of attention and focus on the field and on the flag,” York said Authentic Alexander Radulov Jersey , via Sam Farmer of the Los Angeles Times.

That would seem to be a reasonable approach for the teams that voted for a new policy emphasizing respect for the national anthem on Tuesday and it’s sure to be among the questions for other owners in the wake of the change.

The Jaguars were among the teams starting the OTA phase of their offseason programs on Tuesday and the team took the field without their starting cornerbacks.

Neither A.J. Bouye nor Jalen Ramsey was in attendance on Tuesday, which continues a trend from the earlier stages of the team’s voluntary work this year and head coach Doug Marrone said any explanation for their absence would have to come from the players themselves.

鈥淥ne of the things that I鈥檓 big on is not to create messages through the media, me as a head coach doing that Casey Cizikas Jersey ,鈥?Marrone said, via the Florida Times-Union. 鈥淚 have been communicating with them, and I鈥檓 sure when the time is right they will explain their reasons. I don鈥檛 think it is for me to sit up here and explain their reasons.鈥?/p>

Bouye is entering the second year of the five-year Mathieu Perreault Jersey , $67.5 million contract he signed in Jacksonville last year while Ramsey is still a year away from being able to negotiate an extension with the team, so it seems unlikely that contract issues will be part of any eventual explanation.

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Oakland Raiders offensive lineman Vadal Alexander has been suspended without pay for the first four games next season for a violation of the league policy on performance-enhancing drugs.

The Raiders made the announcement Tuesday Marc-Andre Fleury Jersey , attributing the information to the NFL. Alexander won’t be eligible to play until an Oct. 7 road game against the Chargers. He can return to practice Oct. 1, a day after the Raiders host Cleveland.

The 24-year-old offensive guard played in 15 games for Oakland last season with four starts and has appeared in 24 games overall with nine starts in two NFL seasons.

A seventh-round draft pick in 2016 out of LSU Mario Lemieux Jersey , Alexander can take part in offseason workouts with the team, preseason practices and preseason games.

—


Cardinals linebacker Deone Bucannon did not practice on Friday as he goes to get a test on a knee injury.

Cardinals head coach Steve Wilks said that Bucannon hyperextended his knee during Thursday’s practice and will go for an MRI to assess the damage. The feeling around the team was that Bucannon avoided a serious injury.

“He’s fine. He’s a tough player and I’m not worried about him T.J. Oshie Jersey ,” defensive coordinator Al Holcomb said, via the Arizona Republic. “He’s fine.”

The fact that he’s getting an MRI suggests that not everyone is entirely convinced that Holcomb’s read is correct.

Bucannon John Gibson Jersey , a 2014 first-round pick, is set to call the defensive plays for the Arizona defense in the final year of his rookie contract.

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MIAMI — The New York Mets have their staff ace Authentic Justin Bailey Jersey , at least for the next few weeks. The Miami Marlins hope they begin finding their next ace Friday night.

Rookie Sandy Alcantara is scheduled to make his season debut and his first major league start Friday night when the Marlins host the Mets in the opener of a three-game series between the two teams battling to stay out of the National League East basement at Marlins Park.

Both teams are coming off losses in their most recent games. The host Marlins fell Thursday afternoon to the Arizona Diamondbacks 4-0. The Mets were off Thursday after suffering a 5-3 loss Wednesday night to the visiting Pittsburgh Pirates.

The present is pretty bleak for the Mets (32-46) and the Marlins (32-50), who have the two worst records in the NL.

But both teams may get a glimpse at things to come when the 22-year-old Alcantara steps to the mound against perhaps the best pitcher in baseball, New York ace Jacob deGrom (5-3, 1.69 ERA).

For the Marlins, who acquired Alcantara from the St. Louis Cardinals in exchange for outfielder Marcell Ozuna last Dec. 14 as part of the organization’s latest teardown, Friday marks the latest step in the development of a pitcher believed to have upper-rotation potential.

Alcantara, who entered the season as Baseball America’s 70th-ranked prospect, throws in the high 90s and also offers an above-average curveball, slider and changeup. He was 5-3 with a 3.71 ERA in 14 starts with Triple-A New Orleans, for whom he exceeded 95 pitches in each of his final six appearances.

“He’s got all the weapons, so for him it’s just being able to sequence (pitches), stay ahead in counts and then the other part is managing the game holding runners Scott Laughton Jersey , things like that,” Marlins manager Don Mattingly told reporters Thursday.

Alcantara didn’t get a decision and posted a 4.32 ERA in eight relief appearances last season with the Cardinals.

As for deGrom, the next month should determine whether or not he becomes the Mets’ building block for the future, or the player whose trade sparks the organization’s rebuilding efforts.

John Ricco, who became one of the three men filling the general manager’s role with the announcement Tuesday that Sandy Alderson is taking an indefinite leave of absence to focus on his cancer treatments, said Wednesday that moving deGrom and/or Opening Day starter Noah Syndergaard is not something the club is necessarily looking to do. But he also admitted that he, Omar Minaya and J.P. Ricciardi need to entertain all possibilities as the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline approaches.

The Mets have a bottom-five minor league system and deGrom, who turned 30 earlier this month, has a 2.81 ERA in 123 career starts and does not become a free agent until after the 2020 season, would likely bring back the biggest haul of any pitcher on the market over the next month.

“For me, everything has to be on the table,” Ricco told reporters. “But you have to look long and hard before you move a game-changing Mike Reilly Jersey , top-of-the-rotation pitcher.”

Alcantara has never faced the Mets. DeGrom is 4-4 with a 3.62 ERA in 14 career starts against the Marlins.

Marcedes Lewis wasn't sure if the Green Bay Packers were the right fit for him. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers and tight end Jimmy Graham made him feel at home at Lambeau Field.

Lewis visited Green Bay last week thinking he wanted to explore his options during his first stint as a free agent following 12 years with the Jacksonville Jaguars. He received calls from other teams, but he said that the Packers were the most persistent so he made Lambeau his first stop.

He never made another visit.

"This was the only place I took a trip ... I took my trip, and Aaron was here in the locker room. I started talking to him," Lewis said Thursday. "I started talking to Jimmy and I kind of made my decision that day.

"When I came down here, I didn't expect to sign anything," Lewis added. "I was just coming down here to get a feel. Once I saw Aaron and Jimmy, it was a no-brainer after that."

Lewis, 34, was released by the Jaguars in March after the team had picked up his one-year, $3.5 million option in February. His signing filled a glaring need - a blocking tight end - and gives the Packers another veteran at the position with Graham, a five-time Pro Bowler, and Lance Kendricks.

"I don't think we've had this much experience at the tight end position in my time here Cody Eakin Jersey ," said Packers coach Mike McCarthy, who called Lewis a "prime-time player."

"An on-the-line tight end is something we haven't had a lot of, as far as the way we've played over the years," McCarthy added. "He can block any defensive end on the league, and that's definitely a huge asset."

Lewis, who said he felt he got a "raw deal" from the Jaguars, started 157 games for Jacksonville. He has 375 career receptions, including 24 for 318 yards and five touchdowns last year.

Still, Lewis hasn't caught more than 25 passes in a season since 2012, when he had 52 receptions. His best season came in 2010, when he earned his lone Pro Bowl selection by catching a career-high 58 passes for 700 yards and 10 touchdowns.

The 6-foot-6, 269-pound Lewis said he takes the "blocking tight end" moniker as a compliment Authentic Conor Sheary Jersey , but added that "I pride myself on being a really good all-around tight end, whatever it is that I'm called upon to do."

It's the type of attitude that Rodgers loves to hear. Lewis' ability to help slow down pass-rushers should help an offensive line that has questions on the right side.

"Obviously, I'm a really good blocker, but don't get it mistaken. I didn't come here to be a tackle. ... Be on the other side of Jimmy doing some good things," he said. "It's going to be trouble out there."

Graham's strength is making tough catches. Kendricks provides experienced depth.

"Jimmy's not known as a blocking tight end, but he's willing. He will get in the way. He will punch you in the mouth," Lewis said. "So it's going to be interesting. We get in that personnel with three tight ends on the field and (defenses) have to leave base on the field, it's not going to be good."

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Wide receiver Breshad Perriman is visiting with the Jets on Monday and he’s set to stay in the general area for a couple more visits in the coming days.

Ian Rapoport of NFL Media reports that Perriman has scheduled visits with the Giants and Bills as well.

The Giants have Odell Beckham and Sterling Shepard heading up their receiving corps and they added Kaelin Clay as depth via a Sunday waiver claim. The Bills kept two rookies as part of a six-player group fronted by Kelvin Benjamin.

The Ravens paid Perriman a roster bonus in July Thurman Thomas Jersey , but cut their 2015 first-round pick over the weekend when he didn’t show enough to overcome three disappointing seasons to start his career. Landing somewhere else would allow a chance to see if a change of scenery does him any good.

Jaguars rookies are set to report to training camp on Wednesday and that group should include defensive tackle Taven Bryan.

Ian Rapoport of NFL Media reports that Bryan has agreed to his rookie deal with the team. Bryan was the 29th overall pick of this year’s draft and, like all first-round picks http://www.dallascowboysteamonline.com/michael-gallup-jersey , Bryan’s deal will run four years with a team option for a fifth season.

Bryan played 30 games at Florida over the last two seasons and recorded 62 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss Emmitt Smith Jersey , 5.5 sacks, three fumble recoveries and an interception. He’ll join a talented defensive line in Jacksonville and vie for playing time alongside the likes of Malik Jackson O. J. Simpson Jersey , Abry Jones and Marcell Dareus in his first professional season.

With Bryan signed, there are now 13 unsigned picks from this year’s draft. Eleven of those players are first-round picks Trent Williams Jersey , including the first four picks and seven of the first nine selections.

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Shaquem Griffin deservedly received the bulk of the attention when the Seattle Seahawks drafted the star linebacker with one hand in the fifth round and reunited him with his twin brother Shaquill.

But aside from Griffin's selection Adrian Amos Jersey , general manager John Schneider and coach Pete Carroll made clear the Seahawks intent to re-establish the core tenants of how they want to play: run the ball, play aggressive defense and rely on field position.

It started in the first round with the selection of San Diego State running back Rashaad Penny and continued through the nine selections made.

After an eventful offseason that's seen Seattle overhaul its coaching staff and say goodbye to some key veterans, the Seahawks needed to have a successful draft. Recent drafts have been filled with more misses than hits and started to catch up with Seattle last season when the depth wasn't there to overcome key injuries.

"We feel like we made great decisions all the way through and we'll see how it goes. You always feel that way right after," Schneider said.

Here's what else to know about Seattle's nine picks, including seven on the final day:

END OF THE ROAD: The end may be near for the longest-tenured Seahawks player.

Seattle traded up in the fifth round to draft Texas punter Michael Dickson, who left school early for a chance at the NFL. Dickson was regarded as the top punter available in the draft and could be a sign that Jon Ryan's tenure in Seattle is coming to an end. Ryan has been with the team since 2008 and has two years left on his contract with Seattle but counts $3.2 million against the salary cap in 2018 and $3.6 million in 2019.

Both Carroll and Schneider insisted Ryan will be part of the punting competition.

Dickson averaged 47.4 yards per punt as a junior, was a two-time Big 12 special teams player of the year, and was the Ray Guy Award winner in 2017. Perhaps most impressive, Dickson was the MVP of the Texas Bowl victory over Missouri after downing 10 of his 11 punts inside the 20-yard line.

"He can do stuff with the ball we haven't seen yet so we're really intrigued to see how that translates," Schneider said.

RUNNIN' DOWN A DREAM: Seattle continued to focus on improving its run game on offense by drafting Washington tight end Will Dissly in the fourth round.

"We thought he was the best blocker in the draft Pierre Desir Jersey ," Carroll said.

Dissly arrived at Washington as a defensive end but transitioned to tight end for his final two seasons. While blocking is his strength, Dissly also had 21 receptions and two TDs as a senior. Dissly is the first Washington player drafted by the Seahawks since another tight end, Jerramy Stevens, was selected in the first round in 2002.

POSTION SWITCH: It wouldn't be a Seattle draft without at least one player switching positions. But this one makes sense as the Seahawks intend to use Tre Flowers at cornerback. Flowers was primarily a safety at Oklahoma State, but his size makes him a perfect fit for cornerback in Seattle. Flowers is 6-foot-3 with long arms and has experience playing some cornerback in college.

SLIDING DOWN: A gem of Seattle's draft could end up being Ohio State offensive tackle Jamarco Jones, selected late in the fifth round. Jones was rated by Pro Football Focus as the No. 3 offensive tackle available in the draft, but was taken with the 168th overall selection. Seattle projects Jones as a left tackle.

QB CALLING: For just the second time in nine drafts, the Seahawks used a draft pick on a quarterback. Florida International QB Alex McGough was selected with Seattle's final pick, No. 220 overall in the seventh round. Seattle indicated this may be the year it takes a QB to develop behind Russell Wilson, the only other QB drafted by the team since 2010. McGough threw for 2 http://www.dallascowboysteamonline.com/darren-woodson-jersey ,791 yards and 17 TDs as a senior, but suffered a broken collarbone in the opening minutes of FIU's bowl game in December.

McGough did run some read-option in college and his mobility makes him a logical backup option to Wilson.

STILL NEED: The Seahawks addressed their most pressing needs, but could still use more depth at linebacker and an offensive lineman with the ability to play center. The other area Seattle may look to target among undrafted free agents could be a bigger wide receiver, but this draft clearly defined the Seahawks are going back to relying on the run first.

Chuck Knox, the former NFL coach who took the Los Angeles Rams to three straight NFC championship games and also led the Seattle Seahawks and Buffalo Bills, has died. He was 86.

The Rams and Seahawks said Sunday that Knox died Saturday night.

"He established a winning culture and a legacy that will never be forgotten, being the only coach to lead the Rams to five consecutive double-digit-win seasons," the Rams said in a statement. "The memories and accomplishments that Coach Knox left behind will continue to inspire us and Rams fans. We hold his family in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time."

Called "Ground Chuck," for his run-first offenses, Knox was the NFL coach of the year in 1973 Darius Leonard Jersey , 1980 and 1984, winning the award with all three teams he coached. He went 186-147-1 during 22 seasons as an NFL head coach, including two stints with the Rams. He won five straight NFC West titles from 1973-77, and he returned in 1992 for the franchise's final three seasons in Los Angeles before its move to St. Louis.

Hall of Fame defensive end Jack Youngblood posted a picture on Twitter thanking Knox for his trust and "allowing us to make our way to Canton."

"Chuck Knox was one of the most influential men in the early days of my career," Youngblood wrote. "Great coach and an even better man."

Knox left the Rams in 1978 for the Buffalo Bills. After five seasons, he took over the Seahawks in 1983 and immediately led the franchise to its first playoff berth and the AFC title game. He spent nine seasons with Seattle.

"His presence projected an external toughness, but merited instantaneous respect by the genuine care and concern he held for his players," the Seahawks said in a statement. "He was one of the great influencers not only in football, but in life."

Knox is the only coach to be enshrined in the Seahawks "Ring of Honor." He was revered in Seattle for turning the young franchise into a contender in the AFC West for most of his tenure.

Current Seattle coach Pete Carroll tweeted Sunday that Knox was, "A true Seahawks legend and a man who had a great impact on so many."

Knox was a two-way tackle at Juniata College in his native Pennsylvania http://www.dallascowboysteamonline.com/anthony-brown-jersey , serving as a captain on the school's undefeated 1953 team. He began his coaching career as an assistant at Juniata. He was a high school assistant at Tyrone and then head coach at Ellwood City before moving on to Wake Forest and Kentucky.

Knox considered at one-time returning to Juniata as a history professor and was working on a master's degree at Penn State before deciding coaching was where he should be.

"During that time, I thought what I really wanted to do was coach and not go into the academic area," Knox told the AP in a 2005 interview. "I know I made the right choice. It's what I wanted to do."

Knox entered professional football in the AFL with the New York Jets as offensive line coach in 1963, and played a key role in the recruitment of quarterback Joe Namath. He remained with the Jets until 1966, and was then offensive line coach with the Detroit Lions from 1967-1972.

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LeBron James sent Toronto into summer vacation for the third straight season as the Cleveland Cavaliers completed a series sweep of the Raptors with a 128-93 win in Game 4 to advance to the Eastern Conference finals.

James finished with 29 points Muhammad Wilkerson Jersey , 11 assists and spent some of the final 7:38 dancing near the bench during Cleveland’s 10th straight playoff win over Toronto, which changed its system, its roster and its approach but still can’t beat the game’s best player.

Kevin Love added 23 points and J.R. Smith 15 for the Cavs, who can now rest while waiting for the Boston-Philadelphia semifinal series to end.

Jonas Valanciunas scored 18 and Kyle Lowry had 10 assists to lead the exasperated Raptors. Toronto’s frustration hit its peak late in the third when All-Star DeMar DeRozan was ejected for a flagrant foul.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) – T.J. McConnell turned a surprise start into the save of the season and Dario Saric scored 25 points to help the 76ers stave off elimination with a 103-92 win over the Boston Celtics in Game 4.

The Sixers still face daunting odds headed into Game 5 and trailing 3-1 in the Eastern Conference semifinals: No NBA team has ever won a series down 3-0.

McConnell had a career-high 19 points, seven rebounds and five assists in only his second start of the season and meshed well in the backcourt with Ben Simmons. The crowd chanted ”TJ! TJ!” each time he touched the ball in the fourth and proved why he has been so valuable even as bigger stars have sliced his playing time.

With NBA teams down 3-0 having lost all 129 series, the Sixers may need more than spirit to pull off this stunner.

Jayson Tatum led the Celtics with 20 points and Marcus Morris had 17.

DETROIT (AP) – After four seasons of mostly mediocre results, the Detroit Pistons are moving on without Stan Van Gundy.

He won’t return as president of basketball operations and he isn’t staying on as Detroit’s coach, either.

Van Gundy held both those roles for four years, and at times the Pistons seemed to be making progress. But they made the playoffs only once during his tenure, in 2016, and the team announced his departure.

The Pistons went 39-43 this season, missing the playoffs for the third time in four years under Van Gundy. They’ve made the postseason just once in the past nine seasons, and even a blockbuster trade for Blake Griffin wasn’t enough to salvage 2017-18.

The Pistons went 152-176 over the past four seasons under Van Gundy http://www.chicagobearsteamonline.com/roquan-smith-jersey , and his personnel decisions have come under more criticism than his coaching.

NHL

PITTSBURGH (AP) – Evgeny Kuznetsov’s breakway goal 5:27 into overtime gave the Washington Capitals a 2-1 win over the Pittsburgh Penguins in Game 6, and a berth in the Eastern Conference finals for the first time in 20 years.

Kuznetsov took a lead pass from Alexander Ovechkin and tucked the puck by Matt Murray to end Pittsburgh’s two-year reign as Stanley Cup champions and propel the Capitals into the NHL’s final four for just the third time in franchise history.

Braden Holtby stopped 21 shots for the Capitals, who will face Tampa Bay in the Eastern Conference finals. Alex Chiasson scored his first playoff goal in four years during a taut, tight contest through regulation.

Kris Letang scored for the Penguins and Murray finished with 28 saves but couldn’t close his legs fast enough to stop Kuznetsov’s forehand flick from in close as Pittsburgh’s bid at becoming the first team in 35 years to win three consecutive Cups came to an abrupt end.

PREDATORS 4, JETS 0

WINNIPEG, Manitoba (AP) – Filip Forsberg had two goals and an assist, Pekka Rinne stopped 34 shots for his second shutout of the playoffs, and the Nashville Predatos beat the Winnipeg Jets 4-0 to force a decisive Game 7 in their Western Conference semifinal series.

Viktor Arvidsson also scored twice, including a late empty-netter, and added an assist for the Predators. Roman Josi and Ryan Johansen each had two assists.

Connor Hellebuyck stopped 25 shots for the Jets.

Game 7 is Thursday at Nashville, Tennessee, with the winner advancing to face the expansion Vegas Golden Knights in the Western Conference final.

This back-and-forth series has yet to see a team win consecutive games.

BASEBALL

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) – George Springer went 6 for 6 with a home run to match a Houston record as the Astros routed the Oakland Athletics 16-2.

Last year’s World Series MVP doubled and scored in the first inning Kenny Moore Jersey , hit a three-run homer in the second and then singled and scored in the fourth. Needing a triple for the cycle, he reached on infield singles in the fifth and seventh before adding a fourth single up the middle in the ninth.

Springer’s batting average jumped from .264 to .292. He became the second player in team history to go 6 for 6 and the first to do it in a nine-inning game. Hall of Famer Joe Morgan accomplished the feat in a 12-inning game against the Milwaukee Braves on July 8, 1965.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) – San Francisco pitcher Johnny Cueto will be sidelined for six-to-eight weeks because of a strained right elbow and will not have Tommy John surgery.

The 32-year-old right-hander was examined by Dr. James Andrews in Gulf Breeze, Florida. Cueto will undertake rest and rehabilitation.

Cueto is 3-0 with a 0.84 ERA in five starts. He on the disabled list for the second time this season. He missed two starts after spraining his left ankle in early April.

NFL

NEW YORK (AP) – The NFL players’ union has filed a non-injury grievance on behalf of free agent safety Eric Reid.

The NFLPA c

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) The Denver Broncos don’t put their full pads on until Tuesday but they’re already a banged-up bunch.

Newly signed receiver Corey ”Philly” Brown is in concussion protocol after hitting his head in the weight room and when the Broncos put on shoulder pads for the first time Monday several players hobbled off.

”Football is played in pads, so to put the pads on and watch the guys bang a little bit is always fun,” coach Vance Joseph said. ”For the running game, and obviously stopping the run, the pads are critical.”

Left tackle Garett Bolles and inside linebacker Brandon Marshall were among the casualties Monday.

”Garett Bolles took a shot to the chin. He’s being evaluated for a head injury,” Joseph said, adding that Marshall ”had a minor wrist injury. He’s OK.”

Cornerback Marcos Rios sat out with a sore hip and tight end Jeff Heuerman sat out with a sore knee, which Joseph said was strictly precautionary.

The Broncos are also dealing with second-year wide receiver Carlos Henderson, who failed to report to training camp while dealing with what the team calls a family situation.

Although Joseph has said it’s up to Henderson whether his career will continue J'Mon Moore Jersey , several members of the organization are keeping in touch with their absent teammate.

”Lots of guys have called Carlos. (Wide Receivers) Coach Zach (Azzanni) has been calling him, I’ve been calling Carlos, his teammates have been,” Joseph said. ”Obviously, he’s having some family issues he’s working through and it’s really his timeline.

”He can return any time he gets ready to return. It’s on him, but his guys are supporting him, the coaches are supporting him. So we’re looking forward to having him back.”

Henderson was a third-round draft pick out of Louisiana Tech last year but he missed his rookie season with a hand injury. He missed much of the offseason program this year with a pulled hamstring and is a long-shot to even make the 53-man roster if he does return.

Joseph said he has no timeline for Henderson to get back.

”We’ve had some conversations about other things than football. He’s not ready for football right now, so we’re not talking about football a lot,” Joseph said. ”We’re doing a good job as a team of checking on him on a daily basis.”

Things should ratchet up overall Tuesday when the Broncos also wear their thigh pads.

”Any time we’re full pads, it’s like game day,” Joseph said. ”Every pad’s on, mouth guard, chin straps buckled Denzelle Good Jersey , so it’ll look different as far as what they’re wearing, but the practice shouldn’t look that much different as far as the physical part of it.”

Nose tackle Domata Peko, for one, appreciated finally getting to do some hitting in the trenches Monday.

”That what it’s about, you know? We don’t play without shoulder pads, so when you get them on that’s when you really get to get real physical and do your job,” Peko said. ”Especially up front. In the trenches, you’ve got to have the pads on and feel that contact to see where you’re at and sharpen each other up.

”It was a good first day of shells today. They call it shells, and then full pads tomorrow, but in the trenches, every time we put the pads on it’s pretty much full pads. It felt good today.”

The Broncos will also be in full pads Wednesday.

—

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After finishing his first draft as general manager of the New York Giants http://www.greenbaypackersteamonline.com/davante-adams-jersey , Dave Gettleman got a laugh when asked his thoughts on his six picks.

With his heavy Boston accent, Gettleman said no GM is going to walk into a press room and tell the media he drafted garbage.

Garbage wasn't the word he used, but the meaning was clear. He could have stretched the truth if he wanted, but it wasn't necessary.

"I'm thrilled. We got big butts. We got power. We got speed," said Gettleman who momentarily stopped to apologize for his choice of words. "And we got a quarterback we really like. I am not angry."

Coming off a 3-13 season that cost coach Ben McAdoo and general manager Jerry Reese their jobs, the Giants seemingly found value and filled need with every pick in the NFL draft that ended Saturday.

They feel they got the best player in the draft in Penn State running back Saquon Barkley with the second pick overall. They had a first-round grade on guard Will Hernandez of UTEP when they took him in the second round.

Edge rusher Lorenzo Carter of Georgia and defensive tackle B.J. Hill of North Carolina State had second-round grades when taken in the third round.

Quarterback Kyle Lauletta of Richmond and defensive tackle R.J. McIntosh of Miami were right where the Giants felt they would be in the fourth and fifth rounds, respectively.

The picks will create competition on a team that needs to be pushed by new coach Pat Shurmur.

Gettleman also knows the job of building a roster is far from over.

"It takes time," he said. "Folks, you have to understand that Rome was not built in a day. This is a brick-by-brick deal and at the end of the day we are going to keep making moves and shake up the back end of the roster until we get it right."

ELI STILL THE ONE: The decision to grab Barkley and ignore the quartet of quarterbacks taken in the first 10 picks overall clearly shows the Giants think 37-year-old Eli Manning has good years left. Taking Lauletta in the fourth round also shows the team wants backup Davis Webb, the third-round pick last year, to have competition in training camp.

THE BARKLEY FACTOR: Barkley should give the Giants their first legitimate home run threat out of the backfield in more than a decade. What makes him unique is he is a three-down player who runs with speed and power http://www.washingtonredskinsteamonline.com/paul-richardson-jersey , and can catch passes. And in the NFL, opposing defenses can't focus on him like in college. There's Odell Beckham Jr., Sterling Shepard and tight end Evan Engram to worry about.

"I think that's why I was brought here, to bring an impact to the running game, to have that same domination that I had in college where a team wants to just shut me down, and then it just opens up everyone else," said Barkley, who had 53 total touchdowns in three years with the Nittany Lions.

THE O-LINE: The offensive line will be dramatically different than the banged-up, inefficient unit that played last year. Hernandez should be able to start at one of the guard positions along with free agent signee Patrick Omameh. Fellow free agent Nate Solder is set at left tackle and Brett Jones returns at center. The only question mark is right tackle. Ereck Flowers has been asked to move from the left side to the right, but his status is uncertain; he has refused to take part in the voluntary offseason activities and minicamp.

NEVER ENOUGH: Gettleman is a believer in never having enough good players. The additions of Carter, Hill and McIntosh gives the Giants a dozen pass rushers when veterans Kareem Martin Eddie Yarbrough Jersey , Olivier Vernon, Damon Harrison, Dalvin Tomlinson, John Mauro, Romeo Okwara, Kerry Wynn, Robert Thomas and Avery Moss are added in. Should be an interesting camp.

STILL NEED: A big receiver is needed. Veteran Brandon Marshall was let go after failing his physical last week. New York has other guys who played last season, but no one combines height and speed that can stretch the field. The Giants could use one more inside linebacker for depth in the new 3-4 alignment. With Eli Apple coming off a bad season and Janoris Jenkins returning from ankle surgery, a cornerback would help.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers believe they accomplished their major goals of upgrading the defensive line and a porous secondary through the draft after going 5-11 and missing the playoffs for the 10th consecutive season.

The Buccaneers added more defensive pieces Saturday, taking Pitt safety Jordan Whitehead in the fourth round and Wisconsin linebacker Jack Cichy during the sixth.

"Thirty-one teams passed up (taking me) so I've got a chip on my shoulder coming in already," Whitehead said.

Cichy didn't play in 2017 because of a knee injury that occurred in preseason camp.

"I feel great Geoff Swaim Jersey ," he said. "I'm real close to 100 percent. I think by the time I get down there for minicamp and OTAs I'll be 100 percent."

Tampa Bay used its first-round pick Thursday to take Washington defensive tackle Vita Vea 12th overall. He will be plugged into a revamped defensive line anchored by six-time Pro Bowl tackle Gerald McCoy and bolstered by last month's trade for pass rusher Jason Pierre-Paul and the signing of Beau Allen, Vinny Curry and Mitch Unrein in free agency.

Tampa Bay ranked last in the NFL with 23 sacks a year ago.

The Buccaneers used a pair of second-round selections Friday to take cornerbacks M.J. Stewart from North Carolina and Auburn's Carlton Davis.

"We feel great," Tampa Bay general manager Jason Licht said. "There's more of a better vibe, not that it was ever bad, more high-fives and more positive energy with all the coaches and scouts this year than I can remember."

LEARNING CURVE

Bucs coach Dirk Koetter knows that 6-foot-6, 304-pound guard Alex Cappa, taken in the third round from Division II Humboldt State, will be facing a major step-up in competition. "That's a different level of football," Koetter said. "Right when his season was over, he goes down to Phoenix and works out at an O-line place with a bunch of NFL guys. He's the right kind of guy but there's definitely a transition."

Tampa Bay has had previous drafting success with small-school offensive lineman, taking starting guard Ali Marpet from Division III Hobart College in the second round of the 2015 draft.

FAMILY AFFAIR

Former Buccaneers cornerback Darrelle Revis is Whitehead's cousin.

"He gave me a lot of advice going through this process JK Scott Jersey ," Whitehead said. "Stay humble, anything can happen throughout this weekend."

FASTER THAN YOU MIGHT THINK

Second-round selection Ronald Jones II from USC is an explosive runner who the Buccaneers feel is faster than generally known.

"He's got track times, the ran guy 10.3-something 100-meters and multiple 10.5's," Koetter said. "He runs hard. He's going to bring something."

HIGH GRADES

The Buccaneers took Penn wide receiver Justin Watson in the fifth round. He will graduate after taking his last final Wednesday at Penn's Wharton School.

"I didn't have a lot of I-A offers, in fact the only two offers I had at the I-A level were Buffalo and Akron out of the MAC," Watson said. "For me, Penn was just the best fit for both football and academics."

STILL NEED

Tampa Bay could look to add depth at safety and the offensive line before the start of training camp.

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MINNESOTA (14-3) vs. PHILADELPHIA (14-3)

Sunday Mitch Unrein Jersey , 6:40 p.m. ET, Fox

OPENING LINE – Vikings by 3 1/2

RECORD VS. SPREAD – Minnesota 12-4-1, Philadelphia 11-5-1

SERIES RECORD – Tied 13-13

LAST MEETING – Eagles beat Vikings 21-10, Oct. 23, 2016

LAST WEEK – Vikings beat Saints 29-24; Eagles beat Falcons 15-10

AP PRO32 RANKING – Vikings No. 2, Eagles No. 5

VIKINGS OFFENSE – OVERALL (11), RUSH (7), PASS (11).

VIKINGS DEFENSE – OVERALL (1), RUSH (2), PASS (2).

EAGLES OFFENSE – OVERALL (7), RUSH (3), PASS (13).

EAGLES DEFENSE – OVERALL (4) Cheap Stacy McGee Jersey , RUSH (1), PASS (17).

STREAKS, STATS AND NOTES – Eagles are 3-0 vs. Vikings in playoffs. … Vikings seeking first trip to Super Bowl in 41 years. Eagles seeking first Super Bowl appearance in 13 years. Neither team has won a Super Bowl. … Vikings are 6-16 on road in playoffs. … Vikings were 6-2 on road this season. … Minnesota led NFL in fewest yards allowed per game (275.9) for first time since 1993 and also allowed fewest points (15.8). … Vikings held opponents to 25.2 percent conversion on third downs, best mark in league. … Offense converted 43.5 percent on third down, third in league. … QB Case Keenum was second in NFL with 67.6 completion percentage. … RB Latavius Murray had 842 yards rushing and eight TDs. RB Jerick McKinnon had 570 yards rushing and three TDs. … WR Adam Thielen was fifth in NFL with 1,276 yards receiving and eighth with 91 receptions. … DE Everson Griffen tied for fourth in league with career-high 13 sacks. … LB Eric Kendricks has led team in tackles each of his first three seasons. His brother, Mychal, is LB for Philadelphia. … All-Pro S Harrison Smith tied career high with five picks. … WR Stefon Diggs had 137 yards receiving vs. Saints last week, including 61-yard game-winning reception on final play. … Eagles have reached conference championship six times since 2000, most appearances by NFC team in that span. … Eagles in NFC championship game for first time since losing 32-25 at Arizona on Jan. 18, 2009. … Eagles host NFC title game for first time since beating Atlanta 27-10 on Jan. 23, 2005. … Philadelphia is 14-7 at home in playoffs Ibraheim Campbell Jersey , including 5-3 at Linc. … Eagles are 14-3 at home under coach Doug Pederson, best home record in NFL over last two seasons. … Philly has outscored opponents 244-117 at home this season. … QB Nick Foles set franchise playoff record with 76.7 completion percentage vs. Falcons. … Foles has completed 46 of 63 (73 percent) for 441 yards, two TDs, no picks and 102.7 passer rating in two playoff starts. … RB LeGarrette Blount scored ninth career postseason rushing TD last week. … RB Jay Ajayi had 98 scrimmage yards (54 rushing, 44 receiving) vs. Atlanta. … K Jake Elliott’s 53-yard field goal vs. Falcons last week was longest in team’s postseason history. Elliott is 6 of 7 from 50 or more yards, but he’s 39 of 43 on extra points and missed one against Atlanta.

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With his easygoing demeanor and smooth swing, Manny Machado made quite a first impression on the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Mannywood 2.0 is off to a successful start.

Machado singled twice and walked twice in his debut with the Dodgers, who used a tiebreaking RBI single by Chris Taylor to beat the sliding Milwaukee Brewers 6-4 on Friday night.

”It was awesome,” Machado said. ”It was amazing to go out there and put on the uniform, come out with a W today on the first day. Just happy to be here with these guys. It’s a great group here, great team.”

Machado was acquired in a blockbuster trade with Baltimore on Wednesday. The Brewers also were in the mix for the All-Star shortstop, but the Dodgers reeled him in with a package of five prospects.

The July deal – and Machado’s impressive debut – brought back memories of Los Angeles’ 2008 trade for Manny Ramirez Vontae Davis Jersey , who helped power the Dodgers to the NL Championship Series.

”He’s our new Mannywood, 2.0 I guess,” a smiling Kenley Jansen said after working the ninth for his 28th save.

NL West-leading Los Angeles was held in check by Wade Miley before going ahead to stay in the seventh. Moments after Yasmani Grandal was cut down at the plate on a nice pickup by catcher Manny Pina, Taylor singled in Chase Utley to give the Dodgers a 2-1 lead. Machado’s second hit then set up Max Muncy’s run-scoring double off Taylor Williams (0-3).

Enrique Hernandez added a three-run homer in the ninth as Los Angeles earned its fifth win in six games. Rich Hill (3-4) struck out nine while pitching six innings of five-hit ball.

”I love pitching here,” Hill said. ”The mound is great. It’s just a great backdrop.”

Milwaukee returned from the break to an emotional apology from reliever Josh Hader for years-old racist and homophobic tweets that surfaced during the All-Star Game. Miley tossed six effective innings in his 200th career start and Jesus Aguilar hit his NL-best 25th homer in the eighth, but the Brewers dropped their seventh straight game.

Christian Yelich hit a two-run triple in the ninth, but Jansen struck out Aguilar for the final out.

”The bottom line is we’re not scoring enough runs,” manager Craig Counsell said. ”We’re playing often behind through this stretch.”

With his teammates standing behind him during a news conference, the 24-year-old Hader said the tweets – which included a slur used to disparage African-Americans – ”were never my beliefs. I was young. I was saying stuff out of just ignorance and that’s just not what I meant.”

Hader is going to participate in diversity and inclusion initiatives in addition to sensitivity training, according to Major League Baseball. The hard-throwing lefty did not get into the game against Los Angeles.

”It’s obviously a different day, a unique day, but I wouldn’t say draining http://www.greenbaypackersteamonline.com/josh-jackson-jersey ,” Yelich said. ”I think once the game started, everybody got back to just playing baseball and focusing on what we needed to do. I don’t think any of the other stuff really had any impact.”

Machado grounded a single into right field in his first at-bat. He also walked in the third and fifth, and flied out to right in the ninth.

Machado’s walk in the third helped load the bases with one out, and Taylor scampered home on a passed ball for Pina. But Matt Kemp then bounced into an unusual 1-3-4 double play, with Aguilar catching Muncy trying to scramble back to the bag at second.

Milwaukee also hurt itself on the bases. Keon Broxton was caught off second on Miley’s base hit in the fifth, and Miley was thrown out at home when he tried to score from first on Yelich’s tying RBI double.

DOWN ON THE FARM

Los Angeles optioned outfielder Andrew Toles to Triple-A Oklahoma City to make room for Machado on the roster. Right-hander Walker Buehler was slated to throw a five-inning simulated game with the Dodgers’ top minor league affiliate, according to Roberts. Buehler could rejoin the major league club next week.

TRAINER’S ROOM

Dodgers: INF Justin Turner was held out with an adductor injury. ”I would say a little bit more on the hope that he can start tomorrow,” Roberts said. ”Expectation is a little bit, just a little bit under that.”

Brewers: Pina was reinstated from the 10-day disabled list. He had been sidelined by a left biceps strain. … OF Ryan Braun (back strain) is expected to come off the DL on Saturday.

UP NEXT

Dodgers left-hander Clayton Kershaw (3-4, 2.74 ERA) and Brewers right-hander Chase Anderson (6-7, 3.78 ERA) get the ball on Saturday. Kershaw is 5-4 with a 2.95 ERA in 12 career starts against Milwaukee. Anderson is winless in three July starts with a 1.65 ERA.

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The Pittsburgh Steelers are still in need of help at inside linebacker heading into the second day of the NFL draft.

While Pro Bowler Ryan Shazier took his first public steps since injuring his spine last December when he walked across the draft stage during the first round http://www.washingtonredskinsteamonline.com/rob-kelley-jersey , Shazier has already been ruled out for the 2018 season.

The Steelers have veteran Vince Williams at one spot and signed Jon Bostic for depth in free agency but need an influx of elite talent.

Pittsburgh picked up an extra pick on the second day of the draft when they acquired the 79th overall selection from Oakland in a trade that sent wide receiver Martavis Bryant to the Raiders.

The Steelers had success in the second round last season when they grabbed wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster.

The Detroit Lions bolstered their linebacker group with Christian Jones and Devon Kennard, and their offensive line with Kenny Wiggins.

Detroit signed the trio of unrestricted free agents on Thursday.

Jones and Kennard were starters for the Chicago Bears and New York Giants Josh Ferguson Jersey , respectively, in parts of four seasons. Jones had a career-high 84 tackles last season in Chicago and matched career highs with two sacks http://www.greenbaypackersteamonline.com/lance-kendricks-jersey , a forced fumble and a recovered fumble. Kennard had four sacks last season with the Giants and 9 sacks in his career.

Wiggins started every game at guard for the Chargers last season, helping them give up an NFL-low 18 sacks and lead the league in yards passing. He has started 25 of 45 games in his career with the Chargers and San Francisco.

The Lions made a major move on the first day of free agency Jordan Mills Jersey , releasing tight end Eric Ebron. The 2014 first-round pick would have earned $8.25 million this season if he was on the roster past 4 p.m. Wednesday.

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