Tag: Athlete injuries

Ravens handle Bengals 34-20 after Joe Burrow exits in the 2nd quarter with a wrist injury

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BALTIMORE — Lamar Jackson hurt an ankle and lost one of his top targets to a more severe injury.

At least Baltimore’s star quarterback was able to keep playing. The Cincinnati Bengals weren’t so lucky.

Jackson threw two touchdown passes in the second quarter — one of which came thanks to a fortuitous carom — and the Ravens beat Cincinnati 34-20 on Thursday night after the Bengals lost Joe Burrow to a wrist injury.

The AFC North-leading Ravens (8-3) completed a head-to-head sweep of Cincinnati (5-5) and moved to 2 1/2 games ahead of the last-place Bengals — but both teams came out of the game with significant health concerns.

Burrow left in the second quarter after throwing a touchdown pass and wasn’t able to return. Baltimore tight end Mark Andrews is expected to miss the rest of the season after hurting an ankle.

“That’s very tough because that’s my boy,” Jackson said. “That’s like receiver one sometimes.”

Ravens coach John Harbaugh announced after the game that Andrews’ injury appears to be season-ending. Cincinnati coach Zac Taylor said Burrow’s injury looked like a sprain, and it’s not clear what his availability is going forward.

The injuries overshadowed this huge divisional matchup, but only to a degree. It was a huge win for a Baltimore team that has been dominant at times but hasn’t been able to pull away in the tough AFC North.

The Bengals were up 10-7 after Burrow’s 4-yard scoring toss to Joe Mixon, but the Ravens answered when Jackson’s pass over the middle bounced off linebacker Germaine Pratt and right to receiver Nelson Agholor, who caught the ball in stride and punctuated the 37-yard touchdown with a flip into the end zone.

“He was flying,” Jackson said. “That’s a Florida boy. We’re known for speed.”

Jackson threw a 10-yard TD pass to Rashod Bateman with 23 seconds left in the half to put Baltimore up 21-10.

Jake Browning, a 27-year-old backup who had played in only one NFL game, relieved Burrow and was able to guide the Bengals to a field goal to start the second half. But that was all he could manage until he threw a 2-yard touchdown pass to Ja’Marr Chase with 1:08 remaining in the game.

Browning was 8 of 14 for 68 yards.

“I felt calm all the time, felt like I threw the ball where I wanted to, but obviously there were too many three-and-outs,” Browning said. “Put our defense in a tough situation and I think when Joe goes down I go in the game fully expecting to win.”

Jackson threw for 264 yards despite losing Andrews on the first drive of the game.

Gus Edwards bookended Baltimore’s day offensively with 3-yard touchdown runs — the first made it 7-0 and the latter 34-13.

Cincinnati won the division the past two years, when late-season injuries kept Jackson off the field for the Ravens. This year Jackson has been able to stay available — he went into the tent after hurting his ankle in the first quarter Thursday but remained in the game — and Baltimore’s AFC North rivals are the ones dealing with health issues at quarterback.

Cleveland, which won at Baltimore last weekend to pull within a half-game of first place, lost Deshaun Watson for the season with a fractured shoulder. Now Burrow is dealing with another injury after he faced calf trouble earlier this season.

The Ravens had five sacks, increasing their league-leading total to 44.

UP ABOVE

The game was delayed briefly because of apparent drone activity around the stadium.

“We saw them up there, drones. That’s a first,” Harbaugh said. “I thought I’d seen it all with the Super Bowl, the lights going out at the Super Bowl. Now we got drones flying around.”

The lights went out during Baltimore’s victory over San Francisco in the Super Bowl in New Orleans after the 2012 season.

PRIME TIME

The Bengals have lost 14 consecutive regular-season night games on the road. Baltimore improved to 20-3 at home in that situation since 2008.

“Our fans were really great,” Harbaugh said. “(The Bengals) had to take delay of games, they had a tough time communicating out there. They couldn’t get lined up numerous times as a result of the crowd noise.”

INJURY

Cincinnati CB Cam Taylor-Britt left the game with a quad issue.

UP NEXT

Bengals: Host Pittsburgh on Nov. 26.

Ravens: Visit the Los Angeles Chargers on Nov. 26.

___

AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL

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November 16, 2023
Kane completes 7th career hat trick in OT to lift Oilers past Kraken 4-3

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EDMONTON, Alberta — Evander Kane scored the tying goals in the third period and then completed his seventh career hat trick 2:57 into overtime, rallying the Edmonton Oilers to a 4-3 win over the Seattle Kraken on Wednesday night.

Connor McDavid also scored, Evan Bouchard had three assists and Leon Draisaitl had two as the Oilers came back from two goals down to win their third straight. Stuart Skinner had 33 saves.

“I think we’re starting to find our groove a little bit here,” Kane said.

Jared McCann, Alex Wennberg and Pierre-Edouard Bellemare all scored in the second period to give Seattle a 3-1 lead. Joey Daccord finished with 28 saves as the Kraken lost for the fifth time in six games (1-3-2).

“I feel like we had our opportunities to score a couple of more goals.” Wennberg said. “In general, I think we had a pretty good game. It’s a tough way to end it. Things happen out there, but we can’t lose this game. This is one of those games we have to fight through and find a way to win and unfortunately we didn’t today.”

Kane pulled the Oilers within one with 6:32 remaining in the third when he redirected Bouchard’s shot from the point.

Kane tied it with just 46 seconds remaining and Skinner pulled for the extra man. Draisaitl chipped a pass through the crease to Kane to go upstairs on Daccord.

In the extra period, Zach Hyman waited for a Seattle defender to go down before sending the puck across to Kane for his seventh goal of the season.

“Going into a long road trip here, to get a couple wins finally at home in a row is nice. We’ve come back before, down going into the third period,” Kane said. “It was nice to be able to do that for the first time this year.”

It was Edmonton’s second straight win since Kris Knoblauch replaced Jay Woodcroft as coach on Sunday.

Knoblauch was pleased his team recovered from a dreadful second-period stretch.

“The last 12 minutes of the second period was almost rock bottom, in my opinion. I didn’t think we played well at all. But in the third period, we showed a lot of passion and perseverance to stick with it,” the coach said. “Hopefully the way that we won today makes us a better team in the long run.”

Edmonton got on the scoreboard first at 5:21 of the second period when Draisaitl sent McDavid in all alone to beat Daccord with a backhand move. McDavid scored his second in two games and his fourth of the season.

Seattle tied it 1:59 later when a rebound of Jordan Eberle’s shot deflected off McCann’s shin pad and into Edmonton’s net. It was McCann’s seventh.

The Kraken took a 2-1 lead at 9:24 of the middle period after a bad clearing attempt allowed Vince Dunn to fire a shot from the point that was tipped by Bellemare past Skinner for his second.

Seattle went ahead 3-1 with 2:39 remaining in the second as Wennberg picked up a rebound out front and executed a spin-around shot that eluded Skinner for his first.

Edmonton caught a break early in the third by avoiding an own-goal. With a Seattle penalty upcoming, Oilers defender Vincent Desharnais attempted to pass out from the corner, but there was nobody there. The puck hit the Edmonton’s post with Skinner pulled for an extra attacker.

The Oilers placed Mattias Janmark (shoulder) and Dylan Holloway (lower body) on long-term injured reserve. Raphael Lavoie, Adam Erne, and Philip Broberg were recalled from Bakersfield of the AHL. Also out hurt for Edmonton is Connor Brown (lower body), but he’s been skating and is expected to be ready for the start of their upcoming road trip.

Veteran forward Eberle returned to the Seattle lineup after missing three games with a leg cut suffered in practice on Nov. 8.

UP NEXT

Kraken: Host the New York Islanders on Thursday night.

Oilers: At Tampa Bay on Saturday night to open a four-game trip.

___

AP NHL: https://www.apnews.com/hub/nhl

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November 16, 2023
Virginia RB Perris Jones hurt, carted off field and taken to hospital after hit by Louisville

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Virginia running back Perris Jones was immobilized on a flat board and carted off the field after being injured on a play late in the third quarter against No. 11 Louisville

ByGARY B. GRAVES AP sports writer

November 9, 2023, 10:55 PM

The Virginia football team goes to show their support of teammate running back Perris Jones (2) during the second half of an NCAA college football game in Louisville, Ky., Thursday, Nov. 9, 2023. (AP Photo/Timothy D. Easley)

The Associated Press

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Virginia running back Perris Jones was immobilized on a flat board and carted off the field after being injured on a play late in the third quarter against No. 11 Louisville on Thursday night.

Jones caught a 7-yard pass from Anthony Colandrea and fumbled after a hard hit on his helmet by Cam’Ron Kelly with several other Cardinals nearby. Malik Washington scooped up the ball near the right sideline and dashed down the field for the go-ahead touchdown to make 21-14.

Kelly said the play opened up for him to make the tackle and indicated that Jones tried to go low and he went low, too.

“I’m just praying for him,” Kelly said. “I said my piece to him when he was on the stretcher. I’ve got nothing but love for him. I hope he has a speedy recovery.”

Spectators in L&N Stadium fell silent as medical personnel from Virginia and Louisville quickly rushed to tend to Jones as he lay on the turf, and a cart quickly entered the field.

Players from both teams knelt for about 15 minutes as Jones was treated and gently lifted onto the board with his head wrapped between two pads, and then onto the cart as Cavaliers players gathered around.

Fans and players applauded Jones as the cart left the field. He was taken to UofL Hospital for observation and coach Tony Elliott said Jones was going to have an MRI.

“We are getting some encouraging news, but I don’t want say anything until we get it officially,” Elliott said.

“Every play can end that way. PJ leaves it all on the line. We think he will be OK. Nobody wants to see it. … to go out on a stretcher.”

Louisville rallied to beat Virginia 31-24.

___ Get alerts on the latest AP Top 25 poll throughout the season. Sign up here ___ AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-football

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November 9, 2023
Mark Zuckerberg undergoes knee surgery after the Meta CEO got hurt during martial arts training

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Mark Zuckerberg’s latest martial arts sparring session sent him to the operating table

ByALEX VEIGA AP business writer

November 4, 2023, 3:13 PM

FILE – Mark Zuckerberg speaks at Georgetown University, on Oct. 17, 2019, in Washington. Zuckerberg, the Meta Platforms CEO and mixed martial arts enthusiast posted on social media Friday, Nov. 3, 3023, that he tore one of his anterior cruciate ligaments, or ACLs, while training for a fight early next year. (AP Photo/Nick Wass, File)

The Associated Press

LOS ANGELES — Mark Zuckerberg’s latest martial arts sparring session sent him to the operating table.

The Meta Platforms CEO and mixed martial arts enthusiast posted on social media Friday that he tore one of his anterior cruciate ligaments, or ACLs, while training for a fight early next year.

A photo he posted on Instagram shows the tech billionaire lying in a hospital bed with his left knee elevated, bandaged and fit with a brace.

“Tore my ACL sparring and just got out of surgery to replace it,” Zuckerberg posted on Instagram. “Grateful for the doctors and team taking care of me. I was training for a competitive MMA fight early next year, but now that’s delayed a bit. Still looking forward to doing it after I recover. Thanks to everyone for the love and support.”

Menlo Park, California-based Meta did not immediately return an email seeking comment Saturday.

Zuckerberg, who in May completed his first jiu jitsu tournament, has previously posted updates on his martial arts training. A few weeks ago, he shared a close-up photo of his face on Instagram showing bruising on the bridge of his nose and under his eyes, which he attributed to sparring that got “a little out of hand.”

The Facebook founder and Elon Musk grabbed headlines this summer after the two tech moguls seemingly agreed to an in-person face-off in late June.

Musk and Zuckerberg fueled interest in the potential match through online jabs at one another, with Musk at one point touting how he was training by lifting weights. But in August, the Tesla CEO posted on social media that he might need surgery before the fight could happen.

Shortly after, Zuckerberg posted on the Threads social media app that he was ready to move on, writing: “If Elon ever gets serious about a real date and official event, he knows how to reach me. Otherwise, time to move on. I’m going to focus on competing with people who take the sport seriously.”

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November 5, 2023
Mark Zuckerberg undergoes knee surgery after the Meta CEO got hurt during martial arts training

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Mark Zuckerberg’s latest martial arts sparring session sent him to the operating table

ByALEX VEIGA AP business writer

November 4, 2023, 3:13 PM

FILE – Mark Zuckerberg speaks at Georgetown University, on Oct. 17, 2019, in Washington. Zuckerberg, the Meta Platforms CEO and mixed martial arts enthusiast posted on social media Friday, Nov. 3, 3023, that he tore one of his anterior cruciate ligaments, or ACLs, while training for a fight early next year. (AP Photo/Nick Wass, File)

The Associated Press

LOS ANGELES — Mark Zuckerberg’s latest martial arts sparring session sent him to the operating table.

The Meta Platforms CEO and mixed martial arts enthusiast posted on social media Friday that he tore one of his anterior cruciate ligaments, or ACLs, while training for a fight early next year.

A photo he posted on Instagram shows the tech billionaire lying in a hospital bed with his left knee elevated, bandaged and fit with a brace.

“Tore my ACL sparring and just got out of surgery to replace it,” Zuckerberg posted on Instagram. “Grateful for the doctors and team taking care of me. I was training for a competitive MMA fight early next year, but now that’s delayed a bit. Still looking forward to doing it after I recover. Thanks to everyone for the love and support.”

Menlo Park, California-based Meta did not immediately return an email seeking comment Saturday.

Zuckerberg, who in May completed his first jiu jitsu tournament, has previously posted updates on his martial arts training. A few weeks ago, he shared a close-up photo of his face on Instagram showing bruising on the bridge of his nose and under his eyes, which he attributed to sparring that got “a little out of hand.”

The Facebook founder and Elon Musk grabbed headlines this summer after the two tech moguls seemingly agreed to an in-person face-off in late June.

Musk and Zuckerberg fueled interest in the potential match through online jabs at one another, with Musk at one point touting how he was training by lifting weights. But in August, the Tesla CEO posted on social media that he might need surgery before the fight could happen.

Shortly after, Zuckerberg posted on the Threads social media app that he was ready to move on, writing: “If Elon ever gets serious about a real date and official event, he knows how to reach me. Otherwise, time to move on. I’m going to focus on competing with people who take the sport seriously.”

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November 5, 2023
Mark Zuckerberg undergoes knee surgery after the Meta CEO got hurt during martial arts training

[ad_1]

Mark Zuckerberg’s latest martial arts sparring session sent him to the operating table

ByALEX VEIGA AP business writer

November 4, 2023, 3:13 PM

FILE – Mark Zuckerberg speaks at Georgetown University, on Oct. 17, 2019, in Washington. Zuckerberg, the Meta Platforms CEO and mixed martial arts enthusiast posted on social media Friday, Nov. 3, 3023, that he tore one of his anterior cruciate ligaments, or ACLs, while training for a fight early next year. (AP Photo/Nick Wass, File)

The Associated Press

LOS ANGELES — Mark Zuckerberg’s latest martial arts sparring session sent him to the operating table.

The Meta Platforms CEO and mixed martial arts enthusiast posted on social media Friday that he tore one of his anterior cruciate ligaments, or ACLs, while training for a fight early next year.

A photo he posted on Instagram shows the tech billionaire lying in a hospital bed with his left knee elevated, bandaged and fit with a brace.

“Tore my ACL sparring and just got out of surgery to replace it,” Zuckerberg posted on Instagram. “Grateful for the doctors and team taking care of me. I was training for a competitive MMA fight early next year, but now that’s delayed a bit. Still looking forward to doing it after I recover. Thanks to everyone for the love and support.”

Menlo Park, California-based Meta did not immediately return an email seeking comment Saturday.

Zuckerberg, who in May completed his first jiu jitsu tournament, has previously posted updates on his martial arts training. A few weeks ago, he shared a close-up photo of his face on Instagram showing bruising on the bridge of his nose and under his eyes, which he attributed to sparring that got “a little out of hand.”

The Facebook founder and Elon Musk grabbed headlines this summer after the two tech moguls seemingly agreed to an in-person face-off in late June.

Musk and Zuckerberg fueled interest in the potential match through online jabs at one another, with Musk at one point touting how he was training by lifting weights. But in August, the Tesla CEO posted on social media that he might need surgery before the fight could happen.

Shortly after, Zuckerberg posted on the Threads social media app that he was ready to move on, writing: “If Elon ever gets serious about a real date and official event, he knows how to reach me. Otherwise, time to move on. I’m going to focus on competing with people who take the sport seriously.”

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November 4, 2023
Player’s death from a skate cut to the neck in England leads to more NHL talks on cut protection

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EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — The death of American hockey player Adam Johnson from a skate blade to the neck in a game in England is leading to further discussions about cut-resistant protection in the NHL and other leagues.

Commissioner Gary Bettman and Players’ Association executive director Marty Walsh touched based Sunday in the immediate aftermath of the death to set up further talks between the league and union. For several years the two sides have been studying skate cut injuries and how to reduce and avoid them, and now the topic has taken on greater urgency at various levels of the sport.

“We’re going to explore everything,” Walsh said Wednesday. “We have to continue to have conversations on this as we move forward here. It’s a change for the players, but it’s also about protecting them, so I think we will have those conversations as we move forward here.”

Johnson, a 29-year-old from Minnesota, died at a hospital after being cut in the neck by the skate blade of an opponent during a game Saturday night in the Elite Ice Hockey League. The league called it a “freak accident,” and South Yorkshire Police have said they are investigating.

The incident already has had an impact across the Atlantic Ocean, with the American Hockey League and ECHL affiliates of the Pittsburgh Penguins, the organization Johnson once played for, mandating neck guards for players. The AHL and ECHL mandated cut-resistant wrist and foot/ankle protection last summer, in consultation with the Professional Hockey Players’ Association.

“We’ve seen it with other things, particularly with visors: If the players get used to it in the AHL, then they’re going to want to continue to use it in the NHL, so that’s the theory with the wrist guards and the foot socks that it’s something new and the players have to get used to it,” AHL president and CEO Scott Howson told The Associated Press by phone Tuesday. “Given what’s happened over the weekend with Adam Johnson, we are working with the NHL to figure out what the next step is in term of neck guards.”

The English Ice Hockey Association announced it would mandate neck guards beginning Jan. 1, 2024, citing possible supply issues. T.J. Oshie of the NHL’s Washington Capitals said the apparel and equipment company he co-owns already has run out of its entire supply of cut-resistant neck protection.

No such mandate currently exists in the NHL, though many players have added Kevlar or other protective material in the decade since five-time All-Star Erik Karlsson suffered a torn Achilles tendon from a skate cut. Evander Kane missed more than two months last season after his left wrist was cut by a skate blade.

Such injuries have made skate cuts a matter of great importance for several years.

“It’s been on the burner,” Bettman said. “It’s something that we’ve been looking at in terms of cuts to the wrist, cuts to the leg — and worse — and it’s something we’re going to continue to discuss and continue to study.”

Walsh said skate blade safety was a fresh issue when he met with one team Sunday night and that players have reached out to members of his staff to discuss it. The same goes with minor league players who belong to the PHPA, many of whose opinions have changed rapidly since Johnson’s death.

“The topic’s now front and center in the team meetings — the players bring it up,” PHPA executive director Larry Landon told the AP by phone Wednesday. “Our guys are asking for them. Some guys are asking for neck guards. A lot of guys who knew Adam want neck guards out of respect for him, and we’ll see where it goes in the weeks ahead.”

Although the desire to try out protective gear has increased, there’s no sense yet that the NHL and players in the top hockey league in the world are rushing to make neck guards mandatory. Walsh expects discussions with players and the league office to continue, much as they did with visors and, decades earlier, helmets.

“We don’t impose equipment changes without the agreement of the players’ association,” Bettman said. “This has always been a collaborative effort, and together we’ve been studying cut-resistant materials and the injuries that occur from skate blades over the last few years. This is not something new for us to focus on.”

___

AP NHL: https://apnews.com/hub/NHL

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November 1, 2023
Goaltender Hart leaves Flyers game early with “mid-body” injury

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Philadelphia Flyers goalie Carter Hart left Wednesday night’s game against the Buffalo Sabres midway through the first period with what the club called a “mid-body injury.”

ByThe Associated Press

November 1, 2023, 7:50 PM

Buffalo Sabres’ Brandon Biro, bottom, collides with Philadelphia Flyers’ Carter Hart, left, and Cam Atkinson after scoring a goal during the first period of an NHL hockey game, Wednesday, Nov. 1, 2023, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)

The Associated Press

PHILADELPHIA — Philadelphia Flyers goalie Carter Hart left Wednesday night’s game against the Buffalo Sabres midway through the first period with what the club called a “mid-body injury.”

Hart — who was 4-3 with a 2.30 goals against average in seven previous starts as Philadelphia’s primary goaltender — appeared to be in discomfort after a scramble in front of the net seven minutes into a tie game with Sabres forward Kyle Okposo. More than two minutes later, after Brandon Biro scored Buffalo’s second goal on a sliding puck in the crease, a member of the Flyers’ training staff came out and escorted Hart off the ice under his own power.

Sam Ersson replaced Hart in net for the Flyers.

___

AP NHL: https://apnews.com/hub/NHL

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November 1, 2023
Aaron Nesmith has 26 points for the Pacers in a 125-113 win over the Donovan Mitchell-less Cavaliers

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CLEVELAND — Aaron Nesmith scored a career-high 26 points and Tyrese Haliburton had 21 points, 13 assists and eight rebounds, sending the Indiana Pacers to a 125-113 victory over the short-handed Cleveland Cavaliers on Saturday night.

Cleveland played without three starters, including All-NBA shooting guard Donovan Mitchell (right hamstring soreness). Point guard Darius Garland (left hamstring strain) and center Jarrett Allen (left ankle bone bruise) also remain out.

Nesmith, who signed a three-year contract extension earlier in the week, had 17 points in the first half and finished with nine rebounds. The 6-foot-5 forward was acquired last summer in a trade with Boston, where he spent his first two seasons.

“After I made my first layup, then the second one, I said, ‘This is going to be a good day,’” Nesmith said. “And when I made a 3-pointer, I said it was going to be a really good day. It was all just my teammates finding me.”

Myles Turner had 20 points and 12 rebounds for Indiana, which outscored the Cavaliers 29-12 in the second quarter and won its second straight game to open the season. Bennedict Mathurin and Jalen Smith added 13 points apiece.

Mitchell was walking with a pronounced limp following the Cavaliers’ 108-105 home loss to Oklahoma City on Friday. The four-time All-Star scored 43 points in 42 minutes against the Thunder, but Cleveland blew a nine-point lead in the final two minutes.

“Donovan has some tightness that we don’t want to play around with,” Cavaliers coach J.B. Bickerstaff said. “The guys we had went out and competed their tails off.”

Evan Mobley had 33 points, 14 rebounds and three blocks for Cleveland, which has dropped two in a row. Caris LeVert started at the point and had 31 points and eight assists, while Max Strus had 21 points, 11 rebounds and six assists.

“I just tried to be aggressive and take some of the single coverage I got,” said LeVert, who scored 19 points in the first seven minutes when Cleveland jumped ahead 27-12. “Obviously, it was next man up for us because we’ve got some guys banged up.”

The Cavaliers pulled within 93-92 early in the fourth on Georges Niang’s 3-pointer, but Nesmith and Buddy Hield answered with back-to-back 3s. Indiana ended any doubt with three minutes left when Haliburton buried consecutive 3-pointers and made a layup.

The Pacers began their season Wednesday with a 143-120 home victory over Washington and lead the league with a 134.0 scoring average. Haliburton ranks first in assists at 12.0 per game.

“Tyrese was amazing in the fourth quarter and played pitch-perfect tonight,” Indiana coach Rick Carlisle said. “He found the creases, he found the advantages, and he finished the game off.”

Cavaliers guards Emoni Bates and Craig Porter Jr. were scoreless in their NBA debuts. Bates, the No. 49 draft pick, airballed his first shot, a 3-pointer in transition.

UP NEXT

Pacers: Host Chicago on Monday.

Cavaliers: Host New York on Tuesday.

___

AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/NBA

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October 28, 2023
Bo Horvat, Noah Dobson lead Islanders to 3-2 win over Senators

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Bo Horvat and Noah Dobson each had a goal and an assist, and the New York Islanders held on for a 3-2 win over the Ottawa Senators, who lost defenseman Erik Brannstrom to a scary injury

BySCOTT CHARLES Associated Press

October 26, 2023, 10:26 PM

Ottawa Senators’ Erik Brannstrom is carted off the ice after he was injured during the second period of the team’s NHL hockey game against the New York Islanders on Thursday, Oct. 26, 2023, in Elmont, N.Y. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

The Associated Press

NEW YORK — Bo Horvat and Noah Dobson each had a goal and an assist, and the New York Islanders held on Thursday night for a 3-2 win over the Ottawa Senators, who lost defenseman Erik Brannstrom to a scary injury.

Brannstrom was stretchered off the ice after a check along the boards from Cal Clutterbuck at 8:43 of the middle period. The team announced that Brannstrom was alert, had use of his extremities and was taken to a hospital for further evaluation.

Clutterbuck also scored for New York. Ilya Sorokin made 46 saves, including one in the final seconds, as the Islanders snapped a three-game skid.

Claude Giroux and Jacob Chychrun scored for Ottawa, which lost its third straight. Joonas Korpisalo finished with 35 saves.

Dobson blasted a one-timer from the high slot at 6:45 of the third to give the Islanders a 3-2 lead. Horvat led the breakout and Mathew Barzal entered the offensive zone with speed before leaving a drop pass for Dobson.

New York’s penalty kill limited the Senators to one power-play goal on eight opportunities.

Horvat opened the scoring on the power play at 2:41 of the first period. Dobson recorded the primary assist and extended his point streak to five games.

The Islanders extended their first-period lead to 2-0 when Clutterbuck buried a feed from Casey Cizikas at 13:05.

The Senators scored twice within 5:33 in the middle of the second period.

Chychrun evened the score as his shot sailed past the glove of Sorokin at 12:25. The 25-year-old defenseman made a move at the blue line to avoid Islanders forward Anders Lee and registered his fourth goal of the season.

Giroux notched Ottawa’s first goal when he converted on a 4-on-3 power play at 6:52, firing a wrist shot through traffic past the blocker of Sorokin.

The Senators outshot the Islanders 17-10 in the second period.

UP NEXT

Senators: At Pittsburgh on Saturday.

Islanders: At Columbus on Saturday.

___

AP NHL: https://apnews.com/hub/nhl

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October 26, 2023
American basketball player attacked in Poland, left with injured eye socket

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Polish officials and media are reporting that an American basketball player with a professional Polish women’s club has been badly beaten, sustaining a head injury

ByThe Associated Press

October 22, 2023, 12:16 PM

FILE – California guard Mikayla Cowling (3) drives to the hoop against Virginia guard Brianna Tinsley (1) and Lisa Jablonowski (14) during the first half of a first-round game in the NCAA women’s college basketball tournament March 16, 2018, in Columbia, S.C. Cowling, now with Polish professional women’s basketball club VBW Arka Gdynia, was beaten and left with a head injury midweek with the attacker later detained, according to officials and reports in Polish media Sunday, Oct. 22, 2023. (AP Photo/Sean Rayford, File)

The Associated Press

WARSAW, Poland — An American basketball player with a professional Polish women’s club was beaten and left with a head injury midweek with the attacker later detained, according to officials and reports in Polish media on Sunday.

Mikayla Cowling, who plays for VBW Arka Gdynia, was attacked late Wednesday in a music club in Gdansk, a city in northern Poland, according to the RMF FM broadcaster, which also quoted the club saying the “brutal beating” left her with a fractured eye socket, among other injuries.

Gdansk is a neighboring city to Gdynia on the Baltic coast.

“I am outraged that such a shameful situation has occurred. Violence and aggression are unacceptable and must be opposed,” Gdynia Mayor Wojciech Szczurek said Sunday on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter. “Fortunately, the police quickly caught the attacker. We wish the player good health!”

The attack happened after a EuroCup women’s match where the Gdynia team defeated rivals from Switzerland, BCF Elfic Fribourg, 77-47. Cowling, who played her college basketball at Cal, scored 7 points.

The president of the Gdynia club, Boguslaw Witkowski, said in an interview with the Polish state news agency PAP that the player was attacked near the women’s restroom by a security guard.

Cowling, 27, was hit several times on the head, and when she fell, she was also kicked. The most serious injury was to her face and the athlete has a fractured orbital bone, he said. He added that she is at home under observation and will have additional tests next week.

PAP also quoted a police spokesperson who said the attacker, a 48-year-old man, was arrested on Friday.

___

AP sports: https://apnews.com/hub/sports and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

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October 22, 2023
American player for Polish women’s basketball team attacked, left with injured eye socket

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Polish officials and media are reporting that an American basketball player with a professional Polish women’s club has been badly beaten, sustaining a head injury

ByThe Associated Press

October 22, 2023, 12:16 PM

FILE – California guard Mikayla Cowling (3) drives to the hoop against Virginia guard Brianna Tinsley (1) and Lisa Jablonowski (14) during the first half of a first-round game in the NCAA women’s college basketball tournament March 16, 2018, in Columbia, S.C. Cowling, now with Polish professional women’s basketball club VBW Arka Gdynia, was beaten and left with a head injury midweek with the attacker later detained, according to officials and reports in Polish media Sunday, Oct. 22, 2023. (AP Photo/Sean Rayford, File)

The Associated Press

WARSAW, Poland — An American basketball player with a professional Polish women’s club was beaten and left with a head injury midweek with the attacker later detained, according to officials and reports in Polish media on Sunday.

Mikayla Cowling, who plays for VBW Arka Gdynia, was attacked late Wednesday in a music club in Gdansk, a city in northern Poland, according to the RMF FM broadcaster, which also quoted the club saying the “brutal beating” left her with a fractured eye socket, among other injuries.

Gdansk is a neighboring city to Gdynia on the Baltic coast.

“I am outraged that such a shameful situation has occurred. Violence and aggression are unacceptable and must be opposed,” Gdynia Mayor Wojciech Szczurek said Sunday on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter. “Fortunately, the police quickly caught the attacker. We wish the player good health!”

The attack happened after a EuroCup women’s match where the Gdynia team defeated rivals from Switzerland, BCF Elfic Fribourg, 77-47. Cowling, who played her college basketball at Cal, scored 7 points.

The president of the Gdynia club, Boguslaw Witkowski, said in an interview with the Polish state news agency PAP that the player was attacked near the women’s restroom by a security guard.

Cowling, 27, was hit several times on the head, and when she fell, she was also kicked. The most serious injury was to her face and the athlete has a fractured orbital bone, he said. He added that she is at home under observation and will have additional tests next week.

PAP also quoted a police spokesperson who said the attacker, a 48-year-old man, was arrested on Friday.

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October 22, 2023
Blue Jackets’ Zach Werenski is expected to miss one to two weeks after a knee-on-knee hit

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The Columbus Blue Jackets say Zach Werenski is expected to miss one to two weeks with a right leg injury

ByThe Associated Press

October 13, 2023, 2:16 PM

Columbus Blue Jackets’ Jack Roslovic, left, and Sean Kuraly, right, help Zach Werenski off the ice after Werenski during the second period of the team’s NHL hockey game against the Philadelphia Flyers on Thursday, Oct. 12, 2023, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)

The Associated Press

COLUMBUS, Ohio — The Columbus Blue Jackets put Zach Werenski on injured reserve Friday and expect the defenseman to miss one to two weeks with a bruised quadriceps muscle.

Werenski took a knee-on-knee hit from Philadelphia’s Garnet Hathaway in a season-opening loss to the Flyers on Thursday night. The NHL’s department of player safety fined Hathaway $5,000 for kneeing, the maximum amount allowed under the collective bargaining agreement.

Blue Jackets coach Pascal Vincent said after the game that Werenski was dealing with a charley horse and that the injury was “not long term.”

Werenski, 26, was playing his first game since tearing the labrum in his right shoulder Nov. 10, also against Philadelphia, and undergoing season-ending surgery. Columbus recalled 19-year-old rookie David Jiricek to take Werenski’s spot on the roster.

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October 13, 2023
Chiefs have Travis Kelce available; Broncos get Greg Dulcich back for AFC West matchup

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All-Pro tight end Travis Kelce was active for the Kansas City Chiefs against the Denver Broncos on Thursday night after hurting his ankle before finishing out last weekend’s win over the Minnesota Vikings

ByDAVE SKRETTA AP sports writer

October 12, 2023, 6:00 PM

Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) reacts after a first down during the second half of an NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings, Sunday, Oct. 8, 2023, in Minneapolis. The Chiefs won 27-20. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)

The Associated Press

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — All-Pro tight end Travis Kelce was active for the Kansas City Chiefs against the Denver Broncos on Thursday night after hurting his ankle before finishing out last weekend’s win over the Minnesota Vikings.

Kelce was limited in practice Tuesday and there was some question whether the quick turnaround from last Sunday would be enough time for his ankle to heal sufficiently. He was listed as questionable on the final injury report but on the field for pregame warmups, giving quarterback Patrick Mahomes his most reliable and productive option in the passing game.

“He’s always been honest with me on things like that,” Chiefs coach Andy Reid said this week, “so we’ll just see how he does. But he’s doing OK out there (in practice) so we’ll see how it goes.”

The Broncos also had their top tight end after activating Greg Dulcich from injured reserve. A third-round pick out of UCLA a year ago, Dulcich had not played since Week 1, when he had two catches for 22 yards against the Las Vegas Raiders before he hurt his hamstring and landed on the IR list.

“He’s been working his tail off, and I know they’re going through a bunch of stuff now — explosive drills — and making sure there’s not a setback,” Broncos coach Sean Payton said this week. “He’s close.”

The Broncos cleared a roster spot for Dulcich, who has 35 catches for 433 yards and two touchdowns in 11 games, by releasing wide receiver Lil’Jordan Humphrey on Wednesday. They signed him back to the practice squad Thursday and promoted him along with defensive tackle Tyler Lancaster to the active roster for the AFC West matchup in Kansas City.

Humphrey has played 97 snaps this season with four catches for 26 yards. Lancaster has been on the practice squad.

Chiefs defensive tackles Neil Farrell and Keondre Coburn, offensive lineman Mike Caliendo, defensive end BJ Thompson and cornerback Nic Jones were inactive against Denver. The Broncos made linebackers Frank Clark and Thomas Incoom, defensive linemen D.J. Jones and Elijah Garcia, tight end Nate Adkins and safety JL Skinner inactive to face the Chiefs.

Clark helped the Chiefs win the Super Bowl last season before signing with Denver as a free agent. But the 30-year-old pass rusher, who agreed to a restructured deal this week, appears to have fallen out of favor with the Broncos. He has appeared in only two games because of injury and was declared out for Thursday night because of an illness.

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October 12, 2023
Jets offensive lineman Alijah Vera-Tucker out for the season with a torn Achilles tendon

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New York Jets offensive lineman Alijah Vera-Tucker has a torn Achilles tendon that will sideline him for the rest of the season

ByDENNIS WASZAK JR. AP pro football writer

New York Jets tight end C.J. Uzomah (87) celebrates with guard Alijah Vera-Tucker (75) after scoring a touchdown against the Kansas City Chiefs during the second quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 1, 2023, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

The Associated Press

New York Jets offensive lineman Alijah Vera-Tucker has a torn Achilles tendon that will sideline him for the rest of the season.

Coach Robert Saleh announced Monday that an MRI revealed the nature of the injury, which occurred in the second quarter of New York’s 31-21 victory at Denver on Sunday. It’s the same field where Vera-Tucker suffered a season-ending torn triceps a year ago.

“Second year in a row and we’re all kind of surprised because he played a play on it and walked off on his own power, he walked to the locker room on his own power,” Saleh said. “So we were pretty optimistic that that part of it was going to be OK.”

The Jets announced during the game that Vera-Tucker had a calf injury, but Saleh said afterward there was “concern” it could be serious.

Vera-Tucker has been arguably the Jets’ best offensive lineman and their most versatile. He started the first two games at right guard before sliding over to right tackle. Vera-Tucker, a 2021 first-round draft pick out of USC, also has played left guard and left tackle during his brief NFL career.

Second-year O-lineman Max Mitchell replaced Vera-Tucker against the Broncos, but Saleh wouldn’t reveal the Jets’ plan at right tackle moving forward. The Jets also have veteran Billy Turner on the active roster, while Duane Brown and rookie Carter Warren are on injured reserve. Brown isn’t eligible to return until after the Jets’ bye-week break next week. Warren’s 21-day window to be activated began last week, but it’s uncertain how close he is to playing shape.

“It’s a blow, but I feel bad for him,” Saleh said of Vera-Tucker. “He battled his way back this offseason from the injury a year ago and to have this happen again, it’s just unfortunate.”

He’s the second key member of the Jets’ offense to suffer a torn Achilles tendon after quarterback Aaron Rodgers was injured on the fourth snap of his debut with the team in the season opener.

Vera-Tucker moved from right guard to right tackle when Brown — the left tackle — was placed on IR after the second game. Mekhi Becton slid from the left side to take Brown’s spot, creating the need for Vera-Tucker to switch positions. Saleh spoke last week about potentially keeping Vera-Tucker at right tackle permanently because of how well he played there.

Saleh was not immediately certain when or where Vera-Tucker would have surgery to repair his Achilles tendon.

Rodgers had his surgery in Los Angeles with Dr. Neal ElAttrache, and he had a “speed bridge” procedure that’s designed to accelerate the rehabilitation process. Rodgers has said his goal is to return late this season.

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October 9, 2023
What does the science say about the grass vs. turf debate in sports?

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Which playing surface is safer for athletes: natural grass or artificial turf?

The question is important not just in , but also for soccer, recreational sports and high school and college athletics — anywhere athletes make sudden shifts in direction that can twist joints and tear ligaments.

Scientists continue to study the question, but there are challenges to getting the answer right. There are variables to take into account: the player’s age and physical shape, weather and surface conditions, the type of shoes and whether the injuries involved contact with other players. And surfaces have changed over the years with new technology.

The debate was revived when Aaron Rodgers tore his Achilles’ tendon during an NFL game on artificial turf. Although Rodgers’ injury may have been just as likely on grass because of the circumstances, that hasn’t stopped the wrangling.

What does the science say and what are the challenges?

Some studies look back at injury rates, while making adjustments for other factors that could be in play. That type of study is good, but will never be able to keep up with innovation, said Dr. Calvin Hwang, a team doctor for Stanford’s players and the San Jose Earthquakes soccer team.

“There’s always evolving technology, both with grass, but especially with artificial turf,” Hwang said. “The newer generation turfs may be safer than older generation turfs. And so studies that were done five or six years ago may not be including some of those newer generation turfs.”

Still, Hwang, who treats players who play home games on grass, said the research he’s seen leads him to believe that grass is safer.

Recently, a group of researchers reviewed studies on the topic. They looked at 53 articles published between 1972 and 2020, on injuries in professional and amateur sports, including , soccer, rugby, field hockey and ultimate Frisbee. The authors didn’t specify whether the studies included injuries involving a direct blow from another player, or just non-contact injuries.

The studies suggest “a higher rate of foot and ankle injuries on artificial turf, both old-generation and new-generation turf, compared to natural grass,” they wrote in a paper published last year in the American Journal of Sports Medicine. Knee and hip injuries were similar on both surfaces, they wrote. The authors noted that studies reporting a higher rate of injury on grass received financial support from the artificial turf industry.

Similar findings were reported in a separate study that analyzed 4,801 NFL foot and leg injuries during 2012-2016 regular season games. That research found 16% more injuries per play on artificial turf compared to grass. The authors concluded that if all games had been played on grass during that period there would have been 319 fewer foot and leg injuries. Looking only at non-contact injuries the risk was even higher, about 20% more injuries per play.

In the NFL, the players’ union prefers grass and has been pushing for it. The NFL says some artificial turf fields are safer than some grass fields and wants to reduce injuries on all surfaces. About half the NFL stadiums use artificial turf.

Both sides use the same data on non-contact injury rates, but have interpreted the figures differently.

The data collected for the NFL and players union is not publicly available. The company that analyzes the data, IQVIA, did not respond to multiple requests for comment.

Artificial turf is made from plastic fibers that resemble grass with a cushioning infill made of granulated rubber, sand, cork or coconut fiber.

“The upside of turf is that players feel more nimble, they feel faster,” said Dr. Brian Cole, orthopedic surgeon and team doctor for basketball’s Chicago Bulls. “The downside is they’re faster. It’s a collision sport. Velocity goes up and collisions go up.”

Dr. Joseph Donnelly has repaired numerous torn ACLs in female high school soccer players in the Bay Area where most high school athletes play on artificial turf. Female athletes are more likely than males to suffer ACL injuries in sports such as soccer that require sudden changes in direction, studies have shown.

“It’s an epidemic,” said Donnelly, an orthopedic surgeon at Stanford Health Care. “When these ladies tear their ACLs, we fix them, we send them back and then they’re actually more likely to tear their opposite ACL.”

He dug into the research. One study from 2016 used a hydraulic testing machine to simulate shoes with different style cleats pivoting on various playing surfaces. Shoes with blade-shaped cleats on artificial turf were a dangerous combination. The traction from the blade-shaped cleats increased the twisting force on the knee.

“You’re not going to be able to change the surface you play on,” Donnelly said. “So we do try to get them to use a cleat that has a favorable interaction with the turf.”

Some young athletes don’t want to give up their favorite cleats because they worry about performance on the field, he said. Like other sports medicine experts interviewed for this story, he thinks grass is safer.

“There’s no question that there is less torque when you’re on grass no matter what cleats you’re wearing,” he said.

For big stadiums, aside from player safety, there are financial pressures that favor artificial turf, which offers more flexibility for events like concerts. Weather and upkeep are part of the equation. A poorly maintained grass field can cause injuries.

The future may be hybrid fields. The Green Bay Packers’ Lambeau Field in Wisconsin has featured Kentucky bluegrass sod weaved in with synthetic fibers since 2018.

Grass or hybrid fields may get a boost from the 2026 World Cup. The regulations for the tournament have not yet been published, but grass has been preferred for all past men’s World Cups. Seven of the 11 U.S. venues are NFL stadiums with artificial turf. And in a recent ESPN interview, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said the stadiums will be putting in hybrid surfaces for the tournament.

Grass field technology has improved, Cole said. “They can do it when it’s 110 (degrees) and they can do it when it’s 30 below zero in Green Bay. So it can be done. And I think the science is clearly enabling them to do it at this point.”

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The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Science and Educational Media Group. The AP is solely responsible for all content.

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October 9, 2023
Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku burned on face, arm in home accident while lighting fire pit

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Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku suffered burns to his face and arm in an accident at home while lighting a fire pit

ByTOM WITHERS AP sports writer

September 30, 2023, 2:15 PM

Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku (85) is tackled by Tennessee Titans linebacker Jack Gibbens, left, after a catch during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 24, 2023, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)

The Associated Press

CLEVELAND — Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku suffered burns to his face and arm in an accident at home while lighting a fire pit.

Njoku was added to the injury report on Saturday and listed as questionable for Sunday’s home game against the Baltimore Ravens.

It’s not immediately known when the accident took place or the severity of Njoku’s injuries. However, his agent Malki Kawa, posted on social media that the 27-year-old tight end “is OK.” Kawa thanked “everyone for reaching out.”

Njoku, who is in his seventh season with Cleveland, has 10 catches for 92 yards this season. He’s a solid blocker and coach Kevin Stefanski noted that Njoku has been a major contributor on several big plays through three games.

Njoku’s injury further complicates things for the Browns (2-1), who could be without starting quarterback Deshaun Watson against the Ravens. Watson was limited in practice this week with a shoulder injury and is also questionable.

If Watson can’t play, rookie Dorian Thompson-Robinson, a fifth-round pick from UCLA, will make his first NFL start. Thompson-Robinson, who had a strong training camp and preseason, took the majority of snaps with Cleveland’s starting offense this week.

The Browns elevated tight end Zaire Mitchell-Paden from the practice squad in case Njoku is inactive.

Quarterback P.J. Walker was also brought up from the practice squad as insurance for Watson’s situation.

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September 30, 2023
Pro Picks: Lions get another win in Lambeau after ending Aaron Rodgers’ career with the Packers

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Pro Picks is a weekly column where AP Pro Football Writer Rob Maaddi shares his picks for upcoming games. For all previous Pro Picks, head here.

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The Detroit Lions are going back to Lambeau Field for the first time since ending Aaron Rodgers’ career in Green Bay.

The Packers look just fine with Jordan Love.

The two 2-1 teams meet Thursday night in an early season battle for first place in the NFC North.

Love, who led an impressive comeback win over the Saints last week, watched from sideline when the Lions knocked the Packers out of the playoffs with a win in the final regular-season game in 2022.

“We know we can win out there, we’ve done it before. But you’ve got to go earn it,” Lions coach Dan Campbell said. “It’s not going to be given. It’ll be loud, it’ll be a tough environment. They’re playing good, so here we go.”

The Packers haven’t had running back Aaron Jones and wide receiver Christian Watson the past couple of games because of hamstring injuries. If they can return on a short week, that’ll boost an offense that has played well behind Love.

The Lions are 1 1/2-point favorites on the road, according to FanDuel Sportsbook. It’s one of 11 games this week with odds under four points.

Pro Picks likes the road team.

LIONS, 27-20

Line: Eagles minus 8 1/2

The Eagles (3-0) are undefeated despite playing spotty and sluggish over the first three weeks. The Commanders (2-1) present an opportunity for Philly to put together a complete game.

BEST BET: EAGLES, 30-13

Line: Browns minus 2 1/2

Deshaun Watson had his best game with the Browns (2-1) and Jim Schwartz’s defense led by Myles Garrett is dominating. Facing the injury-depleted Ravens (2-1), the line should be higher.

UPSET SPECIAL: RAVENS, 23-22

Line: Jaguars minus 3

The Jaguars (1-2) have to get back on track across the pond in the first of two straight games in London. Trevor Lawrence and the offense have scored just 26 points combined in two losses. Jacksonville’s strong run defense gets a big test against Bijan Robinson, Tyler Allgeier and the Falcons (2-1).

JAGUARS, 24-20

Line: Bills minus 3

Tua Tagovailoa, Tyreek Hill, Raheem Mostert and De’Von Achane were unstoppable in a 70-point outburst vs. Denver. If the Dolphins (3-0) are going to uncrown the Bills (2-1) in the AFC East, they’ll need to beat them. Buffalo has rebounded from a season-opening loss to the Jets.

BILLS, 29-27

Line: Steelers minus 3

The Steelers (2-1) finally got their offense going. Somehow, the Texans (1-2) routed the Jaguars and an injury-depleted offensive line didn’t allow any sacks, giving C.J. Stroud time to make plays. Now, T.J. Watt is coming. He’s a game-wrecker with six sacks in three games.

STEELERS, 22-16

Line: Colts minus 1 1/2

Gardner Minshew has filled in nicely for Anthony Richardson and kicker Matt Gay’s ability to make field goals from 50-plus yards is a big plus for the Colts (2-1). The Rams (1-2) look like the rebuilding team everyone expected to see.

COLTS, 23-20

Line: Vikings minus 3 1/2

A matchup of 0-3 teams headed nowhere. Hard to believe the Vikings were 13-4 last season. Panthers WR Adam Thielen faces his former team fresh off his best performance catching passes from Andy Dalton.

VIKINGS, 27-20

Line: Saints minus 3

Alvin Kamara returns just in time for the Saints (2-1) after Derek Carr went down. Jameis Winston could get another shot vs. his former team. The Buccaneers (2-1) came back to reality against Philadelphia. Tampa can’t run the ball so they have to rely on Baker Mayfield throwing against an excellent defense.

SAINTS, 19-17

Line: Broncos minus 3 1/2

Sean Payton’s Broncos (0-3) are embarrassed and reeling following a 50-point loss. The Bears (0-3) have lost 13 in a row. Something has to give.

BRONCOS, 24-19

Line: Bengals minus 2 1/2

The Bengals (1-2) avoided an 0-3 start, but Joe Burrow’s lingering calf injury is a major concern. The Titans (1-2) are awful on offense despite the presence of Derrick Henry.

BENGALS, 23-18

Line: Chargers minus 5 1/2

Justin Herbert’s heroics and Minnesota’s ineptitude at managing the clock helped the Chargers (1-2) avoid an 0-3 start. Jimmy Garoppolo is in concussion protocol for the Raiders (1-2) and Las Vegas has no chance if he’s out.

CHARGERS, 28-16

Line: Cowboys minus 6 1/2

The Cowboys (2-1) went from dominant to disappointing. Dak Prescott and Co. need to figure out their red zone issues. The Patriots (1-2) can’t keep up with teams that can score, but they’ve got a solid defense and Ezekiel Elliott will be motivated against his former team.

COWBOYS, 23-17

Line: 49ers minus 14

The 49ers (3-0) are clicking behind a dynamic, versatile offense and stingy defense. If the Cardinals (1-2) even stay close after shocking the Cowboys, that’s reason for optimism in Arizona.

49ERS, 31-12

Line: Chiefs minus 9 1/2

Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce and the Chiefs (2-1) face a tough defense that knows it won’t get help from an offense quarterbacked by Zach Wilson. The Jets (1-2) refused to upgrade at QB after losing Aaron Rodgers and their season is in danger of spiraling.

CHIEFS, 27-16

Line: Giants minus 1 1/2

The Giants (1-2) are banged up and beaten up heading into a daunting schedule that starts with the Seahawks (2-1). Seattle is 5-0 in MetLife Stadium.

GIANTS, 23-20

Last week: Straight up: 12-4. Against spread: 10-6

Overall: Straight up: 28-20. Against spread: 25-21-2.

Best Bet: Straight up: 3-0. Against spread: 2-0-1.

Upset Special: Straight up: 1-2. Against spread: 1-2.

Thursday: Straight up: 2-1. Against spread: 3-0.

Monday: Straight up: 4-1. Against spread: 4-0-1.

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September 27, 2023
Chargers’ Mike Williams tore his left ACL during Sunday’s win, MRI reveals

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Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Mike Williams is out for the rest of the season after suffering a torn ACL in his left knee

ByJOE REEDY AP sports writer

September 25, 2023, 1:33 PM

Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Mike Williams (81) is helped off the field after getting injured during the second half of an NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings, Sunday, Sept. 24, 2023, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)

The Associated Press

Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Mike Williams will miss the rest of the season after suffering a torn ACL in his left knee.

The team said an MRI on Monday morning confirmed the ACL tear. There isn’t a timetable on surgery since the swelling in the knee needs to go down.

Williams suffered the injury late in the third quarter of Sunday’s 28-24 win over the Minnesota Vikings. The seventh-year receiver had a catch for an 11-yard gain when the injury took place.

Williams had seven receptions for 121 yards and a touchdown during the game. He had 19 catches for 249 yards and a touchdown this season.

Williams missed four regular-season games last season because of an ankle injury and then was sidelined for a playoff game after a back injury in the regular-season finale at Denver.

Keenan Allen is the Chargers’ top receiver, but Joshua Palmer and first-round pick Quentin Johnston will be expected to pick up the slack in Williams’ absence.

Allen set a single-game franchise record with 18 receptions for 215 yards in Sunday’s game.

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September 25, 2023
Rookie QBs Stroud and Richardson face off as Texans and Colts both look for first win

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INDIANAPOLIS (0-1) at HOUSTON (0-1)

Sunday, 1 p.m. EDT, Fox

OPENING LINE: Colts by 1, according to FanDuel SportsBook.

AGAINST THE SPREAD: Indianapolis 0-1; Houston 0-1.

SERIES RECORD: Colts lead 32-10-1.

LAST MEETING: Texans beat Colts 32-31 on Jan. 8, 2023, in Indianapolis.

LAST WEEK: Colts lost to Jaguars 31-21; Texans lost to Ravens 25-9.

COLTS OFFENSE: OVERALL (16), RUSH (29), PASS (10), SCORING (13).

COLTS DEFENSE: OVERALL (21), RUSH (22), PASS (26), SCORING (28).

TEXANS OFFENSE: OVERALL (17), RUSH (26), PASS (15), SCORING (29).

TEXANS DEFENSE: OVERALL (13), RUSH (24), PASS (10), SCORING (25).

TURNOVER DIFFERENTIAL: Colts minus-1; Texans plus-1.

COLTS PLAYER TO WATCH: LB Shaquille Leonard. Yes, QB Anthony Richardson’s progress should make him the guy every week. But Leonard will be a close second, especially early, after missing 14 games last season. He looked like his old self last week with seven tackles, one for loss, but is still trying to regain the form that made him one of the NFL’s most feared defenders.

TEXANS PLAYER TO WATCH: DE Will Anderson. The third overall pick in the draft became the only rookie in franchise history with a sack in Week 1. He also had six quarterback pressures against Baltimore, tying Nick Bosa and Josh Allen for the most by a rookie in an opener since 2019.

KEY MATCHUP: Though they won’t be going head to head, this game will likely be determined by which rookie quarterback performs better Sunday. Both Richardson, the fourth pick in the draft, and Houston’s C.J. Stroud, selected second, did good things in their debuts but will need to play better to get their teams their first win. Stroud completed 28 of 44 passes for 242 yards and Richardson was 24 of 37 for 223 yards. But Richardson was able to get his team in the end zone, throwing a touchdown pass and running for another, while Stroud and the Texans managed just three field goals in their loss to the Ravens.

KEY INJURIES: Indy was without its top two running backs last week and could be again this week with Jonathan Taylor (ankle) still mired in a contract dispute and on the physically unable to perform list. Taylor’s backup, Zack Moss (broken right arm) returned to practice last week, but did not play last weekend and it’s unclear if he’ll be ready to go, and rookie RB Evan Hull (left knee) went on injured reserve Tuesday. TE Andrew Ogletree entered the concussion protocol during last week’s game. … Houston WR Noah Brown was placed on injured reserve this week with a groin injury. S Jalen Pitre sustained a chest injury against the Ravens but is expected to play Sunday. DT Hassan Ridgeway was also placed on injured reserve with a calf injury. WR John Metchie is expected to make his NFL debut after missing the opener with a hamstring injury. He missed his entire rookie season undergoing treatment for leukemia.

SERIES NOTES: Both teams have started new eras with first-time head coaches and rookie quarterbacks. …Indy swept the Texans in 2020 and 2021 before last year’s season-opening tie. Houston won the season finale in Indy. …The Texans won a series-best three straight in this series from 2015 to 2016. It’s the only winning streak they’ve had against Indy. …Houston and Indy met in once in the playoffs with the Colts winning 21-7 in Houston in January 2019.

STATS AND STUFF: Indianapolis has lost eight straight since winning at Las Vegas on Nov. 12. … The Colts are 1-6-1 in their past eight matchups against the AFC South. … Richardson’s passer rating (79.0) was the best of the three first-round draft picks who started last week. … WR Michael Pittman Jr. was Richardson’s favorite target in Week 1. Pittman caught eight passes for 97 yards including a 39-yard TD as he began the final year of his rookie contract. … Colts LB Zaire Franklin had a career-high 18 tackles against Jacksonville and ranks second in the NFL entering Week 2. … Indy is tied for the third-most takeaways since 2018 with 130. … Houston didn’t win a home game last season and hasn’t won one since beating the Chargers 41-29 on Dec. 26, 2021. … The Texans forced two turnovers last week with a fumble and an interception. … WR Nico Collins had six catches for a team-leading 80 yards receiving last week. He has at least 65 yards receiving in two of his past three games in the division. … TE Dalton Schultz has at least six catches and 50 yards receiving in two of his past three against the AFC South. … DE Jerry Hughes had two sacks, an interception and forced a fumble in the previous game against the Colts in Houston. … DE Jonathan Greenard had five tackles, included two for losses and a sack last week. He had his only career interception in his previous last game against the Indianapolis. … LB Denzel Perryman led the team with 11 tackles and had a tackle for a loss last week. He has at least one tackle for a loss in three straight games and had seven tackles and a forced fumble in his previous game against the Colts while with Las Vegas. … LB Christian Harris had six tackles and a sack against the Ravens. He had a sack, two tackles for losses and defended a pass in the previous game against Indy. … CB Steven Nelson had his 10th interception last week.

FANTASY TIP: Houston WR Robert Woods could be a good pickup after he was targeted 10 times and finished with six catches for 57 yards in his debut with the team last week.

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September 14, 2023