High schooler saves day for Dre Kirkpatrick of Cincinnati Bengals
It wasn't a perfect fit, as the cleats were one size too big, but Bengals cornerback Dre Kirkpatrick borrowed a high school senior's cleats Sunday at practice after forgetting his.
Journeyman kicker Shayne Graham signs up for second stint with Falcons
At some point, journeyman kicker Shayne Graham should really play at least one game for the Buccaneers. Becuase he's been through the rest of the NFC South, and is about to complete a second lap through the division.
Countdown to Kickoff: Cincinnati Bengals No. 18 A.J. Green
There are 18 days left until the start of the NFL season as we continue our Countdown to Kickoff series. No. 18 features Cincinnati Bengals WR A.J. Green
NFL changes injury report designations
The National Football League competition committee, of which Cincinnati Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis is a member, has amended how players will be listed on injury reports for the 2016 season.
Patient Rex Burkhead reminds of his ability
Few positions in the NFL take more pounding than running backs. Across the league last year, teams were forced into second, third and fourth strings. The running back by committee is more the norm than exception.
Quick hits: LaFell looks to shake off rust; Dre a shoe-in; Hocker back
Dre Kirkpatrick may have forgotten his cleats for the Sunday afternoon practice at West Carrollton High School, but the Bengals remembered to bring veteran wide receiver Brandon LaFell for his first full practice since he suffered ligament damage in his right hand nearly two weeks ago. Before a standing room-only crowd of about 6,300 LaFell lined up with the first team and wide receivers coach James Urban said they’ll start monitoring to see if he’ll be able to handle starting duties with the injury in the Sept. 11 opener.
Numbers game
You won’t find a more complete pre-season victory than the one the Bengals authored in Detroit, The first and second offenses both scored touchdowns on their first possessions. The first defense made a red-zone stand and didn’t allow a third-down conversion while the second defense turned in an interception return for a touchdown. Lions TV analyst and Ohio State great Chris Spielman offered the benediction when he said in the final five minutes that all three Bengals offensive lines controlled the Lions’ front seven.
Hill connects the dots
Bengals running back Jeremy Hill’s nine-yard touchdown run off a zone play Thursday night unfolded just the way he’s envisioned his upcoming season Even down to the sprint back to the sidelines without the end-zone celebration. "I’m not celebrating this year," Hill said Sunday. "No."
AFC North Bytes
Browns sign WR Josh Boyce
The Cleveland Browns have signed WR Josh Boyce. The team also waived/injured WR Dennis Parks. Boyce is 5-11, 205 pounds and officially in his second season out of TCU. Originally selected by New England in the fourth round of the 2013 NFL Draft, Boyce has appeared in 10 games with three starts.
Ben Roethlisberger, Steelers' offense could start to take flight
Through two preseason weeks, the Pittsburgh Steelers’ offense hasn’t been its usual laser-show self. Backup quarterback Landry Jones struggled with turnovers, tight end Ladarius Green can’t get on the field and the cloud of running back Le’Veon Bell’s suspension hovered over training camp.
Ronnie Stanley remains on unprecedented path for a Ravens rookie
Ronnie Stanley didn't mince words when the Baltimore Ravens called to inform him that he was the No. 6 overall player drafted. "This is the best decision you'll ever make," Stanley told general manager Ozzie Newsome on the phone. Four months later, Stanley hasn't disappointed. He also really hasn't said much since.
Random Bytes
AFC Power Rankings
Here is a complete breakdown of the AFC and where each and every team lands in the conference's Power Rankings.
Sebastian Vollmer Injury
The hits keep coming for the New England Patriots, who will be without starting offensive lineman Sebastian Vollmer as he recovers from reported hip and shoulder injuries that could sideline him for the season.
The NFL's small injury report rule tweak will be a huge pain for fantasy
For years now there have been three basic classifications for injuries in the NFL. A player dealing with an injury has always either been probable, questionable or doubtful to play in the coming week's game. But not anymore, and it's going to have a huge impact on both real and fantasy football.
Denver Broncos quarterbacks, L.A. Rams crowd, NFL notes
Who will be Broncos QB? Why are Rams fans so loud? And what does the Arizona GM regret? An answer to the latter and discussion on the others, plus Philip Rivers, Doug Baldwin and why the Cowboys carried off a punter
Dion Lewis needs second knee surgery
New England Patriots running back Dion Lewis has not been on the field during training camp, as he has been recovering from knee surgery. Lewis is on the physically unable to perform list and reportedly needs another procedure. It is uncertain when he will be ready to return to action.