The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are in negotiations to extend linebacker Lavonte David, a source told NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.David is entering the last season of a five-year, $50.2-million extension he signed in 2015 and is set to earn $10.75 million in 2020.The 30-year-old, who was drafted in the second round in 2012, has played his entire NFL career for the Buccaneers, totalling 121 appearances over eight seasons. He's led Tampa Bay in tackles in all but one campaign (2016).After missing multiple games due to injury in 2017 and 2018, the one-time Pro Bowler played in 16 games last season, racking up 123 tackles, seven pass breakups, three forced fumbles, and one interception.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

"A few prominent Black players" told NFL Media's Jim Trotter that they want to sit out a game to communicate their feelings and force action.The players are "tired, frustrated, and emotional," Trotter reports.A number of NFL teams canceled practices this week amid protests across multiple sports leagues responding to the police shooting of Jacob Blake. Most clubs have held team meetings to develop strategies for combating inequality in their communities.Saquon Barkley and Sterling Shepard said Thursday that they wouldn't rule out the New York Giants sitting out a regular-season contest and it would be a subject of discussion for the team, per ESPN's Jordan Raanan.The Milwaukee Bucks opted not to come out for their Game 5 tilt against the Orlando Magic on Wednesday, which eventually led the NBA to postpone multiple days of postseason action. Several MLB games were postponed Wednesday and Thursday due to walkouts and the NHL postponed Thursday and Friday's playoff games at the request of players.The 2020 NFL campaign is set to begin Thursday, Sept. 10.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Brian Flores, one of just three Black head coaches in the NFL, says he's aware of the social injustice prevalent in the United States.The Miami Dolphins boss insisted his team would be leaders against the issues raised by the Jacob Blake shooting and making a difference would be at the forefront of their thoughts throughout the season."We all know and understand things aren't where they need to be (in society) right now," Flores told reporters, according to Dave Hyde of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel. "I lived this. I've had guns pointed at me by police officers. This is not something I take lightly."A number of other clubs canceled practices in recent days amid protests across multiple major sports leagues. Others altered schedules in favor of team discussions.Although the Dolphins weren't one of the teams to postpone team sessions, a frustrated Flores said he will hold post-practice meetings for his squad to discuss strategies to combat inequality in their communities."We talked about this the other day and I addressed the Jacob Blake situation with you guys and talked about how upsetting and how frustrating it is when these situations come up time after time after time after time," Flores said, per Safid Deen of the Orlando Sentinel."We need change," he added.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Philadelphia Eagles offensive tackle Andre Dillard will likely require season-ending surgery after tearing his biceps during practice Thursday, ESPN's Adam Schefter reports.The injury is the second major blow to Philadelphia's blocking unit this offseason. The Eagles lost Pro Bowl right guard Brandon Brooks for the year when he suffered a torn Achilles tendon in June.Dillard was the Eagles' first-round pick (22nd overall) in 2019 but played sparingly during his rookie campaign. He was set to take over as the team's starting left tackle after adding muscle in the spring.Philadelphia re-signed Jason Peters - the team's starting left tackle since 2009 - in July to replace Brooks inside. But Peters will likely be inserted back to his primary position in the wake of Dillard's injury, according to Jeff McLane of The Philadelphia Inquirer. The move will see third-year blocker Matt Pryor take over at right guard.Head coach Doug Pederson could also keep Peters at guard and slot Jordan Mailata at left tackle, though the 2018 seventh-rounder is still relatively new to football as a former rugby player.The Eagles also have Nate Herbig and rookie Jack Driscoll as interior options should Pryor falter early in the year.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Get ready for your season with theScore's 2020 Fantasy Football Draft Kit and subscribe to push notifications in the NFL Fantasy News section.theScore staff took part in a 12-team, 12-round mock to provide a glimpse into what your drafts could look like and offer some insight on what to watch for in each round.This is a half-point per reception scoring league with the following roster spots: QB, RB, RB, WR, WR, WR, TE, FLEX, BN, BN, BN, BN. We omitted defenders and kickers, as they normally get selected in the final two rounds.Draft participants: Andrew Brennan, Gino Bottero, Ian Dalley, Taylor Rohaly, Caitlyn Holroyd, Mike Alessandrini, Mike Dickson, Dan Wilkins, Justin Boone, Alex Moretto, Thomas Casale, C Jackson CowartRound 1PickPlayerManager1Christian McCaffrey (RB1)Brennan2Saquon Barkley (RB2)Bottero3Ezekiel Elliott (RB3)Dalley4Derrick Henry (RB4)Rohaly5Michael Thomas (WR1)Holroyd6Clyde Edwards-Helaire (RB5)Alessandrini7Alvin Kamara (RB6)Dickson8Dalvin Cook (RB7)Wilkins9Kenyan Drake (RB8)Boone10Joe Mixon (RB9)Moretto11Josh Jacobs (RB10)Casale12Miles Sanders (RB11)CowartRound 1: Only one wide receiver goes off the board in the opening round, which isn't that shocking given the limited number of bell-cow backs in the fantasy world. As managers rush to lock in their RB1, my top-ranked fantasy wideout - Davante Adams - becomes an incredible value in the second round of this draft. ... It's not shocking to see guys like Derrick Henry and Clyde Edwards-Helaire move up into the first six picks, but that pushes Alvin Kamara down to seventh overall and gets Team Dickson off to a great start. After battling through injuries down the stretch, Kamara is healthy and ready to reclaim his spot among the elite fantasy backs. ... Kenyan Drake being in a walking boot this week certainly isn't the kind of news you want to see about a first-round pick. However, both the team and player insist it's just precautionary. Drake even reminded everyone he was in a walking boot this time last year and went on to have a strong season. Still, in the interest of securing the extremely productive Cardinals' rushing attack, Chase Edmonds will be on my radar in the later rounds.Round 2PickPlayerManager13Davante Adams (WR2)Cowart14Nick Chubb (RB12)Casale15Tyreek Hill (WR3)Moretto16Julio Jones (WR4)Boone17DeAndre Hopkins (WR5)Wilkins18Travis Kelce (TE1)Dickson19Aaron Jones (RB13)Alessandrini20Austin Ekeler (RB14)Holroyd21Chris Godwin (WR6)Rohaly22George Kittle (TE2)Dalley23Mike Evans (WR7)Bottero24Kenny Golladay (WR8)BrennanRound 2: When looking at all the teams through two rounds, the managers who picked near the 1-2 turn appear to have an early advantage in this draft. That's quickly become my ideal starting position if given the choice, as I outlined in my draft strategy series. ... Elite tight ends have become a staple of the second round, especially with the wave of injuries that hit the 49ers' receiving corps - securing an even bigger target share for George Kittle. If you're picking in the mid- to late second, they should be high on your wish list. ... While most fantasy drafters get excited by the shiny new breakout stars, I'll gladly take Julio Jones at 2.04. Jones has been a guaranteed top-six fantasy wideout in each of the last six seasons and he has a spot reserved there again in 2020.Round 3PickPlayerManager25Allen Robinson (WR9)Brennan26JuJu Smith-Schuster (WR10)Bottero27Amari Cooper (WR11)Dalley28Patrick Mahomes (QB1)Rohaly29DJ Moore (WR12)Holroyd30Odell Beckham Jr. (WR13)Alessandrini31Calvin Ridley (WR14)Dickson32Lamar Jackson (QB2)Wilkins33Adam Thielen (WR15)Boone34Zach Ertz (TE3)Moretto35A.J. Brown (WR16)Casale36Mark Andrews (TE4)CowartRound 3: Despite the heavy emphasis on running backs in the first round, in a very interesting twist, only two teams have taken a second rusher through three frames. In fact, no ball carriers went off the board in the third round. Though that might seem foolish on the surface, it speaks to the uncertainty around that next tier of lead backs. ... One reason guys like Chris Carson and Jonathan Taylor, who deserve to be third-round picks, fell to the fourth was an early run at tight end that saw Zach Ertz and Mark Andrews selected near the end of the round. While Andrews and Ertz have elite upside, they'll deal with more target competition in 2020, which makes this investment a little pricey. ... I decided to take the certainty that comes with Adam Thielen's inevitably massive target share. It looks like rookie Justin Jefferson will need some time to get up to speed in the pros, leaving Thielen to soak up as many targets as he can handle.Round 4PickPlayerManager37Terry McLaurin (WR17)Cowart38Cooper Kupp (WR18)Casale39Jonathan Taylor (RB15)Moretto40Chris Carson (RB16)Boone41Darren Waller (TE5)Wilkins42Leonard Fournette (RB17)Dickson43Robert Woods (WR19)Alessandrini44Todd Gurley (RB18)Holroyd45James Conner (RB19)Rohaly46DK Metcalf (WR20)Dalley47Melvin Gordon (RB20)Bottero48Le'Veon Bell (RB21)BrennanRound 4: After zero running backs were chosen in the third, we finally see a big run on the position in the fourth. In this round, most of the RBs taken come at a value - even with the questions surrounding them. Carson and Taylor lead this group for me and I was able to get Carson as my RB2 at 4.04. ... James Conner is a very intriguing name whose stock has risen with every positive report about Ben Roethlisberger's health. Durability concerns are the only thing preventing Conner from being valued as a potential RB1.Round 5PickPlayerManager49Keenan Allen (WR21)Brennan50Tyler Lockett (WR22)Bottero51Devin Singletary (RB22)Dalley52Courtland Sutton (WR23)Rohaly53David Johnson (RB23)Holroyd54Raheem Mostert (RB24)Alessandrini55D.J. Chark (WR24)Dickson56Mark Ingram (RB25)Wilkins57DeVante Parker (WR25)Boone58Kyler Murray (QB3)Moretto59Russell Wilson (QB4)Casale60Josh Allen (QB5)CowartRound 5: One reason why I enjoy doing mocks with a variety of staff members across all departments at theScore is because you get a better feel for how most people's home league drafts will play out. In mock drafts filled with fantasy analysts, everyone wants to wait at quarterback, so a game of chicken ensues. Here, the second tier of passers begins to fly off the shelf in the late fifth, which is more likely to happen in the average league. My advice is still to hold off on the position and not pay this kind of premium when there'll be better value later. For example, Josh Allen's ADP is in the eighth or ninth round, depending on the site you're using.Round 6PickPlayerManager61Cam Akers (RB26)Cowart62David Montgomery (RB27)Casale63D'Andre Swift (RB28)Moretto64Kareem Hunt (RB29)Boone65Marquise Brown (WR26)Wilkins66Stefon Diggs (WR27)Dickson67A.J. Green (WR28)Alessandrini68T.Y. Hilton (WR29)Holroyd69Hunter Henry (TE6)Rohaly70Michael Gallup (WR30)Dalley71Ronald Jones (RB30)Bottero72Tyler Boyd (WR31)BrennanRound 6: Running backs continue to be the hot commodity in the early sixth, and if you were waiting to find value at the position, this is definitely a spot to do it. Team Cowart, which entered this round without a second runner, gets a high-upside rookie in Cam Akers. With Darrell Henderson sidelined, Akers will have an even better opportunity to make his case for the starting job. ... Team Moretto gets one of my favorite value picks at the moment in Lions rookie D'Andre Swift. A healthy Matthew Stafford makes Detroit's offense dangerous again and Swift has become a forgotten man in this year's draft class. ... Meanwhile, with the core of my lineup already set, I can take a shot on Kareem Hunt's combination of weekly flex value and RB1 upside if Nick Chubb misses time at any point.Round 7PickPlayerManager73James White (RB31)Brennan74Jarvis Landry (WR32)Bottero75Marvin Jones (WR33)Dalley76Mecole Hardman (WR34)Rohaly77Tyler Higbee (TE7)Holroyd78Julian Edelman (WR35)Alessandrini79J.K. Dobbins (RB32)Dickson80Will Fuller (WR36)Wilkins81Diontae Johnson (WR37)Boone82Darius Slayton (WR38)Moretto83Brandin Cooks (WR39)Casale84Marlon Mack (RB33)CowartRound 7: We've talked all offseason about the depth at receiver and the seventh round is a prime example. Every single one of the eight wideouts taken in this frame has WR2 potential if things go their way. ... James White is a decent PPR pick, but in a half-PPR league, you should aim for players with more upside - like J.K. Dobbins or Marlon Mack, who were chosen later in the round. With Sony Michel, Damien Harris, and Rex Burkhead all vying for touches, the Patriots will never give White enough volume to be a consistent high-end producer.Round 8PickPlayerManager85Christian Kirk (WR40)Cowart86Deebo Samuel (WR41)Casale87Henry Ruggs (WR42)Moretto88Dak Prescott (QB6)Boone89Evan Engram (TE8)Wilkins90Deshaun Watson (QB7)Dickson91Rob Gronkowski (TE9)Alessandrini92Tarik Cohen (RB34)Holroyd93Alexander Mattison (RB35)Rohaly94Kerryon Johnson (RB36)Dalley95Jordan Howard (RB37)Bottero96Hayden Hurst (TE10)BrennanRound 8: Remember when three quarterbacks went in the fifth round? Well, I have Dak Prescott ranked above them and he was sitting around for me in the eighth. Another of my top-five passers, Deshaun Watson, was also still on the board. It's not that Kyler Murray, Russell Wilson, and Allen don't have the ability to deliver in the fifth, but if you're taking them that early, you're paying for their ceilings. Instead, you should see who falls in your draft and try to scoop them up at a value using my QB tiers.Round 9PickPlayerManager97Jamison Crowder (WR43)Brennan98Tevin Coleman (RB38)Bottero99Zack Moss (RB39)Dalley100John Brown (WR44)Rohaly101Emmanuel Sanders (WR45)Holroyd102Matt Breida (RB40)Alessandrini103Austin Hooper (TE11)Dickson104Chase Edmonds (RB41)Wilkins105CeeDee Lamb (WR46)Boone106Ke'Shawn Vaughn (RB42)Moretto107Blake Jarwin (TE12)Casale108Phillip Lindsay (RB43)CowartRound 9: If you're keeping track of the quarterbacks, we still have five rosters waiting on the position, and based on all the talent remaining - including Carson Wentz and Cam Newton - those rosters should be set up nicely. ... Team Wilkins sensed I was going to draft Edmonds and pair him with Drake, so he sniped him one pick before me. I immediately pivoted to stack standout rookie CeeDee Lamb with Prescott. Based on training camp reports, Lamb is dazzling onlookers and might be able to break out even in the Cowboys' stacked receiving corps. If Amari Cooper or Michael Gallup gets hurt, Lamb could be a league-winner.Round 10PickPlayerManager109Jerry Jeudy (WR47)Cowart110Anthony Miller (WR48)Casale111Curtis Samuel (WR49)Moretto112Latavius Murray (RB44)Boone113DeSean Jackson (WR50)Wilkins114Mike Williams (WR51)Dickson115Matt Ryan (QB8)Alessandrini116Carson Wentz (QB9)Holroyd117Darrell Henderson (RB45)Rohaly118Golden Tate (WR52)Dalley119Tony Pollard (RB46)Bottero120Justin Jefferson (WR53)BrennanRound 10: The wide receiver well simply doesn't run dry this year, as evidenced by the pass-catchers selected in this round, like Anthony Miller, DeSean Jackson, Golden Tate, and Curtis Samuel. ... If you're hoping to find value in the backup running back department, take a look at my handcuff RB rankings and then play the same waiting game I suggested employing with quarterbacks. While I'm willing to spend an eighth- or ninth-round pick on an Alexander Mattison or Chase Edmonds, you can just as easily wait and see who falls. In this case, Latavius Murray and Tony Pollard - who possess as much fantasy upside as almost any backup RB - were available in the 10th round.Round 11PickPlayerManager121Michael Pittman (WR54)Brennan122Tom Brady (QB10)Bottero123Drew Brees (QB11)Dalley124Sammy Watkins (WR55)Rohaly125Jalen Reagor (WR56)Holroyd126Sterling Shepard (WR57)Alessandrini127Duke Johnson (RB47)Dickson128Damien Harris (RB48)Wilkins129Antonio Gibson (RB49)Boone130Brandon Aiyuk (WR58)Moretto131Hunter Renfrow (WR59)Casale132Preston Williams (WR60)CowartRound 11: Several lottery-ticket players who were available in this round might not be here in the coming weeks if they continue to earn the praise of coaches, teammates, and beat writers in practice. Jalen Reagor, Sterling Shepard, and Antonio Gibson could be weekly fantasy starters and should be drafted much earlier than this. Depending on their injury outlooks, Preston Williams and Brandon Aiyuk also qualify.Round 12PickPlayerManager133N'Keal Harry (WR61)Cowart134Jerick McKinnon (RB50)Casale135Irv Smith (TE13)Moretto136Jared Cook (TE14)Boone137Boston Scott (RB51)Wilkins138Allen Lazard (WR62)Dickson139Aaron Rodgers (QB12)Alessandrini140Breshad Perriman (WR63)Holroyd141Sony Michel (RB52)Rohaly142AJ Dillon (RB53)Dalley143Mike Gesicki (TE15)Bottero144Matthew Stafford (QB13)BrennanRound 12: If you're planning to wait on tight end, this offers an example of the players you can get in the final rounds. And that's not counting the ones who went undrafted, such as Jared Cook, Noah Fant, Jonnu Smith, Dallas Goedert, Chris Herndon, and Eric Ebron. If the tight end you pick doesn't work out, you'll be able to find a suitable replacement on the waiver wire early in the season.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Bruce Arians believes every team and player has a responsibility to take action aiming for social change, but he doesn't think protesting is the most effective way to do it."I think your responsibility is to take action. I don't know if protest is an action," Arians said Thursday, according to James Palmer of NFL Network. "I think each guy has a personal thing. I would beg (them) to take action. Find a cause and either support it financially or do something to change the situation. Because protesting doesn't do crap in my opinion. I've been seeing it since 1968."Players from the Milwaukee Bucks decided not to play Game 5 of their first-round series against the Orlando Magic on Wednesday in response to the shooting of Jacob Blake by police in Kenosha, Wisconsin. The NBA ended up postponing all of its scheduled playoff matchups Wednesday as a result. The MLB also postponed three games Wednesday after the Milwaukee Brewers opted not to play their contest against the Cincinnati Reds.The demonstrations expanded to the WNBA and MLS, as both leagues tabled games due to player protests.On Thursday, several NFL teams - including the Green Bay Packers, Indianapolis Colts, and New York Jets - canceled practices to discuss social injustice. The Detroit Lions were the first NFL club to demand change by postponing activities on Tuesday.Cleveland sports teams announced Thursday the formation of a sports alliance to develop strategies addressing social injustice within the city and all Northeast Ohio communities.Arians, 67, previously mentioned incidents from 1968 when addressing the killing of George Floyd."We would have hoped as a nation to have grown since 1968. I think we have, but not enough, obviously," he said in June.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Amid continued internal conversations regarding racism and social injustice in the United States, a handful of NFL teams are adjusting their practice schedules on Thursday.The Indianapolis Colts and New York Jets both canceled morning sessions, with the former stating the day will be used to "discuss and work toward making a lasting social impact and inspiring change in our communities."The Chicago Bears and Green Bay Packers also postponed Thursday's practice, joining the Washington Football Team, who announced Wednesday that the team wouldn't work out the following day. The Tennessee Titans and Arizona Cardinals followed suit shortly after.Though not every club opted for cancellation, others - including the Baltimore Ravens, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Houston Texans - will practice as scheduled but hold meetings before or afterward to discuss and plan social justice reform strategies.The Detroit Lions were the first to cancel workouts on Tuesday to protest the police shooting of Jacob Blake, an unarmed Black man, in Kenosha, Wisconsin.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Chicago Bears running back David Montgomery is expected to be sidelined two-to-four weeks due to a groin injury, a source told NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.Montgomery suffered the injury during an individual drill at practice Wednesday, though he avoided what was initially thought to be a knee issue.The ball carrier's reported timetable leaves open the possibility of him suiting up for the Bears' season opener against the Detroit Lions on Sept. 13.The 23-year-old was Chicago's leading rusher as a third-round rookie last season, racking up 889 yards and six touchdowns on 242 rushing attempts. He also recorded 25 receptions for 185 yards and one score.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Several executives and coaches from the Cleveland Cavaliers, Cleveland Browns, and Cleveland Indians announced Thursday the formation of a sports alliance to develop strategies to address social injustice within the city of Cleveland and all Northeast Ohio communities.Leaders of the alliance include Cavaliers general manager Koby Altman and head coach J.B. Bickerstaff, Browns general manager Andrew Berry and head coach Kevin Stefanski, and Indians president of baseball operations Chris Antonetti, GM Mike Chernoff, and manager Terry Francona.Group members will utilize their respective team platforms to coordinate activities that invoke positive outcomes in the community and focus on improving relationships between law enforcement and citizens, according to the announcement. Players from each team will also have the opportunity to contribute."We have an extraordinary opportunity to make a lasting impact on society and the Cavaliers are committed to help bring about change," Altman said in a statement. "The social and economic disparity in our community reveals some ugly truths, and Coach Bickerstaff and I are honored to be at the table to address these issues with such a prominent group of our peers."We never take for granted our place in the fabric of Cleveland and hopefully our coming together inspires others to join us."Berry added: "We understand the platform our organization has to make a positive impact on these important issues. When Coach Stefanski and I began discussing how we might be able to elevate and broaden that impact by expanding the dialogue to our counterparts in Cleveland, it quickly became apparent that partnering with the other teams in our city would help our region come together so we can collectively address the problems that we've all been working to help solve independently."The alliance is a response to myriad incidents of racial and social injustice in the U.S. Many professional athletes have voiced frustration after a police officer shot Jacob Blake, an unarmed Black man, multiple times in the back in Wisconsin this past weekend.The Milwaukee Bucks decided not to play Game 5 of their first-round series against the Orlando Magic in response to Sunday's shooting, which eventually led the NBA to postpone all of Wednesday's scheduled playoff games. MLB also postponed three Wednesday matchups after the Milwaukee Brewers opted not to play their scheduled contest against the Cincinnati Reds.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Mackensie Alexander's father, Jean Odney Alexandre, was found alive Thursday morning after being missing since Monday, according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero.Alexandre made contact with a ranger at Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park in Okeechobee County, Florida. The sheriff's office said he's "in good health" and is being reunited with his family.Alexander left Bengals training camp Monday as authorities began the search for his father. He was arrested Tuesday night on one count of misdemeanor battery after allegedly confronting the man who left his father behind on a berry-picking trip.The 26-year-old was later released on bond and rejoined the search.Alexander has yet to determine when he will return to camp in Cincinnati.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Washington Football Team is postponing Thursday practice, they announced Wednesday, following multiple canceled pro sports events in the wake of the police shooting of Jacob Blake, an unarmed Black man, in Kenosha, Wisconsin.

Get ready for your season with theScore's 2020 Fantasy Football Draft Kit and subscribe to push notifications in the NFL Fantasy News section.Welcome to theScore Fantasy Football Podcast, hosted by Justin Boone.Find the show on iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher, Spotify, and Anchor.In this episode, Boone discusses the latest injuries around the league and answers listeners' mailbag questions on a variety of topics.

Multiple former Washington Football Team employees have accused owner Dan Snyder and other ex-employees of sexual harassment and misconduct, according to an investigation by The Washington Post's Will Hobson, Beth Reinhard, Liz Clarke, and Dalton Bennett on Wednesday.Former Washington cheerleader Tiffany Bacon Scourby is one of 25 women who says she experienced sexual harassment while working for the team. Bacon Scourby said that, during a 2004 charity event, Snyder suggested she should join his friend in their hotel room to "get to know each other better."Most of the other women who spoke to the Post opted to remain anonymous, but detailed male bosses, colleagues, and players commenting on their bodies, using sexual innuendos, and making unwanted advances during their tenure. Many decided to speak out after 15 other former female employees alleged in July that they'd experienced sexual harassment from Washington execs.Larry Michael, the former longtime radio announcer for the club who resigned last month, was also named in the report. Brad Baker, an ex-broadcasting staff member, said Michael asked him to create a video for Snyder comprised of outtakes from the team's official 2008 cheerleader calendar photoshoot that contained partial nudity, without the women's knowledge or consent.Baker said the clips were referred to as "the good bits" and a similar video was requested and produced for the 2010 shoot.Snyder responded to the Washington Post investigation Wednesday afternoon, taking full responsibility for his team's internal culture but saying the article read like a "hit job" and denying the accusations made against him."The article is riddled with questionable and unnamed sources, decades-old allegations, and is not a reflection of the Washington Football Team today," his statement read. "I am going to work relentlessly to improve all aspects of the Washington Football Team and make this an organization that sets a positive example we can all be proud of."Michael also denied all allegations and said he had no knowledge of such videos, though the Post obtained the 2008 video via another former employee and a similar video from 2010.Following the initial reports of sexual harassment, the owner publicly stated that such behavior "has no place in our franchise" while working with new head coach Ron Rivera to implement a new culture within the organization.NFL commissioner Roger Goodell issued a statement Wednesday evening, condemning the behavior alleged to have taken place within the franchise."We strongly condemn the unprofessional, disturbing, and abhorrent behavior and workplace environment alleged in the report, which is entirely inconsistent with our standards and has no place in the NFL," Goodell said.The league is in the process of conducting an independent investigation into the matter.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The NBA postponed its playoff slate Wednesday after Milwaukee Bucks players boycotted their game in response to the police shooting of Jacob Blake in Kenosha, Wisconsin.Shortly after, Seattle Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll answered a question about the possibility of such protests occurring during the NFL season."Anything's possible. I mentioned to the players, it's the protest season. It's the season of protest. We'll handle ourselves as we do, but this is a protest that doesn't have an end to it until all the problems go away," Carroll said at his Wednesday press conference.Carroll then went on to commend the Bucks and the NBA players for their response."I really applaud those guys for taking the night, but we all know that's not enough, it's just a statement," he said. "What is important - and everyone that's involved knows - is what we do about it. ... This whole thing is ridiculous, and anybody that doesn't recognize that just isn't paying attention."This is just ridiculous that we're putting up with this. I can't even imagine that this continues to happen. I don't know how somebody could ever do that under the circumstances and the awareness that everybody should have right now. But it continues to happen, so it continues to be a real problem."Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Despite seeing increased reps during training camp in recent days, Cam Newton refuses to take anything for granted.Newton appears to have passed Jarrett Stidham on the New England Patriots' quarterback depth chart, but he noted the regular season is still more than two weeks away."Absolutely not," Newton told reporters when asked if he feels the starting job is his to lose, according to ESPN's Mike Reiss. "Every day is a workday for me. That label is not important to me right now. I have so much I need to get better at, so much I need to learn, so much I need to be comfortable with. Throughout this process, that's the last thing that I'm pretty much worried about."Newton and Stidham have been locked in one of the league's few true quarterback competitions in camp, though the former Carolina Panthers QB believes he must still make significant strides before he feels fully comfortable in New England's system."There are certain things when I come to the line of scrimmage and it's just not as firing mentally as I would want it to be rather than other plays that may be called," he said. "I see a person like Hoyer go to the line and he's as sharp as can be. For me, asking him questions, and he answers them. Stiddy (too). There are things I know I need to become better at. Until I get those things done, everything else is irrelevant."Patriots head coach Bill Belichick is impressed with Newton's attitude thus far and said the former MVP quickly emerged as a leader in his locker room."I think that's Cam's personality," Belichick added. "You see that in the morning going into the squad meeting or the practice field or the dining room or whatever it happens to be."New England opens its season Sept. 13 against the Miami Dolphins.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The New York Giants suffered a big blow to their defense on Wednesday, as safety Xavier McKinney and linebacker David Mayo will undergo surgery, the team announced.McKinney suffered a fracture to his left foot, while Mayo tore his left meniscus.The rookie defensive back may not miss the entire 2020 campaign, as his recovery time is likely around 10 weeks, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.Meanwhile, the linebacker will undergo a meniscus trim rather than a full repair, per Rapoport. The procedure could see him back on the field in about three weeks.McKinney was competing for the starting free safety spot with sophomore Julian Love opposite Jabrill Peppers. He was a highly touted defensive prospect out of Alabama that New York selected 36th overall this past April.Meanwhile, Mayo was locked in next to Blake Martinez at inside linebacker. He signed a three-year contract extension with the Giants in March after starting 13 of 16 games a year ago, amassing 80 tackles and two sacks.Second-year defender Ryan Connelly could be seen as the favorite to replace Mayo should Mayo miss regular-season action. Connelly started three games as a rookie last season before tearing his ACL in September.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Amid a search for his missing father, Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Mackensie Alexander was arrested Tuesday night on one count of battery, according to Collier County Sheriff's Office records obtained by NFL Network's Tom Pelissero.Alexander's charge is a misdemeanor and he was released from jail on a $2,000 bond or pretrial release. He allegedly confronted a man who left his father, Jean Odney Alexandre, behind on a berry-picking trip in Florida, Pelissero reports.The 26-year-old defender left Bengals training camp Monday as authorities began searching for his father."The only concern that Mackensie has right now is finding his father and the well-being of his father," his lawyers, Brian Pakett and Stacey Richman, said.Alexander, a second-round pick in 2016, spent the first four years of his career with the Minnesota Vikings before signing a one-year contract with Cincinnati in March.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

New England Patriots running back Sony Michel returned to training camp for the first time since undergoing foot surgery in May, according to NBCS Boston's Phil Perry.Michel was taken off the physically unable to perform list and was at practice on Wednesday, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports.The ball carrier, who led the Patriots in rushing yards in each of the last two seasons, has dealt with various injuries throughout his short career. In addition to battling a knee issue last season, he went under the knife earlier this year to relieve discomfort in his foot.Michel's play declined in 2019 after impressing during his rookie campaign. The former first-round pick averaged just 3.7 yards per carry, despite scoring seven touchdowns, and rushed for less than 50 yards in seven of his 16 games played.The 25-year-old should still enter the upcoming campaign as New England's No. 1 running back, though the team recently signed Lamar Miller for depth. Miller is coming off a torn ACL but could carve out a role if healthy.The crowded Patriots depth chart also features Rex Burkhead, Damien Harris, and primary pass-catching back James White.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Get ready for your season with theScore's 2020 Fantasy Football Draft Kit and subscribe to push notifications in the NFL Fantasy News section.theScore's Justin Boone breaks down the best ways to approach your draft depending on where you're selecting in the order.Draft Position

Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Mackensie Alexander has left the team's training camp as authorities search for his missing father, NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reports.Jean Odney Alexandre, 65, disappeared Monday on a berry-picking trip in the Okeechobee County area in Florida.The 26-year-old corner signed a one-year, $4-million deal with the Bengals after spending the first four years of his career with the Minnesota Vikings.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Mike Pennel has been suspended for the first two games of the 2020 regular season. The move was listed on the league's official transaction wire, according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero.Pennel tweeted an apology for his suspension and suggested it was for the use of a banned substance.

Reigning Defensive Rookie of the Year Nick Bosa is week-to-week with a muscle strain in his leg, San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan said Tuesday, according to ESPN's Nick Wagoner.Bosa felt soreness in his legs Friday and received a day off from practice on Saturday, but the issue persisted."Glad we ended up getting the MRI because there was more to it," Shanahan said. "He was about to go out and practice through it, because he didn't think it was much, and fortunately we got that, and we were able to prevent him from hurting it worse."Fellow Niners defensive end Dee Ford has irritation in his right calf but isn't expected to miss much time. Receiver Brandon Aiyuk has a hamstring strain and is also considered week-to-week.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Find line reports, best bets, and subscribe to push notifications in the Betting News section.While the MVP is heavily influenced by narrative, the Offensive Player of the Year award tends to focus strictly on statistical achievement. An offensive player has won MVP each of the last 33 seasons, but a different player won Offensive Player of the Year in 16 of those campaigns, sometimes at the same position as the MVP winner.With that in mind, here are the odds to win this year's award (50-1 or shorter) and our three favorite value bets.PLAYERODDSPatrick Mahomes+500Lamar Jackson+800Christian McCaffrey+1100Russell Wilson+1500Saquon Barkley+1600Michael Thomas+1800Derrick Henry+2100Dalvin Cook+2400Deshaun Watson+2500Ezekiel Elliott+2800Kyler Murray+3000Aaron Jones+3500Aaron Rodgers+4000Carson Wentz+4000Chris Godwin+4000Dak Prescott+4000DeAndre Hopkins+4000Josh Jacobs+4400Julio Jones+4400Nick Chubb+4400Tom Brady+4500Cam Newton+5000Drew Brees+5000Travis Kelce+5000Christian McCaffrey (+1100)In 2019, McCaffrey joined the coveted 1,000-1,000 club by recording 1,387 rushing yards and 1,005 receiving yards, but his performance was usurped by Offensive Player of the Year winner Michael Thomas and runner-up Lamar Jackson - both of whom built their seasons on unsustainable metrics.McCaffrey was trending toward a 1,000-1,000 season for years, and playing alongside check-down king Teddy Bridgewater could actually boost his receiving stats while also placing a greater emphasis on him as a rusher. Buy now before McCaffrey runs away with this award.Kyler Murray (+3000)The MVP hype around Murray has gotten out of control, mostly because the Cardinals won't win enough games for him to be in the discussion. But, oddly enough, his price for this award hasn't gotten the same treatment, and he's far more likely to win this one.A year ago, Murray became only the second rookie to surpass 3,500 passing yards and 500 rushing yards, and only Andrew Luck had more 300-yard passing games as a rookie than the Texas native (5). Add star receiver DeAndre Hopkins and another year in Kliff Kingsbury's system, and the sky is the limit for Murray.Nick Chubb (+4400)Did you know that Chubb finished second in rushing yards last year (1,494) with the sixth-highest yards per carry (5.0) of any running back? You'd be forgiven for missing it amid Cleveland's chaotic 2019 season. However, Chubb was arguably better in 2018, when he finished fifth in yards per attempt (5.2) with eight touchdowns on 192 carries.This offseason, the Browns signed Jack Conklin - one of the best run-blockers in the NFL - and drafted first-round tackle Jedrick Wills Jr. to help fix their woeful offensive line. Those moves should do wonders for Chubb, who's a favorite to lead the league in rushing and is a phenomenal bet at this price.(Odds source: theScore Bet)C Jackson Cowart is a betting writer for theScore. He's an award-winning journalist with stops at The Charlotte Observer, The San Diego Union-Tribune, The Times Herald-Record, and BetChicago. He's also a proud graduate of UNC-Chapel Hill, and his love of sweet tea is rivaled only by that of a juicy prop bet. Find him on Twitter @CJacksonCowart.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Let's start by giving credit where it's due: Ex-NFL linebacker Emmanuel Acho's two-part interview with league commissioner Roger Goodell, the latest installment in Acho's "Uncomfortable Conversations with a Black Man" series, had every good intention.

Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones is considering ways to address player protests during the national anthem ahead of the 2020 season.One option Jones is mulling over is an act the team has performed in the past.In 2017, the team owner and several players took a knee together before the playing of the United States national anthem and then stood when the anthem was played."That, at the end of the day, was a recognition that we supported our players," Jones said Tuesday on 105.3 The Fan, according to Lorenzo Reyes of USA Today. "I knelt with our players, as you know, on a personal basis. But as a team, we all knelt together before the anthem and then we stood for the anthem to recognize what its symbol is to America. I thought that was good. That's the kind of thing that we'll be looking to see if we can implement."Defensive lineman Dontari Poe became on Sunday the first Cowboys player to make known his plans to kneel during the anthem in 2020. Jones said he will discuss the subject with Poe, according to Clarence Hill Jr. of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram.Several players and coaches across the NFL plan to kneel during the national anthem this season to protest police brutality and racial injustice.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Detroit Lions canceled their Tuesday practice in response to the police shooting of Jacob Blake in Wisconsin.Players and members of the coaching staff addressed the media collectively outside the team's facility. The Lions displayed the words "The world can't go on" and "We won't be silent" painted across whiteboards.

Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Mike Williams is expected to miss two-to-four weeks due to a shoulder sprain, a source told Tom Pelissero of NFL Network.Head coach Anthony Lynn said Williams's status is uncertain for the Chargers' season opener against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sept. 13, according to Pelissero.Williams left practice Sunday with his right arm hanging. Reports suggested he was initially considered week-to-week.The 25-year-old racked up 49 receptions for 1,001 yards and two touchdowns through 15 games in 2019 and led the NFL with 20.4 yards per catch.Selected seventh overall by Chargers in 2017, Williams missed six games due to injury in his rookie campaign and was sidelined for one contest last year with a knee issue.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Philadelphia Eagles and tight end Zach Ertz have re-engaged for contract extension talks, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.The Eagles' leading pass-catcher in 2019 is currently signed through 2021 after inking a five-year, $42.5-million extension in January 2016.Ertz has amassed at least 70 receptions and 800 receiving yards in each of the last five seasons. That includes a 2018 campaign with 116 catches, 1,163 yards, and eight touchdowns when he set the single-season tight end receptions record.The three-time Pro Bowler has led the Eagles in receiving each year since 2016, and he leads all tight ends since 2018 with 291 targets.The tight end market has been reset this offseason after the 49ers' George Kittle and the Chiefs' Travis Kelce signed the most lucrative deals ever at the position.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Cleveland Browns rookie safety Grant Delpit will undergo surgery to repair a ruptured Achilles tendon and is expected to miss the 2020 season, the Browns announced Tuesday.The former LSU star suffered the injury at practice on Monday during individual drills and was carted off the field.The Browns selected Delpit with their second-round pick (No. 44 overall) in this year's draft.The injury bug has hit the Browns in training camp over the past week. Linebacker Mack Wilson hyperextended his knee, running back Nick Chubb was placed in the concussion protocol following a hit from Wilson, and cornerback Kevin Johnson was hospitalized after lacerating his liver.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Arizona Cardinals are signing Budda Baker to a four-year, $59-million contract extension, making him the highest-paid safety in NFL history, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter.Baker's agent, David Mulugheta, confirmed the deal to Schefter.The deal reportedly includes $33.1 million in guaranteed money, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.Baker will earn $14.75 million in average annual salary, surpassing Chicago Bears safety Eddie Jackson ($14.6 million) as the highest-paid current player at the position, according to Spotrac.The 24-year-old Baker is coming off his best NFL campaign. He made his first Pro Bowl as a defensive back after recording 147 tackles, six pass breakups, and one forced fumble in 2019, and he led the league in solo tackles (104).In his rookie season, the 2017 second-round pick also earned a Pro Bowl berth and first-team All-Pro nod as a special-teamer.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones denied the report that his team won't make a push for free-agent safety Earl Thomas.Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported Tuesday that the Cowboys aren't expected to pursue Thomas, even after recently making inquiries. But Jones said he's the only one who knows the organization's interests."He doesn't know what he's talking about. The only one who knows that is me," Jones said Tuesday on 105.3 The Fan, according to Jon Machota of The Athletic.Jones added that the Cowboys are still weighing the possibility of adding Thomas, according to ESPN's Field Yates.The Baltimore Ravens released Thomas on Sunday, and ESPN's Adam Schefter reported that the Cowboys were considered leading contenders to sign the defender.The Ravens cut Thomas for "personal conduct that has adversely affected" the organization following his altercation with a teammate during practice. The 31-year-old called the incident a "mental error."Dallas has been linked to Thomas since his contract dispute that resulted in him leaving the Seattle Seahawks after the 2018 season. The Texas native and Longhorns alum has previously asked the Cowboys to "come get me."

Get ready for your season with theScore's 2020 Fantasy Football Draft Kit and subscribe to push notifications in the NFL Fantasy News section.theScore's Justin Boone was the winner of FantasyPros' Most Accurate Expert Competition in 2019, marking the seventh time he's placed in the top 10.Follow the links below to see his updated 2020 rankings.Half PPR

The Green Bay Packers' leadership council met after practice Monday to discuss the police shooting that took place in Wisconsin on Sunday night.A police officer shot Jacob Blake, an unarmed Black man, in the back multiple times. The shooting occurred in Kenosha, roughly 150 miles from Green Bay, and it prompted protests in Wisconsin.Quarterback Aaron Rodgers, a member of the team's leadership council, said there's a clear problem."There's a systemic problem, and until the problem is fixed, this is going to be an all-too-common sighting in this country," Rodgers said, according to Packers.com's Mike Spofford. "It obviously hits home being not far from Green Bay. I'm not going to comment directly on the video until more facts come out, but obviously it's something where as a non-police officer, I think for a lot of us the natural question is when is lethal force necessary."Head coach Matt LaFleur, meanwhile, stressed the importance of change."I wanted to get our guys' perspective, and try to float around some ideas on how we can make a difference and use our platform, because things have to change," he said."The social injustice, the police brutality, the antiquated laws, (we've) just got to bring awareness to everybody that Black lives matter," LaFleur added. "We can't stand for this any longer."Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Las Vegas Raiders receiver Tyrell Williams has a torn labrum in his shoulder, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports.Williams will try to play through the injury after undergoing rehab, according to Rapoport.The five-year pro took over the role of No. 1 receiver for the Raiders after Antonio Brown's release and went on to catch 42 passes for 651 yards and six touchdowns in 16 games. Tight end Darren Waller led the team's pass-catchers with 90 grabs and 1,145 yards.The Raiders bolstered their receiving group by using the 12th overall pick in this year's draft on speedster Henry Ruggs. Should Williams miss any time due to the injury, Ruggs, Hunter Renfrow, Zay Jones, Nelson Agholor, and rookie Bryan Edwards would all move up a spot on the depth chart.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

There were zero positive COVID-19 tests among NFL players in the latest round of testing conducted between Aug. 12 and Aug. 20, the NFL announced Monday.The league conducted 58,397 tests in that span involving 8,573 players and personnel. Only six results were positive, all from personnel.Overall, 35,137 tests were administered to team staff members, while 23,260 tests were given to players.Individuals who tested positive for the coronavirus were immediately isolated and aren't permitted to travel with the team or access club facilities, the league said.On Saturday, a testing issue occurred at one of the labs that 11 NFL teams use, resulting in 77 positive tests. The league re-ran those tests twice, and each was proven to be a false positive. BioReference Laboratories said the issue stemmed from "an isolated contamination during test preparation in the New Jersey laboratory."Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

New York Jets running back Le'Veon Bell has seen significant improvement from Sam Darnold this offseason and has some friendly advice for how the quarterback can maximize his production this season."We just have to make sure he stays healthy," Bell said Monday, according to Rich Cimini of ESPN. "I told him, 'No bars.'"Darnold was sidelined for three contests last season with mononucleosis. The Jets were 7-6 when the signal-caller was active in 2019 but were unable to win a game without him to log their fourth straight losing campaign.Though the 23-year-old has yet to truly break out in the NFL, he slightly improved in his second year after a rough rookie season. Bell thinks Darnold continued to get better throughout the offseason."He's taking great command of the huddle," Bell said, according to Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News. "I think that's the biggest difference from Year 2 to 3. ... Guys are in there talking and (he says), 'Hey, hey, hey.' And guys listen."Bell added that Darnold looks "amazing" and "a lot more comfortable" this year.The 2018 third overall pick completed 61.9% of his pass attempts for 3,024 yards and 19 touchdowns against 13 interceptions in 13 games last season.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Find line reports, best bets, and subscribe to push notifications in the Betting News section.Every time you think they're dead, they rise again. The Seattle Seahawks entered last season with a win total of nine - their second straight year below 10 - but they ripped off 11 victories while threatening for the top seed in the NFC.Can they exceed expectations once again?WinsOddsOver 9.5-105Under 9.5-115A look backIn many ways, 2019 was just like any season for Seattle. For the seventh time in Russell Wilson's eight years as a starter, the Seahawks won 10-plus games while finishing in the top two in the NFC West. And, yet again, Wilson did the heavy lifting, slotting into second in MVP voting with an NFL-best four fourth-quarter comebacks and five game-winning drives.There were some signs of decline last year, though. The defense allowed the most points since Pete Carroll's first year with the team in 2010, and Seattle's point differential (+7) was its worst since 2011 and the lowest of any squad with a positive differential in 2019.Patchwork solutionsIn some ways, the Seahawks' roster has improved from a year ago. They coughed up serious draft capital to acquire All-Pro safety Jamal Adams, who should shore up an inconsistent secondary. They also brought in 35-year-old Greg Olsen to give Wilson another weapon.Yet Seattle faced bigger issues this offseason that largely went unaddressed. The Seahawks fielded one of the league's worst pass rushes last year, and that's before letting Jadeveon Clowney walk in free agency. There isn't a legitimate replacement for him on the roster, as most of Seattle's interior linemen are either unproven or better suited for run defense.The team also brought in five new offensive linemen this offseason to address its most glaring weaknesses for years. That still won't be enough. All five are either rookies or low-budget options who don't project to be difference-makers for a unit that's sorely in need.An unsustainable recordSeattle always seems to be on the brink of regressing, but that's never been more evident and seemingly unavoidable than it is now.In 2019, the Seahawks were 9-2 in games decided by seven points or less - the best record in that spot since Sports Database started tracking NFL stats in 1989. For context, the team had never gone better than 5-3 in that situation under Carroll.How about those comeback victories? Seattle won five games in 2019 when trailing by seven-plus points, and three games when trailing by 10-plus points, tying for the NFL lead in both cases while also establishing new highs during the Carroll era. Wilson leading the charge helps, but consistently erasing leads is a largely unsustainable way to win, even by the Seahawks' standards.Wilson was incredible last year, but he's due for a regression, too. His 31:5 touchdown-to-interception ratio was among the best in NFL history, and it was well outside of his roughly 3:1 career mark entering 2019. If he doesn't play at the same MVP level, this team will struggle to reach 10 wins in a tough division.Lastly, home-field advantage won't be on the Seahawks' side nearly as much this year. Since Wilson took over in 2012, Seattle holds the league's second-best home record (53-16) and has never posted a losing record at home. But with fans barred from attending games for at least the team's first three home contests, the NFL's best home-field advantage will be neutralized.Best betEvery year, I fade the Seahawks as a 10-win team. Every year, they prove me wrong.But past results don't breed future winners, and Seattle is trending in the wrong direction. If everything goes right, this is a 10-win club, but there are far too many unsolved questions to ride the over.C Jackson Cowart is a betting writer for theScore. He's an award-winning journalist with stops at The Charlotte Observer, The San Diego Union-Tribune, The Times Herald-Record, and BetChicago. He's also a proud graduate of UNC-Chapel Hill, and his love of sweet tea is rivaled only by that of a juicy prop bet. Find him on Twitter @CJacksonCowart.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The NFL re-ran overnight a total of 77 tests for COVID-19 from its teams using the same laboratory in New Jersey and all results returned negative, a source told ESPN's Adam Schefter.All 77 presumptive positives cases from Saturday's irregular results have now reportedly returned negative twice after the league re-ran them earlier Sunday evening.The NFL began investigating the positive tests after the 11 teams using one of the five laboratories were affected. The impacted clubs included the Cleveland Browns, Chicago Bears, Buffalo Bills, Detroit Lions, Pittsburgh Steelers, Minnesota Vikings, New York Jets, Green Bay Packers, New England Patriots, and New York Giants.The Vikings had 12 false positives this weekend, while the Jets accounted for 10.Both the Bears and Browns postponed their morning practices to Sunday afternoon after learning about the situation. Cleveland head coach Kevin Stefanski revealed Monday he was one of the individuals within the Browns organization who received a false positive."It wasn't fun to have that phone call early in the morning," Stefanski said, according to Field Yates of ESPN.The Bills didn't change their Sunday practice schedule, but they were without all the players whose test results initially returned positive, including quarterback Josh Allen.No new players have been added to the NFL's reserve/COVID-19 list, which currently includes just three players.BioReference Laboratories, the lab used by the 11 affected teams, stated the testing issue stemmed from "an isolated contamination during test preparation in the New Jersey laboratory.""Reagents, analyzers, and staff were all ruled out as possible causes and subsequent testing has indicated that the issue has been resolved," lab executive chairman Jon R. Cohen said in a statement obtained by NFL Network's Tom Pelissero.The league is now working with the lab on ways to immediately re-test players and coaching staff while avoiding lag time for results, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Find line reports, best bets, and subscribe to push notifications in the Betting News section.The San Francisco 49ers were the NFL's most improved team last season.The defending NFC champions ranked No. 5 in DVOA (defense-adjusted value over average) a year after slotting in at No. 30. They won the NFC West at 13-3 after notching only four victories in 2018.Is San Francisco an easy buy for this season? Or will the franchise regress? Let's dive into the Niners' win total for the 2020 campaign.How many games will the 49ers win in 2020?OddsOver 10.5-110Under 10.5-110A look backThe 49ers were among the five best teams in 2019, and it wasn't close. They trailed only the Ravens, Patriots, Chiefs, and Saints in DVOA, and were substantially better than the sixth-best team, the Cowboys.Team 2020 Total DVOA Ravens41.8%Chiefs30.8%Patriots30.2%Saints29.3%49ers27.9%Cowboys17.2%The 49ers' defense was as solid as you could ask, finishing No. 1 against the pass, No. 2 in defensive DVOA, and No. 3 in sacks. However, after holding six of the club's first eight opponents under the team total, five of the final eight went over.San Francisco's offense was simple but effective. Head coach Kyle Shanahan kept the ball on the ground 51.39% of the time, which trailed only Baltimore in run-play frequency. Quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo passed for 3,978 yards with 27 touchdowns for the league's No. 7 offense in DVOA.The 49ers were a bit lucky last season, though, as estimated wins and Pythagorean wins both projected them for 12 victories in 2019, a full win less than their actual mark.Burning questionsCan San Francisco score if it has to rely on Garoppolo? Last season, the 49ers ranked No. 5 in time of possession while frequently racing out to big leads. If they don't benefit from those luxuries in 2020, beware.Tight end George Kittle is the linchpin of the skill-position corps, but the team's receivers need to step up. And with Emmanuel Sanders gone, Deebo Samuel currently nursing a broken foot, and rookie Brandon Aiyuk recently leaving practice with an injury of his own, that may be easier said than done.And how far will the defense drop off, if it does? San Francisco was vastly underrated with coordinator Robert Saleh calling the shots. The 49ers registered a plus-four turnover margin, finished with three edge rushers in PFF's top 20, and employed the best cover corner in the league in Richard Sherman. Can they sustain that production for the second straight season?Best betOf all the contenders from last season, the 49ers worry me the most.They'll play a schedule featuring the third-toughest slate of run defenses, which doesn't bode well for a run-heavy offense. I don't trust Garoppolo if he's forced to shoulder a larger load.On the flip side, the defense will face the fourth-toughest schedule of rushing offenses. The one area in which the unit struggled in 2019 was against the run while allowing 106 yards per game (No. 12).In the division, the Seahawks are always dangerous, the Cardinals will improve, and the Rams are no slouch. The 49ers won't touch double-digit wins in 2020.Pick: Under 10.5Alex Kolodziej is a betting writer for theScore. He's a graduate of Eastern Illinois who has been involved in the sports betting industry for 12 years. He can quote every line from "Rounders" and appreciates franchises that regularly wear alternate jerseys. Find him on Twitter @AJKolodziej.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Mike Williams is considered week-to-week after being diagnosed with a shoulder sprain, sources told NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.Williams left practice Sunday with his right arm hanging, Rapoport adds. His return timetable reportedly has yet to be determined.The 25-year-old led the NFL with 20.4 yards per catch last year and racked up career highs of 49 receptions and 1,001 yards through 15 games. He also scored two touchdowns.The Chargers picked up the fifth-year option on Williams' rookie contract this offseason. He was selected seventh overall in 2017 after a decorated career at Clemson.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The NFL's Comeback Player of the Year award is generally reserved for a player returning from a serious injury. Last year, however, it went to Tennessee Titans quarterback Ryan Tannehill, who revived his career while coming a step away from the Super Bowl.This year, the award will likely go to one of these stars:Ben Roethlisberger Joe Sargent / Getty Images Sport / GettyThe Pittsburgh Steelers are favorites among pundits to return to the postseason in 2020 after two surprising years of missing out, and Big Ben's comeback from injury is fueling that optimism.Roethlisberger played in just two games last season before being shelved with an elbow injury. The veteran recently revealed he tore three elbow tendons off the bone. He's now been healing for nearly a year, and Roethlisberger should be feeling even better with no OTAs or preseason prior to this campaign.Before the injury, Roethlisberger threw for a career-high 5,129 yards in 2018. Though he's now 38 years old and likely nearing retirement, if Roethlisberger even comes close to playing like the 2018 version of himself, he'll be the favorite to claim the Comeback Player of the Year award.Cam NewtonNewton, another returning QB, also appeared in just two 2019 games before succumbing to a foot injury. Now he's coming back with a massive chip on his shoulder after the only pro team Newton has ever known discarded him, and Bill Belichick picked the passer up off the scrap heap.The Patriots aren't exactly dripping with offensive talent. But if a healthy Newton can approach his 2015 MVP form, New England's AFC East dominance may not be over, and the quarterback's award-winning days may not be either.Rob Gronkowski Mike Ehrmann / Getty Images Sport / GettyThe narrative plays a large role in the Comeback Player of the Year award, and there are few better storylines than Gronk's return from a one-year hiatus.Gronkowski was beaten down physically and mentally when he retired after winning Super Bowl LIII with the Patriots. Following a year to heal, the four-time All-Pro is fresher than ever, and his reunion with Tom Brady in Tampa Bay will reinvigorate the tight end.Gronk isn't the Buccaneers' only offensive threat, so defenses won't be able to regularly double-team him. A healthy, happy, and single-covered Gronk could result in him putting a second comeback trophy on his mantle.A.J. GreenGreen hasn't played in a game since Dec. 2, 2018, making it easy to forget how consistently dominant he was prior to his injury problems. Despite his recent run of bad injury luck, the Cincinnati Bengals' star receiver said he wants to play four more years.He'll be the leading option for No. 1 pick Joe Burrow, and it's rare to see a top pick partnered with an offensive talent like Green. If the two make magic together, Green will be an easy selection for Comeback Player of the Year.Alex Smith Scott Taetsch / Getty Images Sport / GettySmith even recovering from his gruesome leg injury and returning to an NFL practice field is nothing short of miraculous. If the veteran takes snaps at quarterback sometime this season for Washington (or any franchise), he'll be the sentimental favorite for Comeback Player of the Year.Despite suffering a broken leg and an infection that almost led to an amputation, the 36-year-old is adamant about resuming his playing career. As Joe Theismann said, Smith already deserves the award for his perseverance.J.J. WattWatt's comeback began when he rejoined the Houston Texans for their 2019 playoff run after missing eight games with a pectoral injury. He's sat out for large chunks during three of the last four seasons with injuries, yet Watt isn't far removed from recording 16 sacks when healthy in 2018.The three-time Defensive Player of the Year averaged 19.5 sacks in those award-winning seasons. Watt shouldn't struggle to garner votes for this award if he even sniffs those gaudy totals.Matthew Stafford Tim Warner / Getty Images Sport / GettyStafford got through the first half of last season just fine, but he missed the second with fractures in his back. If the Detroit Lions quarterback fully recovers and steers the snakebitten franchise toward the playoffs, he would be an easy pick.David JohnsonThree years removed from a 1,239-yard, 16-touchdown season, Johnson has been all but written-off. He'll get a change of scenery with the Texans after being included in the DeAndre Hopkins trade, but Johnson isn't even promised the starting running back job.He'll be hard-pressed to rediscover his 2016 form. However, joining a Deshaun Watson-led offense and running behind Laremy Tunsil and Co. could be what Johnson needs to reignite a once-promising career.Trent Williams Michael Zagaris / Getty Images Sport / GettyFollowing an ugly divorce from the Washington franchise, Williams is ready to protect Jimmy Garoppolo's blindside for the NFC champion San Francisco 49ers. Williams' spat with his former club involved the discovery of a cancerous lump on his head that he says team doctors didn't take seriously six years ago. He ended up losing 30% of his scalp and missing the 2019 season while seeking a trade.Now that his wish has been granted, Williams will try to pick up where he left off and remain one of the league's consensus top left tackles.Derwin JamesAfter being named a first-team All-Pro as a safety and a second-team All-Pro as a defensive back in his first season, James missed most of the 2019 campaign with a stress fracture in his foot.When healthy, he's one of the league's most versatile defensive players, and he could become a superstar with another exceptional year while adding to his trophy case.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The New Orleans Saints released veteran linebacker Nigel Bradham on Monday, a source told Adam Schefter of ESPN.The Saints signed Bradham to a one-year deal July 30 after he spent the last four seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles.The 30-year-old amassed 61 tackles and one interception through 12 games last season. He led the Eagles in tackles in three of his four years with the team.A fourth-round pick in 2012, Bradham played his first four NFL campaigns for the Buffalo Bills.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Free-agent safety Earl Thomas was "not well-liked" by his former Baltimore Ravens teammates, according to Peter King of NBC Sports.Thomas reportedly had a pattern of being late and was recently confronted over his readiness after committing assignment errors during a practice session.The Ravens released the veteran defender Sunday after they sent him home for an altercation with fellow safety Chuck Clark during practice Friday. Most of the Ravens players supported Clark following the fight, King adds.Thomas signed a four-year, $55-million free-agent deal with the Ravens in March 2019. He was set to earn $15 million in 2020, including $10 million in guarantees, which Baltimore is expected to avoid after releasing the defender "for personal conduct that has adversely affected" the team.The 31-year-old's guaranteed base salary would've become null if he was suspended prior to his release for conduct detrimental to the team, according to Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk.Thomas, a seven-time Pro Bowler, racked up 49 tackles, two interceptions, and two sacks through 15 games in his only season with the Ravens last year.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Another high-profile safety is available for teams looking to bolster their secondary ahead of the 2020 season.The New York Jets dealt Jamal Adams to the Seattle Seahawks last month after granting his trade request, and now the Baltimore Ravens have released star safety Earl Thomas following an altercation with a teammate during practice.Thomas' release marks the second time he is leaving a franchise on a sour note. However, there's no debate about whether he can be an ideal short-term impact player for teams needing a defensive upgrade.With this in mind, here are five teams that might be a good fit for the former All-Pro defensive back.Dallas CowboysThe Cowboys are reportedly considered the leading contender to land Thomas - and it's not hard to understand why.Dallas' secondary is arguably their biggest weakness after this offseason, and they're especially suffering at cornerback after Byron Jones' departure. Thomas' versatility could provide a mouth-watering asset to a team that allowed a 65% completion rate to opposing quarterbacks with a league-low seven interceptions last season.Thomas received the highest grade while in coverage last season (minimum of 10 games), according to PFF.Additionally, the Texas native and Longhorns alum has previously mentioned he would enjoy playing for the Cowboys.Jerry Jones wasn't counting on a seven-time Pro Bowl safety becoming available with the regular season just around the corner. Landing in Dallas would make Thomas' old wish a reality and give Jones a chance to set up a star defensive unit with the same potential as the Cowboys' top-tier offense.

Find line reports, best bets, and subscribe to push notifications in the Betting News section.It's been a long time since the New England Patriots entered a season as vulnerable as they are in 2020. Tom Brady is gone, and his successor is still uncertain less than a month before the start of the season. Will anyone be able to lift this club back to 10 wins?HOW MANY GAMES WILL THE PATRIOTS WIN?Over 9.5+135Under 9.5-160A look backFor eight weeks in 2019, the Patriots looked like they weren't only the year's best team, but one of the best we'd ever seen. Then, it came crashing down. New England went 4-5 down the stretch, getting outscored across those final nine games - including a wild-card loss to the Titans that spelled the end of the Brady era.The defense faded over that period, too, but their unit was still among the best in the NFL behind an elite secondary and athletic front seven. On offense, not so much. Brady had a career-worst year surrounded by below-average receivers, an ineffective run game, and an offensive line hanging on by a thread.Mass exodusAll of those concerns from last season? They're still there in 2020, and some of them are even worse. Longtime offensive line coach Dante Scarnecchia - who's known for making elite lines out of average talent - is gone, a departure almost as costly as Brady's.The roster's defensive turnover is costly. Linebackers Jamie Collins and Kyle Van Noy, both crucial to patrolling the middle in New England's smothering pass defense, left via free agency. Key starters in linebacker Dont'a Hightower and safety Patrick Chung were among eight Patriots to opt out, a league-high.And then, of course, there's Brady. He was lackluster a season ago, but still held below-average talent together on offense and put up passable numbers. Is Jarrett Stidham seasoned enough to do the same behind a shaky O-line? Is Cam Newton healthy enough?Who's behind center?The most important question for the Pats this year is also the hardest one to answer: who starts at quarterback?The easy answer is Newton, the former MVP and three-time Pro Bowler who signed with the Patriots in July. But the headline looks better than the reality - Newton has dealt with injuries for two years now, hampering his dual-threat ability and forcing him to make plays in the pocket. That's a problem, since Newton is a career 59.6% passer, and he's only topped 4,000 passing yards once in his nine-year career.Even if he is healthy, is there enough skill around him? The former Panther didn't have great weapons when he was in Carolina, but they were still better than what he'll have in New England. The Patriots' built their personnel around Brady's ability to throw people open on quick reads for years. That isn't Newton's game, and the Patriots haven't invested in him enough to re-build an offense around their late signing.If it's Stidham under center, it's hard to imagine a 10-win ceiling without a similar contribution from the defense as last year, which won't happen without those key players. Plus, a more difficult slate doesn't help - the Pats face the hardest schedule by 2019 record - and all three competing teams in the division have markedly improved from last season.Best betBefore the Newton signing, it felt like the betting community agreed to fade the Patriots. Then, the excitement of a potential shot-calling savior shook the market. But don't be fooled. Newton's health is a major question mark, proven by the details of his one-year contract. Without elite quarterback play, this team will be lucky to see double-digit wins again.C Jackson Cowart is a betting writer for theScore. He's an award-winning journalist with stops at The Charlotte Observer, The San Diego Union-Tribune, The Times Herald-Record, and BetChicago. He's also a proud graduate of UNC-Chapel Hill, and his love of sweet tea is rivaled only by that of a juicy prop bet. Find him on Twitter @CJacksonCowart.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The NFL is investigating a number of positive COVID-19 tests from its teams using a single laboratory in New Jersey, the league announced Sunday, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.​"Saturday's daily COVID testing returned several positives tests from each of the clubs serviced by the same laboratory in New Jersey," the NFL said in a statement. "We are working with our testing partner, BioReference, to investigate these results, while the clubs work to confirm or rule out the positive tests."Clubs are taking immediate precautionary measures as outlined in the NFL-NFLPA's health and safety protocols to include contact tracing, isolation of individuals, and temporarily adjusting the schedule, where appropriate. The other laboratories used for NFL testing have not had similar results."The Cleveland Browns, Chicago Bears, Buffalo Bills, Detroit Lions, Pittsburgh Steelers, Minnesota Vikings, New York Jets, and Green Bay Packers are some of the known teams affected with presumptive positive tests by Saturday's irregular COVID-19 results.

The Baltimore Ravens have released safety Earl Thomas, the team announced Sunday.The Ravens explained their decision is based on Thomas' "personal conduct that has adversely affected" the organization. Baltimore is cutting the veteran defender after the team sent him home for an altercation with teammate Chuck Clark during practice Friday.Thomas signed a four-year, $55-million deal with the Ravens in 2019 and was set to earn $15 million this season, including a fully guaranteed $10-million base salary that becomes null if he's suspended for detrimental conduct to the team.Thomas thanked the Ravens after learning of his release."I appreciate the Ravens organization for the opportunity," Thomas said on Instagram. "Had a great run ... Wish things would have ended different but you live and you learn. Thank you (general manager) Eric DeCosta and everyone else who played a role in bringing me to B-more. Wish you guys the best." The Dallas Cowboys are the leading contender to land Thomas, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter.The 31-year-old, who missed practice Saturday and Sunday, shared on Instagram a video of the play that led to the altercation and reflected on the incident - though he later deleted the post. He called the incident "a mental error."Thomas and Clark reportedly engaged in a "heated confrontation" during practice, starting with a sideline argument, before multiple flare-ups prompted teammates to intervene.Thomas joined the Ravens as a free agent last year after a decorated nine-season tenure with the Seattle Seahawks. The seven-time Pro Bowler racked up 49 tackles, two interceptions, and two sacks through 15 games in his first season with Baltimore.Selected 14th overall out of Texas in 2010, Thomas was a pivotal part of the Seahawks' Legion of Boom that helped the team win its first Super Bowl six years ago.Head coach John Harbaugh confirmed DeShon Elliott will replace Thomas.

Get ready for your season with theScore's 2020 Fantasy Football Draft Kit and subscribe to push notifications in the NFL Fantasy News section.theScore's Justin Boone breaks down the best ways to approach your draft depending on where you're selecting in the order.Draft Position

Get ready for your season with theScore's 2020 Fantasy Football Draft Kit and subscribe to push notifications in the NFL Fantasy News section.theScore's Justin Boone breaks down the best ways to approach your draft depending on where you're selecting in the order.Draft Position

The Baltimore Ravens sent Pro Bowl safety Earl Thomas home from the team facility Friday following an altercation with fellow safety Chuck Clark, Thomas confirmed Saturday.Thomas is not expected to rejoin the team until after the weekend at the earliest. The Ravens are evaluating their options, including releasing the 11-year veteran or suspending him for conduct detrimental to the team (which could void the $10 million in guarantees Thomas is owed this season), according to NFL Network's Mike Garafolo.Thomas shared a video of the play that led to the altercation and reflected on the incident on Instagram. The post was deleted hours later."Being sent home sucks, I can't take the reps I need to keep momentum going," Thomas wrote. "But I can reflect on things and keep working my plan to help the team win. ... This has been one of my best camps, crazy a situation like this can (throw) dirt on it."The 31-year-old added that the incident started after he tried to explain a play to fourth-year pro Clark, calling it "a mental error."The Baltimore Sun's Jonas Shaffer reported earlier Saturday that Thomas and Clark engaged in a "heated confrontation" during practice, starting with a sideline argument before multiple flare-ups prompted teammates to intervene.Thomas was not present when the Ravens returned to the field for another team session Saturday morning, and it appears his future with the organization may be in question."We'll find out the details of it," Harbaugh said of the issue Friday, according to Shaffer. "It just lasted longer than it needed to for me. You're going to have these things in training camp. I think you're going to have tempers flare, sure. It happens every training camp, especially right about now, probably."But I don't like them when they extend like that and eat into our reps, and we're going to have to find out why and make sure that doesn’t happen. We need to keep our eye on the prize, which is preparing for the (Cleveland) Browns."Thomas, a three-time All-Pro, joined the Ravens as a free agent last year following the conclusion of a nine-year run with the Seattle Seahawks.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.