Cleveland Browns quarterback DeShone Kizer returned to Sunday's game against the Detroit Lions late in the fourth quarter after leaving briefly due to a rib injury.Kizer was forced to the locker room near the end of the third quarter after absorbing a big shot to the midsection.

A Walmart near Atlanta threw some shade at the Falcons with its markdown on team-branded coolers.

If you enjoy comedy and live theater, the Cleveland Browns put on quite the show Sunday before the end of the first half versus the Detroit Lions.The play

The Green Bay Packers were dealt more injury blows on Sunday as both top running backs, Ty Montgomery and Aaron Jones, exited with injuries in the first half against the Chicago Bears.Jones left with a knee injury after gaining 12 total yards on four touches while Montgomery scored a touchdown and amassed 68 yards on eight touches before suffering a rib injury. He will undergo an MRI on Monday, but Jones was initially diagnosed with a sprained MCL, a source told NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.Rookie Jamaal Williams took over as the first-string running back in their absence. Williams finished the game with 67 yards on 20 carries and caught one pass for seven yards.The Packers emerged with a 23-16 victory.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

In what'll go down as the most unfortunate challenge of the season, Chicago Bears head coach John Fox accidentally stripped his own team of possession a yard shy of the end zone and gave the ball to the Green Bay Packers.Fox threw his red flag when Benny Cunningham was ruled out of bounds right before diving for the corner of the end zone. Fox argued that Cunningham had crossed the plane, which would've resulted in a touchdown, before he went out of bounds.However, the officials determined upon review Cunningham actually fumbled the ball out of the end zone - and did so before he went out of bounds - thereby resulting in a touchback and possession for the Packers.

There was a scary scene at New Era Field on Sunday as New Orleans Saints running back Daniel Lasco exited the game against the Buffalo Bills on a stretcher in an ambulance.

Denver Broncos linebacker Von Miller will be honoring Lil Wayne on Sunday with a pair of cleats inspired by the rapper's 2007 mixtape "Da Drought 3."

Tampa Bay Buccaneers general manager Jason Licht indicated Sunday that quarterback Jameis Winston could be out significantly longer than the initial two-week timetable due to his lingering shoulder injury." ... There is no timeline on this," Licht said before the Bucs took on the New York Jets, according to Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times. "This may be an extended period."Winston was diagnosed with a sprained AC joint last week, and was subsequently shut down for "a couple weeks" to rest his shoulder. Licht said that additional tests revealed no further damage to Winston's ailing shoulder.The 23-year-old pivot was seemingly poised for a breakout campaign entering the season, but has only thrown 10 touchdowns to six interceptions in eight games.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Chris Long has a base salary of $1 million this season, but won't be pocketing any of it, instead opting to donate the money to educational organizations.Long joined "The Ellen Show" on Friday to talk about the inspiration behind his charitable efforts, explaining that while he enjoys playing football, he doesn't "get the fulfillment out of that alone."Host Ellen Degeneres also announced that she and Cheerios will be donating $30,000 to Long's Pledge 10 for Tomorrow campaign.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

New England Patriots tight end Martellus Bennett is expected to be active for Sunday night's game against the Denver Broncos, a source told NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.It comes just three days after the team claimed Bennett off waivers from the Green Bay Packers.Bennett was released with a "failure to disclose physical condition" designation as he reportedly has a torn rotator cuff, though he claims the Packers were aware of his injury.The veteran tight end would return to the field as a Patriot for the first time since winning Super Bowl LI last February. He had struggled this season with the Packers, making 24 catches for 233 yards with no touchdowns, though was successful with the Patriots last season.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

With the San Francisco 49ers sitting winless through nine games, a couple of fans decided to get matching "0-16" tattoos in hopes of breaking the losing streak.Bay Area morning show "Kevin Klein Live" was on hand as Edgar, a 49ers season-ticket holder, and Cole got tattooed at San Francisco's Rebel Gallery on Friday, and tweeted out photos and video of the process:

O.J. Simpson was banned from The Cosmopolitan hotel-casino in Las Vegas following an incident Wednesday, but says reports of him causing a drunken disturbance are inaccurate.TMZ Sports reported Thursday that the former NFL running back, who was released from prison last month, was drunk and hostile toward staff while at the hotel's Clique bar.Simpson, however, claims "nothing happened.""I'm always nice to everybody. You can't find one person in this town, in any restaurant or bar or wherever I've been that won't say I'm patient and I'm courteous. I take pictures with everybody," he told Splash News."And as far as The Cosmo go, hey, they don't want me to come there, I won't come there. It ain't because I was rude or crude or drunk or broke a glass or something - all of that was completely made up."

The NFL's compensation committee will hold a conference call Monday to discuss contract negotiations with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell, ESPN's Adam Schefter and Chris Mortensen report.In an August counter-proposal, Goodell asked for a salary of $49.5 million per year, lifetime use of a private jet, and lifetime health insurance for life for his family, a source informed ESPN.One owner referred to Goodell's salary request as "offensive" and "unseemly." An executive suggested prohibiting Goodell from earning more than the highest-paid player in the league.However, NFL spokesman Joe Lockhart called the report of Goodell's counter-proposal untrue."The only element of the ESPN report that is true is that there is a regularly scheduled compensation committee conference call on Monday," Lockhart said in a statement obtained by Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk."There is no basis in fact for any of the other reporting. Those trying to peddle that nonsense are profoundly misinformed or deliberately trying to mislead."The six team owners that make up the committee were said to be nearing a five-year extension with Goodell in August, but Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones - a non-voting, ad-hoc member - has stalled talks.Jones has threatened to sue the league and committee if plans for an extension aren't nixed.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

theScore's Justin Boone is coming off his fourth top-10 finish in FantasyPros' Most Accurate Expert Competition. Follow the links below to see his updated rankings for Week 10.Standard

The San Francisco 49ers are anticipating a Week 12 debut for their new quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo, ESPN's Adam Schefter reports, citing a source.The Niners are starting rookie C.J. Beathard against the New York Giants on Sunday. Their bye comes next week, giving the team another two weeks to prepare Garoppolo to take over San Francisco's offense for their matchup against the Seattle Seahawks.The 49ers traded a second-round pick for Garoppolo on Oct. 30.Head coach Kyle Shanahan had said it wasn't a guarantee Garoppolo would play for the team this season.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Vontae Davis may not be out of work for long.A source told Adam Schefter of ESPN that teams have contacted the former Indianapolis Colts cornerback about a return for the playoffs.Davis is currently sidelined with a groin injury that's expected to keep him out 6-to-8 weeks, but a handful of teams, including two involved in a chase for the playoffs, are interested in signing him with the hope he'll return in time.The Colts released the former Pro Bowler on Thursday.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Now that Ezekiel Elliott is serving his six-game suspension, the Dallas Cowboys running back is leaving the country to clear his head and keep in shape for a potential playoff run, per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.The location has not yet been disclosed.Elliott is scheduled to appear in court on Dec. 1 when he will appeal the ban. He won't be eligible to return to action until the Cowboys' Week 16 game against the Seattle Seahawks.An injunction on his suspension was denied Thursday.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Martellus Bennett may not be with the Green Bay Packers anymore but the business between the tight end and the club appears far from over.Sources told Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network that the Packers intend to go after Bennett's signing bonus after he criticized the club and team doctor Pat McKenzie on Instagram.Bennett alleged that McKenzie pushed him to play with a torn rotator cuff, despite recommendations from several doctors to have surgery.It's unclear whether the Packers will seek repayment of Bennett's entire $6.3-million signing bonus or the $4.2-million prorated portion of his contract. NFL rules state that a club can seek repayment of a signing bonus if they didn't know about a player's pre-existing condition when signing.The Packers allege that Bennett had the torn rotator cuff prior to joining the team and did not divulge that at the time of signing.Bennett has since rejoined the New England Patriots and could play Sunday night against the Denver Broncos.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Seattle Seahawks are expected to be disciplined for allowing quarterback Russell Wilson to re-enter Thursday's game without going to the locker room after he was removed by an official, ESPN's Adam Schefter reports.Seattle could be levied a fine of up to $150,000. The situation is under review by both the NFL and NFLPA.Wilson was ordered to the sideline after taking a hit in the third quarter against the Arizona Cardinals. However, cameras showed that Wilson exited the medical tent almost as soon as he entered it and returned to the game after one play. He explained postgame that he injured his jaw on the play in question and did not sustain a concussion.Nonetheless, after he was removed from the contest by the official, Wilson was required to undergo concussion protocol and was only to be cleared by a team doctor and independent physician.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

At the beginning of the season, it was a near consensus that USC's Sam Darnold was the best quarterback prospect in the 2018 NFL draft class, followed closely by UCLA's Josh Rosen, Louisville's Lamar Jackson, and Wyoming's Josh Allen. However, it is Oklahoma quarterback Baker Mayfield who is quickly proving to be the cream of the crop thus far.Mayfield is ascending to the top of the Heisman Trophy race, after Penn State's Saquon Barkley fizzled out and, with apologies to Stanford's Bryce Love, no player has been more important to their team this year than the Oklahoma quarterback.The redshirt senior went ballistic last week for 598 yards, five touchdowns, and two interceptions in a 62-52 victory over Oklahoma State, and followed it up Saturday by going 18-of-27 for 333 yards, three touchdowns, and no interceptions during a 38-20 win over TCU, who boasted the nation's sixth-ranked defense.Slowly but surely, the idea that Mayfield ought to be taken first in next spring's draft is quickly gaining traction. Pro Football Focus selected Mayfield first overall to the moribund Cleveland Browns in their latest mock draft, and he tops their college football quarterback rankings this season, in large part due to his accuracy and on-field poise.

After starting 0-2, with their offense sputtering, defense getting torched once again, and supposed star offseason acquisition Adrian Peterson producing a total of 44 yards, it looked as though the New Orleans Saints were destined for a fourth straight disappointing season.Six consecutive wins later, the Saints are leading the NFC South and the belief they have in themselves is now being shared by fans and analysts alike."I just think that we kind of knew what we had in the building," veteran receiver Ted Ginn Jr. told SiriusXM NFL radio about the winning streak. "With us coming out 0-2, we knew that that wasn't what we wanted to be, who we wanted to be."And we’ve just been breaking it down, day by day, week by week, game by game. And it’s just been going good for us."As many teams have toiled in mediocrity this season, New Orleans has found ways to break away from the mold that has caused it to record three straight 7-9 seasons. These aren't the Saints that had to hide out in the Superdome and pass for 500 yards every week just to squeeze out a 35-32 win - these Saints have used new tactics to build a true Lombardi Trophy contender.Rookies making racketFirst-round cornerback Marshon Lattimore and offensive tackle Ryan Ramczyk have been asked to start since Day 1, and have both been graded as the best rookies at their respective positions by Pro Football Focus.Lattimore looks like the shutdown cornerback the team has needed for a decade, and he's been aided by second-round safety Marcus Williams, who has allowed just three completed passes through eight games.But perhaps the biggest change has been to the Saints' offense with the arrival of Alvin Kamara, whose early-season success persuaded the team to ship off future Hall of Famer Peterson.Not just the Brees show anymoreWith Kamara and Mark Ingram manning the backfield, the Saints's steady run game has taken some of the weight off the shoulders of Drew Brees.Ingram's 541 rushing yards rank eighth in the league, fueling the team's seventh-ranked overall rushing performance. According to Football Outsiders, New Orleans has the third-most efficient offense in the league while attempting the 16th-most passing attempts per game.Saintly schedule makingNew Orleans has the chance to really prove it can survive the elements on Sunday in Buffalo with a win over the Bills in a cold-weather game, but after Week 10, it will experience very favorable conditions, playing either indoors or in warm weather.Schedule Opponent Opponent's recordWeek 10at Bills5-3Week 11vs. Redskins4-4Week 12at Rams6-2Week 13vs. Panthers6-3Week 14at Falcons4-4Week 15vs. Jets4-5Week 16vs. Falcons4-4Week 17at Buccaneers2-6Sunday's game carries extra importance as it serves as the only opportunity to prepare for a potential playoff game in Philadelphia or Seattle in January.But while the elements will be friendly, the competition will not be. Only two of the Saints' upcoming opponents currently have losing records, but aside from a potential shootout with the Los Angeles Rams, New Orleans is on track to be the favorite in every remaining contest.Coaching countsAside from Sean Payton, the Saints coaching staff has been an inconsistent group, though removing five longtime staff members last January seems to have paid off.New Orleans ranks 24th in offensive penalties and 26th in defensive penalties. The team lasted four games before allowing a turnover and sit tied for seventh in giveaways with a very balanced overall performance.CategoryRankPassing Yards3rdRushing Yards7thTotal Yards2ndPoints6thPassing Yards Allowed12thRushing Yards Allowed19thTotal Yards Allowed15thPoints Allowed9thUsually defined by being a pass-happy team that needs a roof over their heads to be at their best, the Saints are built to march - indoors or out.(Photos courtesy: Action Images)Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

When Colin Kaepernick's defense attorney Mark Geragos predicted his client would be signed "within the next 10 days" last Tuesday, he did so expecting it to hurt his lawsuit against the NFL.While the move has yet to happen, Geragos thinks it would be an ideal way to make the suit claiming owners conspired to keep Kaepernick out of the league to go away."I have to say I just thought it was a no-brainer that somebody would do the right thing and sign him and the fact that they haven't, thank you very much," Geragos said on the "Reasonable Doubt" podcast, recorded last Monday. "They've just made the case even stronger."Geragos cited the recent poor performances by the Denver Broncos and Houston Texans quarterbacks as good reasons for the teams to end Kaepernick's unemployment streak."I just don't understand the Texans," Geragos said. "If I'm (Texans owner) Bob McNair, and maybe I'm addled and maybe I'm sick, I just don't know. I mean, I'll find out when I do his deposition."But if I'm Bob McNair and I've already misspoke and my players want to come and beat the crap out of me, I think that somebody should be whispering in my ear, 'Sign Kap, sign Kap.' Because that can redeem you, I would think, just from a public relations standpoint."- With h/t to Pro Football TalkCopyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Dallas Cowboys downgraded Pro Bowl left tackle Tyron Smith from questionable to out for Sunday's game against the Atlanta Falcons due to back and groin injuries Saturday, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.Smith has battled a lingering back injury all season, but was able to play in the first eight games of the campaign.Chaz Green will likely start in Smith's place.The Cowboys will now be without two of their key offensive players, as Ezekiel Elliott is set to serve the first of a six-game suspension.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Cleveland Browns attempted to trade for Terrelle Pryor before last week's deadline, but the Washington Redskins weren't interested in dealing the struggling wide receiver, league sources told Mary Kay Cabot of cleveland.com.Cleveland allowed Pryor to hit free agency this past offseason after the first 1,000-yard campaign of his career. He subsequently signed a one-year, $6-million contract with Washington, but has failed to live up to expectations.Pryor is on pace to catch just 40 receptions for 480 yards and two touchdowns, and was benched in the first half of Week 9's game, playing just one snap.Meanwhile, the Browns' replacement for Pryor, Kenny Britt, has been a non-factor, and the entire receiving corps has been largely ineffective.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Andrew Luck is in Europe seeking treatment on his throwing shoulder, sources told ESPN's Mike Wells and Chris Mortensen.The Indianapolis Colts' star quarterback was placed on season-ending injured reserve last week after his recovery from January shoulder surgery stalled.Luck was expected to return in the early part of the campaign, but his recovery dragged into the midseason. He briefly returned to practice at the start of October, but suffered a setback, with lingering pain in his shoulder requiring a cortisone shot sidelining him once again.The Colts have insisted Luck's injury isn't career-threatening,Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Roy Miller was arrested Saturday morning in Jacksonville, Fla. and charged with domestic battery, according to ESPN's Michael DiRocco.He was scheduled to appear in court Saturday at 1 p.m. ET in Jacksonville, according to the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office Department of Corrections."This morning we were informed about an incident involving one of our players, Roy Miller," the Chiefs said in a statement. "We are still in the process of gathering details on the situation. We will have no further comment at this time."Miller has appeared in seven games this season since joining Kansas City as a free agent in the offseason. The Chiefs are on a bye this week.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

More than half of the 2017 NFL season is in the books, and most teams remain in the playoff hunt after nine weeks of shocking parity and injuries to what feels like half the league's Pro Bowlers.Some teams are virtually guaranteed a playoff spot, like the 8-1 Philadelphia Eagles, while others are firmly in control of their division, like the 6-2 Minnesota Vikings.But there's a significant middle class in the NFL right now, which is crying out for a few teams to separate themselves from the pack. Here's one thing each mid-tier team needs to fix to make the playoffs (only four-plus-win teams were considered):Buffalo BillsFix: LeSean McCoy's strugglesMcCoy hasn't been his usual explosive self this season. Maybe it's the Bills' new offense, maybe it's nine seasons of hits and lingering injuries sapping his once game-changing talents. Whatever the reason, the Bills need to get him back on track.And blocking apparently hasn't been an issue. The Bills' offensive line has been doing its job; it's McCoy who hasn't been able to make defenders miss with his usual consistency.

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Drew Stanton suffered a sprained knee in Thursday's loss to the Seattle Seahawks and could be sidelined for one or two games, sources told Chris Mortensen and Adam Schefter of ESPN.Blaine Gabbert would get the starting nod if Stanton is sidelined, added Mortensen.The Cardinals have already lost starter Carson Palmer, who is on injured reserve with a broken arm - though he could still return late in the season.Arizona intend to sign Matt Barkley - who played for the team in 2015 - to provide additional depth, added Mortensen.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Aaron Rodgers is backing his doctor.Much like receiver Jordy Nelson, the Green Bay Packers quarterback came to the defense of team doctor Patrick McKenzie, who was called out by Martellus Bennett. "I've been working with Dr. McKenzie for 13 years, and as well as being a phenomenal doctor, he's also become a close friend," Rodgers posted on Instagram. "He's done surgery on me twice, and I trust him and his opinion implicitly. Doc has always tried to protect me and my future, even if it meant protecting me from myself and my desire to get back on the field before I should."Bennett claimed McKenzie had pushed him to play with an injured shoulder, and that the Packers didn't want to place him on injured reserve because his salary would be on the books next season. Green Bay waived Bennett for failing to disclose a medical condition, although the tight end said the team knew about his injury in March.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Professional football continuously proves the axiom that death comes for us all - as it does when a spry, dominant group of players ages and erodes faster than anyone expected. Such was the case Thursday night when Richard Sherman ruptured his Achilles on national television, further calling into question the expiry date of the Legion of Boom.Good defenses are remembered by historians; great defenses are lionized forever. Seattle's secondary consisting of Sherman, Earl Thomas, Kam Chancellor, and a rotating second cornerback (originally Brandon Browner, then Byron Maxwell) carved its way into league folklore years ago. They once submitted an all-time great performance by shutting down the highest-scoring offense in NFL history, annihilating the Broncos 43-8 in Super Bowl XLVIII. An ill-fated offensive play call robbed them of defending their crown, but for a team in the salary-cap era, it's nearly impossible to conceive of a more proficient secondary.Seattle led the NFL in scoring defense for four consecutive seasons, a remarkable feat considering it operated a simple Cover 3 base defense. This scheme was made possible by Thomas, a SpaceX vehicle disguised as a free safety, who would clean up any mistakes made by Sherman, Browner, and his successors, DeShawn Shead, Jeremy Lane, and Shaquill Griffin. Thomas didn't miss a game during his first six seasons, but he finally proved vulnerable last fall when he broke his leg in a freak collision with Chancellor. The all-world safety is now battling hamstring injuries, while Chancellor's bruising style has taken a toll on him, too. A secondary once characterized by youthful panache has quickly become the NFL's old guard.The secondary has been the hallmark of the Seahawks' defense throughout the Pete Carroll era, but it's time for the team to make an identity change. Bobby Wagner is the best inside linebacker in the NFL, while K.J. Wright is equally adept in coverage as he is against the run. Defensive end Frank Clark is under contract through 2019, Michael Bennett is signed through 2021 - with a potential out in 2019 - and defensive tackles Jarran Reed, Malik McDowell, and Nazair Jones will surely be afforded larger roles. It should be clear that the Seahawks' defense isn't going anywhere anytime soon, but it's on Wagner, Wright, and a host of young players to carry the unit into the latter stages of the decade.This isn't a novel notion for the Seahawks' front office. Seattle drafted Griffin - who's proven capable of being a full-time starter - in the third round, and added safeties Delano Hill, Tedric Thompson, and Mike Tyson (no relation!) in the third, fourth, and sixth rounds, respectively. Sherman and Thomas refused to openly embrace the new class, perhaps knowing all too well that the end was nearing. But by cruel, brute force, the Seahawks may have to entertain the idea of a new secondary sooner than imagined.Seattle remains a strong Super Bowl contender and no one would be surprised if Thomas walks off with MVP honors come February. Death comes for us all, however, and the vaunted Legion of Boom will live forever while a new class of brash, sound defenders try to fill their enormous shoes.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Despite reported questions on how Jimmy Garrapolo fits into the San Francisco 49ers' long-term plans, general manager John Lynch appears to be pleased with his prized acquisition.A report surfaced from ESPN's Adam Schefter last weekend indicating the 49ers could still draft a quarterback or make a run at Kirk Cousins in the offseason, even though they just acquired Garrapolo from New England. Lynch didn't outright deny the report, though he did say bringing in Garrapolo was a no-brainer."Because, No. 1, we’re huge believers in Jimmy Garoppolo and his ability to be a franchise quarterback, so much so that we inquired throughout this last offseason and was quickly shut down by Bill Belichick," Lynch said during a weekly radio appearance on KNBR radio, according to Matt Barrows of The Sacramento Bee. "But we did inquire as to his availability. And so we’re huge believers in what he brings to the table."Lynch added that even though Garoppolo hasn't played for the 49ers yet, he's been impressive since the trade."But what I think was clear and what needs to be communicated to our fan base is that we have great belief (in Garoppolo) and that’s only been strengthened in the week that he’s been here because he does special things on the practice field and he does some special things in the meeting room," Lynch said."Is there some unknowns? He hasn’t played a ton of football. Yeah, we’re fully aware of that. But we feel, and I think a lot of people feel, throughout this league feel, that we got a tremendous deal on a guy that has all the makings of a franchise quarterback. We’re thrilled to have him and that’s what Jimmy Garoppolo is to us."Lynch added that he didn't think the report came from the 49ers."I’m pretty confident on this one that this one (report) wasn’t from us," Lynch added. "Schefter ... had the story early. Kyle and I are down there, and the next thing you know he’s on the line. So there was communication, but I can tell you what’s important is what we believe. And we believe Jimmy Garoppolo is going to be our guy."Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Jordy Nelson defended Dr. Patrick McKenzie after Martellus Bennett accused the Green Bay Packers physician of trying to convince him to play through injury.The Packers wideout said he's never felt pressure to play with an injury during his time with the team.

Washington Redskins cornerback Josh Norman was fined $36,464 for a horse-collar tackle on Seattle Seahawks tight end Jimmy Graham during Sunday's 17-14 Redskins victory, according to Pro Football Talk's Josh Alper.Norman has been fined several times over the course of his career for on-field incidents.The veteran cornerback admitted after the game that he was playing angry, and that he also retaliated to a facemask from Graham with a hit on Seahawks running back Thomas Rawls."I kind of get a little emotional, heated when things like that happen,” Norman said, via 106.7 The Fan's Grant Paulsen and Danny Rouhier. "So I kind of took it upon myself, the next time that did happen, I was gonna (get even). So I saw it again. Number 34 (Rawls), he hits it outside, and he just put his arm out there, and it looked like some chum meat."So, I just went out there and I grabbed it, and I wanted to take it off its socket. You know, I really wanted to take his arm off his shoulder, but I couldn’t because of how the ankle was, so I just took it down with me, and I looked and made sure he didn’t get to the first down, and I got up and I was excited, man. I really was."Norman and the Redskins continue their season against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Warning: Story contains coarse languageMartellus Bennett took aim at the Green Bay Packers on Friday after the team waived him Wednesday, reportedly attaching a "failure to disclose a medical condition" designation to his release.Bennett ripped into the team in a series of text-based Instagram stories, saying the Packers knew about his shoulder injury - which is reportedly a torn rotator cuff - during his free-agent visit in March and cleared him.The tight end said the injury worsened as the season wore on. Faced with the decision to either play through it or undergo surgery, Bennett chose the latter.Bennett alleges that a Packers physician, Dr. Patrick McKenzie, attempted to persuade him to play through the injury instead, and the doctor is now trying to "cover his own ass."The veteran says Green Bay released him out of panic, fearing he would need to be placed on injured reserve and his contract would remain on the books for the 2018 season.Bennett believes his late October admission that he would "probably" retire at the end of the season motivated the Packers to cut ties."They tried to fuck me before they thought I would fuck them. This is all about money," Bennett wrote.Bennett said he intended to finish the season before realizing the extent of his injury."I chose my health over the 'team.' They chose money over me," he wrote.Bennett was claimed by the New England Patriots and practiced Friday after passing his physical, according to Mark Daniels of the Province Journal. He didn't practice for the past two weeks while in Green Bay.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Jerry Jones has admitted he is considering taking legal action against the NFL and other owners over new contract negotiations for commissioner Roger Goodell.The NFL's compensation committee was reportedly nearing a five-year, multi-million dollar extension for Goodell this summer. Jones is not part of the six-member committee, but the Dallas Cowboys owner is intent on thwarting the negotiations and explained the basis of the potential lawsuit Friday."I basically feel this extension of Roger should go and be reviewed and approved by all the owners, not just a few of the owners," Jones told 105.3 The Fan.League owners granted the committee the power to grant such an extension in May, according to Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk. To reverse such a decision, Jones would need the support of all the other owners."We all see how impactful a commissioner's decision can be in many areas. We've given him a lot of power," Jones said, though he insisted he was not referring to the six-game suspension handed to Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott."I think we need the checks and balances of ownership having to actually be in a position to not just suggest but approves of his decisions. So that's what this is about."Jones is reported to have retained the services of high-powered lawyer David Boies and was to give the committee until Friday to cancel plans for an extension before he would serve the league and the six owners involved with legal papers.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Philadelphia Eagles provided the most comfortable survivor pool win of the season by hanging 51 points on the Denver Broncos last week, running the season record to 12-3.It's rare that a first-place team would still be eligible for selection in Week 10, but last week's Eagles pick and this week's selection are pleasant surprises on the season.Here's the Week 10 winner:Team to pick if still aliveLos Angeles RamsPerhaps the most shocking team of the 2017 season is the Los Angeles Rams. After years of offensive struggles under Jeff Fisher, new coach Sean McVay has transformed the NFC West club in to the highest-scoring team in the league. This week's opponent is the Houston Texans, who currently rank third in the league in scoring, but that was with Deshaun Watson leading the offense. In the Texans' first game since their star rookie tore his ACL, Tom Savage struggled to move the offense in a 20-14 home loss to the lowly Indianapolis Colts. Whether it's Savage or T.J. Yates that gets the start Sunday, the Rams are the best bet on the board this week.Record: 12-3

Following the 1-7 New York Giants' humiliating 57-17 blowout loss at the hand of the Los Angeles Rams in Week 9, an ESPN report suggested head coach Ben McAdoo has lost his team.Two anonymous players ripped McAdoo and the culture he's created during the Giants' disappointing season. However, McAdoo brushed off the criticism Friday, opting for the in-vogue retort to stories that are viewed as lacking credibility."I think they're excited to go play, excited to go get back on the field," McAdoo said of his team, according to Jordan Raanan of ESPN. "When you have a setback like we did last week, and some fake news, I guess you can call it this week, some drama. I think it's good to go out and play the game you love to play."Asked to clarify why he used the term "fake news," McAdoo simply answered, "Anonymous quotes."Pressed on whether he believes the report was real, McAdoo appeared to take issue with a lack of accountability from the report's sources rather than the story itself."I'm saying it's anonymous," he answered. "There are no names behind it."Giants players condemned the report. Linebacker Jonathan Casillas described it as "cowardly" and offensive tackle Justin Pugh called for the players to put their names to their words.Despite the unrest, New York reportedly doesn't intend to make a coaching change before the end of the season.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Every week, theScore's football editors will take a deep dive into the rating changes from the Madden 18 video game, looking at the most notable risers and fallers based on the previous week's action.RisersCarson Wentz, QB, Eagles85 overall ➔ 87 overallWentz tore up the vaunted Broncos secondary to the tune of four touchdowns in Week 9 and continues his ascent into the elite group of Madden quarterbacks with a two-point bump.Marshon Lattimore, CB, Saints85 overall ➔ 87 overallLattimore was the victim of a cheap shot from Mike Evans, but the rookie cornerback got the last laugh, holding the star receiver to just one catch for 13 yards. The Saints have a superstar on their hands.Corey Clement, RB, Eagles 73 overall ➔ 76 overallAll eyes were on Jay Ajayi, who was making his Eagles debut, but his fellow running back stole the show. The rookie scored three total touchdowns and gives Philadelphia's offense one more toy to play with.Demarcus Lawrence, DE, Cowboys86 overall ➔ 88 overallLawrence failed to register a sack for the first time all season in Week 9, but the monstrous pass-rusher's hot streak is still enough to earn him his fourth rating leap of the season.Jabaal Sheard, LB, Colts84 overall ➔ 86 overallSheard's walk-off sack of Tom Savage not only helped the fledgling Colts win their third game of the season, it gave the linebacker a much-deserved boost in a solid campaign that's flown under the radar.FallersLandon Collins, S, Giants92 overall ➔ 89 overallSomeone has to pay the price for allowing the Rams to score 51 points, and that man is star safety Collins. He was rightfully a Defensive Player of the Year candidate in 2016, but the playmaker takes a tumble for being part of one of the league's most disappointing units.Alex Smith, QB, Chiefs87 overall ➔ 86 overallAfter an electric start to the season, the Kansas City Chiefs' offense has come back to Earth in recent weeks. While Smith's play hasn't gotten significantly worse, he threw his first interception of the year in Week 9 and falls to 86 overall.Aqib Talib, CB, Broncos94 overall ➔ 93 overallTalib is one of Madden's elite defensive players, but the cornerback drops a point after Wentz and the Eagles embarrassed the Broncos' defense with a 51-23 beatdown.Doug Martin, RB, Buccaneers84 overall ➔ 82 overallThe Buccaneers' offense isn't clicking, and Martin's struggles have played a big part. The running back has averaged over 4 yards per carry once this season, and was a nonfactor in Week 9, rushing for 7 yards on eight attempts.Willie Snead, WR, Saints80 overall ➔ 76 overallOnce a prominent part of the Saints' offense, Snead hasn't been able to reclaim his spot after missing the start of the season due to injury. With Ted Ginn, Alvin Kamara, and Brandon Coleman taking on larger roles in the passing game, it seems unlikely that Snead will bounce back anytime soon.(Photos courtesy: Getty Images)Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Matt Forte won't be able to improve on his best performance of the season this week. The New York Jets have ruled the veteran running back out for Sunday's game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers due to a nagging knee injury.Forte hasn't participated in practice all week. He's been shelved since registering season-high totals in carries (14), rushing yards (77), and touchdowns (two) in last Thursday's win over the Buffalo Blls.Bilal Powell figures to get all of the backfield duties against the Buccaneers.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Ezekiel Elliott is set to begin serving a six-game suspension on Sunday, and it's something Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones continues to speak out against.Elliott's motion for an injunction on his suspension was denied Thursday, forcing the sophomore running back to the sidelines for what the NFL deemed a violation of its personal conduct policy."I'm disappointed when he's not going to play. But it is what it is. ... I really fervently disagree that we shouldn't have him on the playing field," Jones said on 105.3 The Fan on Friday morning, according to Cowboys senior writer Rob Phillips.Jones has publicly supported Elliott throughout the legal back-and-forth.Elliott will continue to appeal the suspension, with a hearing scheduled for Dec. 1.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The NFL announced Friday that it's undertaking a "thorough review" of Seattle Seahawks star quarterback Russell Wilson's concussion test during Thursday night's win over the Arizona Cardinals."According to the policy jointed developed by the NFL and NFLPA, if the concussion protocol is not properly followed the club is subject to discipline," a statement from the league read, according to Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk.Wilson took a shot to the chin and was ordered to the sidelines by the referee in the third quarter. However, Wilson barely entered the medical tent and only missed one play.

SSSQ is a weekly look at the under-the-radar fantasy players you should consider starting, and the potential busts you should leave on your bench. We also identify breakout candidates to stash on your roster and players you can safely cut. For the rest of your lineup decisions, consult our Week 10 rankings.StartJared Goff, QB, Ramsvs. TexansFresh off a game in which he threw for 311 passing yards and four touchdowns to no interceptions, Goff and the Rams draw a Texans defense allowing two passing touchdowns per game.Fearless prediction: 304 yards passing, 3 TDsOther QBs to start

Russell Wilson cleared up any confusion about a possible head injury after Thursday's game against the Arizona Cardinals.The Seattle Seahawks quarterback was pulled from the game by the referee to undergo concussion tests during the second half, but Wilson barely entered the sideline tent before returning to the field for the next play. Wilson explained the situation to the media in his postgame interview."I got smacked in the jaw pretty good there. I wasn't concussed or anything like that. I felt completely clear," Wilson said, per Ian Rapoport of NFL Network."I think I was laying on the ground for a second just trying to feel my jaw and I think (referee Walt Anderson) thought maybe I was a little injured or something like that. I told him I was good, I was good and he said you got to come off."Wilson commended the referee for his actions and said he eventually underwent thorough concussion tests."We went through every question you can imagine. I answered even some more for them just so they knew I was good and then went back in there," he said.It's welcome news for the Seahawks that Wilson escaped serious injury after star corner Richard Sherman ruptured his Achilles and no fewer than seven other Seahawks picked up injuries in the game.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Green Bay Packers released Martellus Bennett on Wednesday due to a torn rotator cuff. The tight end may play through the ailment or could be placed on injured reserve by the New England Patriots, who claimed him off waivers Thursday, sources told Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.Green Bay reportedly cut the veteran with the "failure to disclose a medical condition" designation half a season into a three-year, $21-million contract.New England quickly picked up Bennett, who spent 2016 with the reigning Super Bowl champions and caught a career-high seven touchdowns.With considerable injuries to their wide receiving corps, the Patriots could do with another capable body in the passing game.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Each week during the NFL season, theScore's Dane Belbeck will handicap every matchup and offer up a three-pack of picks.Week 9 record (includes TNF pick): 9-3-1

Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Doug Baldwin reiterated his belief that Thursday Night Football should be outlawed following a 22-16 victory over the Arizona Cardinals.Baldwin injured his groin before the game but played through the issue, noting he wasn't physically ready to suit up after playing four days prior against Washington."This s--- is not OK. You can quote me on that. It has to change," Baldwin told Gregg Bell of The News Tribune."Thursday Night Football should be illegal."Thursday's game was filled with injuries, most notably a season-ending ruptured Achilles for Baldwin's teammate and best friend, Richard Sherman. Several other members of the Seahawks suffered ailments in the game, including Kam Chancellor, Frank Clark, Shaquill Griffin, C.J. Prosise, Duane Brown, Jarran Reed, and Sheldon Richardson.Cardinals head coach Bruce Arians also revealed D.J. Humphries, Tyvon Branch, and Ifeanyi Momah could all be placed on injured reserve with various ailments.Player safety has been a point of contention for both players and the league, and many have spoken out against the dangers that Thursday games present.Baldwin caught five passes for 95 yards against Arizona, including a 54-yard reception that set up a Jimmy Graham touchdown.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Seattle Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll confirmed cornerback Richard Sherman ruptured his Achilles during Thursday's win against the Arizona Cardinals and will miss the remainder of the season, per Bob Condotta of The Seattle Times.Sherman left the game during the third quarter and limped off the field. The broadcast appeared to show him telling teammates that he'd torn his Achilles.Team doctors confirmed Sherman will need season-ending surgery to repair the tendon."He couldn't even walk. Remarkable competitor," Carroll said of Sherman postgame, via Gregg Bell of The News Tribune.The veteran cornerback told reporters he'd expected to tear his Achilles at some point this year after battling through an injury to the tendon throughout much of the season."When it goes, it goes," Sherman said via Will Brinson of CBS Sports.Sherman had never missed a game in his seven-year career and it's a devastating loss for the Seahawks' secondary. Jeremy Lane and Justin Coleman will likely vie for increased snaps.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Russell Wilson threw two touchdown passes to Jimmy Graham and the Seattle Seahawks added to their history of success in Arizona with a 22-16 victory over the Cardinals on Thursday night.The Seahawks (6-3) limited Adrian Peterson to 29 yards in 21 carries in a game marred by a host of injuries and penalties, most of them against Seattle, to improve to 4-0-1 in Arizona in Bruce Arians' five seasons as coach of the Cardinals (4-5).The only time the Seahawks haven't beaten Arians' team in Arizona was in last season's 6-6 tie.Seattle's Kam Chancellor forced a fumble by Peterson on Arizona's first offensive play and later tackled him in the end zone for a safety.At least seven players left the game with injuries, including Seattle cornerback Richard Sherman, who limped off the field in the third quarter with a heel injury. He had missed practice all week with an Achilles tendon problem.Wilson, sacked a season-high five times, completed 22 of 32 passes for 238 yards. Arizona's Drew Stanton, in his second start since Carson Palmer went down with a broken arm, completed 24 of 47 for 273 yards and a touchdown. Larry Fitzgerald caught 10 passes for 113 yards for the Cardinals, topping 15,000 yards receiving for his career in the process.The night's biggest play came early in the fourth quarter. With his team leading 15-10, Wilson scrambled and spun his way out of serious trouble repeatedly before throwing from his heels to Doug Baldwin. Antoine Bethea fell down trying to knock the pass away and Baldwin raced downfield on a 54-yard play to the Arizona 2-yard line.Wilson threw 2 yards to Graham on the next play and the Seahawks led 22-10 with 12:49 to play.Kerwynn Williams scored on a one-yard run with 20 seconds to play for the Cardinals and Seattle recovered the onside kick try to seal the win.INJURIESBoth teams lost important players.Arizona left tackle D.J. Humphries and safety Tyvon Branch both left with right knee injuries early in the game. Humphries injured the same knee in the season opener. Branch was the Cardinals' leading tackler through eight games with 68.Seahawks defensive tackle Jarran Reed left in the first quarter with a hamstring injury. And Seattle left tackle Duane Brown, in his second game since being acquired in a trade from Houston, went down with an ankle injury in the second quarter.Seattle linebacker Michael Wilhoite (calf) and Arizona tight end Ifeanyi Momah (ankle) also had to leave the contest.The Seahawks already were without safety Earl Thomas, who sat out the game with a hamstring injury.PENALTY FLOODSeattle entered the game as the most penalized team in the league with 82, nine more than its nearest competitor, the New York Jets and it looks like their lead in that category for another week is assured.With their 12 penalties (for 108 yards) on Thursday, the Seahawks have 94 in nine games.UP NEXTSeahawks: Host Atlanta on Monday, Nov. 20.Cardinals: Play at Houston on Sunday, Nov. 19.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.