Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Jordan Hicks suffered a torn Achilles tendon during Monday night's victory over the Washington Redskins, a source told Zach Berman and Les Bowen of The Inquirer.Hicks was injured early in the game and did not return. The 25-year-old would likely be out for the season if the tear is confirmed.This wouldn't be the first time Hicks has dealt with this type of injury, as he also suffered a torn Achilles in college at Texas.It would be a significant loss for the 6-1 Eagles, as Hicks had started every game this season and accumulated 28 tackles.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Former Indianapolis Colts star pass-rusher Robert Mathis was arrested Tuesday morning on a charge of operating a vehicle while intoxicated, Vic Ryckaert of the Indy Star reports.Mathis - currently an assistant coach with the Colts - is being held in the Hamilton County Jail.

Good morning.Here’s what's making headlines:Eagles claim NFL's best recordCarson Wentz tossed four touchdown passes, and the Philadelphia Eagles overcame losing nine-time Pro Bowl left tackle Jason Peters in a 34-24 win over the Washington Redskins on Monday night.Wentz threw for 268 yards and ran for a career-best 63 after a shaky start to lead the NFL-best Eagles (6-1) to their fifth straight win. But the victory was costly because Peters was carted off the field with a knee injury in the third quarter.Peters reportedly sustained an MCL tear in his right knee, but will undergo tests to confirm the injury.Philadelphia swept Washington for the first time since 2013 and has a commanding lead in the NFC East.Kizer sorry for 'distraction'Cleveland Browns rookie quarterback DeShone Kizer acknowledged that his presence at a bar early Saturday morning caused a problem for a team that already has enough of them.Before the Browns fell to 0-7 on Sunday, Kizer was spotted at a downtown Cleveland bar at around 1 a.m. Saturday. Video showing him there was broadcast on a local news station. Head coach Hue Jackson said he didn't want his players to be out that late, but didn't begrudge them having a social life. Kizer addressed the situation Monday."When you become the centerpiece of a distraction for a week, it definitely is very frustrating on my part," Kizer said. "That is not who I am. My mother wouldn't be proud of this."'You'll never dunk on me'Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green, the reigning Defensive Player of the Year, wasn't going to let a rookie get the best of him.Green emphatically denied Dallas Mavericks guard Dennis Smith Jr. at the rim on Monday, then looked Smith dead in the eye and said "you'll never dunk on me."The trash talk continued after the game. "Yeah, that sh-- ain't happening," Green told reporters. " ... This ain't summer league bro ... better luck next time."Lynch appeals suspensionOakland Raiders running back Marshawn Lynch had his appeal of a one-game suspension heard Monday, with a decision reportedly expected Tuesday.Lynch is in hot water for running onto the field and making contact with an official during last Thursday's game against the Kansas City Chiefs. Lynch was ejected from the Raiders' win, ended up watching the end of the game from the stands, and later was videotaped taking the BART subway home.Changes looming for Yankees?New York Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner is pleased his club made it within a win of reaching the World Series, despite coming up short against the Houston Astros."When you get to Game 7 of the ALCS, a number of people have done well and contributed," Steinbrenner said. "It can be argued everyone did a good job this year."Despite the vote of confidence, Steinbrenner wouldn't commit to the idea of re-signing manager Joe Girardi or general manager Brian Cashman, both of whose contracts are about to expire.NBA says refs erred before Wiggins' winnerIf there's a positive regarding the NBA's Last Two Minute Reports, it's that obvious uncalled infractions are paraded publicly for the mistakes they are.Monday's report conceded that Minnesota Timberwolves center Karl-Anthony Towns threw an illegal screen on Paul George just before Andrew Wiggins buried the Oklahoma City Thunder with a game-winning three.The report also points out that Wolves coach Tom Thibodeau was physically signaling for a timeout his team didn't have immediately after the Carmelo Anthony basket that set up Wiggins' winner.Bonus round:NFL playmakers who should be getting the ballDerrick Henry, Martavis Bryant are among those who need to be turned loose.Candidates who could replace Koeman at EvertonAfter 16 months in charge, the search for Ronald Koeman's replacement at Everton has begun.(Photos courtesy: Getty and Action Images)Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Philadelphia Eagles left tackle Jason Peters sustained an MCL tear in his right knee during Monday's win over the Washington Redskins, but will still undergo tests to confirm the injury, a source told Jeff McLane of The Philadelphia Inquirer.In more positive news, the Eagles believe Peters' ACL remains intact after he needed to be carted off the field with his leg in an air cast, a source told Adam Schefter of ESPN.An extended absence for the nine-time Pro Bowler would be a massive blow to the red-hot Eagles, whose fifth-straight win Monday propelled them to a league-best 6-1 record. The 35-year-old Peters has been his usual dominant self in 2017, allowing just one sack in seven games.Halapoulivaati Vaitai replaced Peters against the Redskins and could take over the spot long term. Flipping right tackle Lane Johnson - pegged as Peters' eventual replacement - is also an option for Philadelphia.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) Carson Wentz tossed four touchdown passes, and the Philadelphia Eagles overcame losing nine-time Pro Bowl left tackle Jason Peters in a 34-24 win over the Washington Redskins on Monday night.Wentz threw for 268 yards and ran for a career-best 63 after a shaky start to lead the NFL-best Eagles (6-1) to their fifth straight win. But the victory was costly because Peters was carted off the field with a knee injury in the third quarter.Kirk Cousins had 303 yards passing and three TDs for the Redskins (3-3).The Eagles went three-and-out three times in their first four drives and had only 57 total yards before Wentz hit Mack Hollins in stride with a perfect 64-yard TD pass to tie it at 10.That got the offense rolling.Wentz connected with Zach Ertz for 46 yards on the next series and found him again for a 4-yard TD pass to make it 17-10.After getting the second-half kickoff, the Eagles drove 86 yards for another touchdown. Peters was injured during the series, and fans chanted his name while teammates surrounded the cart.Wentz finished the drive off with a play that Peters would appreciate.While being hit by two defenders and falling forward, Wentz lofted a 9-yard TD pass to Corey Clement.Wentz fired a 10-yard TD pass to Nelson Agholor to expand the lead to 31-17. Wentz kept that drive alive by escaping a sack and running 17 yards on third-and-8.Cousins tossed a 7-yard touchdown pass to Chris Thompson to give the Redskins a 10-3 lead. He connected with Jordan Reed on a 5-yard TD to cut the deficit to 24-17 and threw a 12-yard pass to Reed to cap the scoring.The Eagles were penalized on four straight plays to start their first possession before Wentz was intercepted by Quinton Dunbar on a deep pass to Torrey Smith on second-and-31.Philadelphia swept Washington for the first time since 2013 and has a commanding lead in the NFC East. The Cowboys and Redskins are tied for second place.INJURIESRedskins: LT Trent Williams (knee), CB Fabian Moreau (hamstring), RG Brandon Scherff (knee) and LB Preston Smith (groin) were hurt.Eagles: LB Jordan Hicks (ankle) got hurt on the first series. Peters was replaced by Halapoulivaati Vaitai.MIARedskins WR Terrelle Pryor had two catches for 14 yards and didn't start.HEY ROOKIEEagles first-round pick Derek Barnett had his first two-sack game.STREAK OVEREagles kicker Jake Elliott connected from 50 and 42 yards before he missed from 45 yards, ending his streak at 12 straight field goals. Four of those were from beyond 50 yards, including a 61-yarder.HALL OF FAMESix-time Pro Bowl kicker David Akers was inducted into the Eagles' Hall of Fame at halftime. Akers is the team's all-time leader in regular-season points (1,323) and games (188) and postseason points (134) and games (19).UP NEXTRedskins: Host the Dallas Cowboys (3-3).Eagles: Host the San Francisco 49ers (0-7).---More AP NFL: http://pro32.ap.org and https://twitter.com/AP-NFLCopyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Philadelphia Eagles left tackle Jason Peters was carted to the locker room during Monday's game against the Washington Redskins with a knee injury.Peters was down for several minutes and was met by the entire Eagles team when placed on the cart. The Eagles' medical staff also placed an air cast on his injured leg.It would be a devastating loss for the Eagles' offense if Peters missed significant time. The 35-year-old is a nine-time Pro Bowler and has been named a first-team All-Pro three times.Halapoulivaati Vaitai will likely replace Peters in the starting lineup.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Free-agent defensive end Dwight Freeney will visit the Seattle Seahawks on Tuesday, Dave Mahler of 950 KJR reports.Freeney last played for the Atlanta Falcons in 2016 and is a seven-time Pro Bowler. The veteran pass-rusher recorded 10 tackles and three sacks in 15 games last season.At this juncture of his career, Freeney would likely be a depth addition for the Seahawks, who already boast Michael Bennett and Frank Clark at defensive end.Freeney is one of the most prolific pass-rushers of all time, recording 122.5 career sacks, good for 18th in NFL history. Best known for his stint with the Indianapolis Colts, Freeney led the NFL in sacks during the 2004 season and won a Super Bowl in 2006.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Cleveland Browns rookie quarterback DeShone Kizer acknowledges that his presence at a bar early on Saturday morning caused a problem for a team that already has enough of them.Before the Browns fell to 0-7 on Sunday, Kizer was spotted at a downtown Cleveland bar at around 1 a.m. on Saturday morning. Video showing him there was broadcast on a local news station. Head coach Hue Jackson said he didn't want his players to be out that late, but didn't begrudge them having a social life, and Kizer addressed the situation Monday."When you become the centerpiece of a distraction for a week, it definitely is very frustrating on my part," Kizer said, according to ESPN's Pat McManamon. "That is not who I am. My mother wouldn't be proud of this."That is pretty much the biggest takeaway is do whatever you can to make sure that you are not a distraction."Kizer was reportedly spotted with linebacker Christian Kirksey, receivers Kenny Britt and Corey Coleman, and Kansas City Chiefs running back Kareem Hunt and tight end Travis Kelce, who are both Cleveland natives. Britt and Coleman were sent home from the team's trip to Houston in Week 6 after missing curfew the day before their game.While Jackson did not and will not discipline Kizer or the other players, he did warn that any time a player goes out in public, they're being watched. Kizer seems to have gotten the message after this weekend."With that, it is on me to make sure that from here that from here on out, I am not a distraction and I am only an asset to this team, not a guy that is pulling away from the ultimate goal," said Kizer.The rookie passer was pulled from Sunday's loss in the third quarter after throwing a pair of interceptions.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Oakland Raiders running back Marshawn Lynch had his appeal regarding a one-game suspension heard Monday, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.Lynch was issued a one-game ban for running onto the field and subsequently making contact with an official during Thursday's game against the Kansas City Chiefs. A decision is reportedly expected Tuesday.Chiefs cornerback Marcus Peters reportedly testified on Lynch's behalf. Peters, a fellow Oakland native, considers Lynch a close friend.Lynch reportedly argued that Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald and Tennessee Titans offensive tackle Taylor Lewan were among nine players who made contact with an official, none of whom were suspended.If Lynch's suspension is upheld, expect Jalen Richard and DeAndre Washington to battle for carries against the Buffalo Bills.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The fog that rolled into Gillette Stadium on Sunday night didn't just confuse the viewers at home - it baffled the players, too.Tom Brady explained Monday that he thought the heavy layer of fog that appeared in Foxboro for the second half was from some fireworks celebrations he was previously unaware of."It was so still. I don't remember too many nights playing where it was so calm. No wind. I mean it really couldn't go anywhere so it just kind of sat. I actually did think - was there kind of a firework celebration at halftime?" the New England Patriots quarterback told WEEI, according to 247 Sports' Tyler Sullivan. "When we came out at halftime, I don't know if there was anything they did (at Gillette Stadium), but I thought it was more foggy when we came out in the second half."The weather didn't seem to stifle the Patriots' performance as they defeated the Atlanta Falcons 23-7, which allowed Brady to appreciate the unique experience Sunday."That was one of the crazier games I've ever been at," said Brady. "I've never seen the fog like that in Foxboro. We've had some practices like that, but never a game. That was pretty cool."Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Minnesota Vikings safety Andrew Sendejo has been suspended one game for a violation of safety-related playing rules, NFL vice president of football communications Michael Signora confirmed.Sendejo connected with a hit to Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Mike Wallace's head, rendering him concussed. Although Wallace was placed in the concussion protocol, he returned to the sidelines.Sendejo has recorded 42 tackles, an interception, and two pass deflections in six games this season.Sendejo can appeal the suspension, otherwise he'll miss an Oct. 29 game against the Cleveland Browns.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Miami Dolphins quarterback Jay Cutler is expected to miss Thursday night's game against the Baltimore Ravens - at the very least - after being diagnosed with "multiple cracked ribs," head coach Adam Gase told reporters Monday, including the Miami Herald's Adam Beasley.Gase did not offer a timeline for Cutler's return, though he clarified that it will be a difficult road to recovery.“It really becomes a pain tolerance thing once you get everything calmed down," Gase said. "It's not an easy injury. It's tough to breathe, let alone throw (and do) what he has to do as a quarterback."That's when, yesterday, just watching him, when he stayed down, I knew it couldn't have been anything good. He's not one to really stay down after getting hit.”Though Gase wouldn't rule Cutler out, he did say, "Right now it doesn't look real good."Matt Moore, who led the team to a comeback win over the New York Jets after Cutler was injured Sunday, will start at quarterback in his place, reports Armando Salguero of the Herald. Gase would not speculate on the possibility of Moore keeping the starting job after Cutler recovers from injury.Gase says the Dolphins' game plan and play-calling strategy will not change with Moore instead of Cutler.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Denver Broncos' recent problems with scoring points reached its climax Sunday as the team was shut out for the first time since 1992, but head coach Vance Joseph believes the issue stems from his entire unit, not one player.Joseph confirmed the Broncos are "absolutely" sticking with quarterback Trevor Siemian after Sunday's loss despite the third-year pro tossing just two touchdowns over the past four games."It's not what I've seen from Trevor, it's the entire unit,'' Joseph told reporters Monday, according to ESPN's Jeff Legwold. "He can't play well if he's not being protected in certain spots. Now he hasn't been perfect, either, he can play better, absolutely, but it's not a Trevor problem, it's a unit problem. ..."We've got to coach better and play better.''Injuries along the offensive line have caused issues for the Broncos. With two regular starting blockers injured on Sunday, Denver gave up five sacks and six quarterback hits. Joseph knows that trend needs to end if a Broncos offense that scored 42 points against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 2 wants to get back on track."It doesn't matter who the quarterback is if he's not protected ... as a unit if we get better, he'll player better,'' Joseph said. "We've seen it, it's proven, so I'm not concerned about Trevor, it's a unit deal.''The Broncos rank 24th in points per game this season, averaging 18 points over six contests.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Vontaze Burfict avoided suspension for kicking Pittsburgh Steelers fullback Roosevelt Nix during Sunday's game, according to Katherine Terrell of ESPN.Burfict was previously suspended for the first three games of the 2017 season. The Bengals linebacker has cultivated a reputation as one of the NFL's dirtiest players and has been sanctioned several times.Steelers running back Le'Veon Bell was particularly incensed by Burfict's actions, tweeting that "dude gotta go" and blasted the NFL for condoning the hit."I think the player pushes Vontaze back after the play ... the official is right there and warned (Nix) to not do that," Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis said, according to TerrelHere is the play in question:

Denver Broncos wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders has been upgraded to day to day as he recovers from an ankle injury, head coach Vance Joseph told reporters Monday, including Nicki Jhabvala of The Denver Post.Sanders suffered the injury during an Oct. 15 loss to the New York Giants when he was hit by safety Landon Collins.The 30-year-old's return would be a welcome development for the Broncos' offense, which has sputtered in consecutive losses. Denver was blanked 21-0 by the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday.Sanders caught 25 passes for 266 yards and two touchdowns in five games this season.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Twitter had all kinds of jokes about the thick layer of fog that engulfed Gillette Stadium during the New England Patriots' 23-7 win over the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday.The foggy conditions also inspired one person in Foxborough to post a fake Craigslist ad about 328 fog machines for sale, which they note have "only been used once" and "all did their job." The ad also references Bill Belichick's remarks about not being on "Snapface" or "Instachat."Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

When Joe Thomas hangs up his cleats, he'll be a lock for the Hall of Fame.But could the longtime Cleveland Browns left tackle be eligible for Canton sooner than anyone thought? Thomas hinted that his playing future could be up in the air Monday following confirmation that a triceps injury will sideline him for the rest of the season."Am I done playing? I don't know," said Thomas, according to Pat McManamon of ESPN. "I think that's a decision that's best talked about in the offseason."Thomas added he wants to wait for a less emotional time to consider his future, with a six-to-nine month recovery period looming.The 10-time Pro Bowler has one year left on his current contract, but again, he opted to table that discussion until after the campaign."We'll see how things shake out in the offseason," said Thomas, according to Mary Kay Cabot of cleveland.com.Thomas' injury will force him to miss the first game of his illustrious 11-year NFL career.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

NFL teams are always looking for new weapons to play with on offense, but even when they find them, it doesn't always guarantee fireworks.Here are seven offensive playmakers in dire need of an expanded role:Derrick Henry, RB, TitansAfter nearly a season and a half, the football world - especially the fantasy section - is still waiting for the Tennessee Titans to make Henry the workhouse he's clearly capable of being.One problem: DeMarco Murray refuses to yield ground, and somehow produces a solid game every time it looks like Henry is set to take over.However, the veteran would be much better suited to a third-down role, allowing him to get over a lingering hamstring injury and give the disappointing Titans running game new life.Martavis Bryant, WR, SteelersBryant wants to be traded. Or he doesn't. Or he actually does.Regardless, the Pittsburgh Steelers need to find a way to get him involved - even if it's just for one week to boost his trade value ahead of the deadline. The smarter play, however, would be to keep Bryant. The wideout's value is low thanks to his poor numbers and the risk he carries due to his suspension history, and Pittsburgh would be crazy to give up on a potential All-Pro talent.Early in the season, it was Ben Roethlisberger's poor play that held Bryant back. But in the last two games, it's been Bryant at fault. The two must get on the same page, and the Steelers need to find more creative ways to boost the young receiver's role.David Njoku, TE, BrownsThe 0-7 Cleveland Browns are struggling to decide on a quarterback, let alone to score consistently on offense, but they still refuse to feature their highly athletic rookie tight end.

Pittsburgh Steelers receiver Martavis Bryant "called in sick" Monday, missing required team meetings, a teammate told Ed Bouchette of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.The development comes as Bryant reportedly "wants out" of Pittsburgh and even took to social media to criticize a teammate after Sunday's game.Bryant caught just one pass in a 29-14 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals. Whether his low usage is due to an illness or the Steelers' game script remains to be seen. His agent said Bryant went to see the doctor Monday morning, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.Through seven games, Bryant has just 18 receptions for 234 yards and a touchdown. However, he's tied for third on the team in catches and is second in receiving yards, though he's sharing snaps and starts with youngsters JuJu Smith-Schuster and Eli Rogers.Reports the wideout wants out of town first surfaced last week, after he caught two passes in a win against the Kansas City Chiefs.Bryant was suspended for the entire 2016 season for multiple violations of the league's substance abuse policy.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

T.Y. Hilton apologized Monday for his critical remarks about the Indianapolis Colts' offensive line after the unit allowed 10 quarterback sacks on Sunday.The Jacksonville Jaguars harrassed Colts quarterback Jacoby Brissett throughout the 27-0 blowout, prompting Hilton to point the figure at the linemen."First and foremost, I would like to apologize to the team and the O-line," Hilton said to ESPN's Mike Wells. "It was out of character, frustrated how the game went. At the end of the day, I have their back. I love them to death and I was wrong. I'm always against that and I go out and do it, so 100 percent I messed up. It's on me. I'm sorry for that and I'm leader and those guys look up to me and I stabbed them in the back, so for me I'm sorry about that. I'll approach them individually one on one and just let them know I was a 100 percent dead-ass wrong."Hilton also said he planned to apologize to each lineman individually.For their part, the offensive linemen took the criticism in stride."We're offensive linemen, we're used to everything coming down on us," left tackle Anthony Castonzo said, according to Zak Keefer of the Indianapolis Star.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Cleveland Browns announced that left tackle Joe Thomas sustained a torn left triceps on Sunday and is expected to miss the remainder of the season.Results of an MRI on Monday confirmed the extent of the injury - one the team described as "heartbreaking."The Browns have never had to contend with life without Thomas since taking him with the third overall pick in the 2007 draft. He'd lined up for 10,363 consecutive snaps before suffering the injury in the third quarter of Sunday's game against the Tennessee Titans.The 11-year veteran thanked fans for their concerns on Sunday ahead of his MRI and revealed Monday that he will soon undergo surgery.

The rivalry between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cincinnati Bengals added another chapter Sunday, and Le'Veon Bell wasn't impressed with one part of it.Cameras picked up what appeared to be Bengals linebacker Vontaze Burfict kicking Steelers fullback Roosevelt Nix in the head, leaving Bell upset when he later saw the video.

A thick fog forced NBC to turn to a video game-like camera angle for much of the second half of Sunday's game between the New England Patriots and Atlanta Falcons.The change was extensively praised.It's worth asking the question: Should all games be broadcast in the Madden video game style?Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Houston Texans left tackle Duane Brown has ended his holdout after six games and is back with the team, a source told Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.The three-time Pro Bowler returned to the Texans' facility Monday after staying away due to the dispute over his contract, John McClain of the Houston Chronicle reports.Brown also skipped the entire offseason program, but Rapoport added that he reported in game shape.While rumors have swirled that Brown is a trade candidate, the veteran has returned to play for Houston, and not to get shipped off ahead of next Tuesday's deadline, according to Rapoport.The Texans' offensive line struggled without its top player early in the season, but has improved since Deshaun Watson took over under center.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Television cameras caught Seattle Seahawks receiver Doug Baldwin pushing offensive line coach Tom Cable on the sidelines during Sunday's game against the New York Giants, an incident Baldwin apologized for after the contest.The Seahawks scored just three points in the first half of the game, leaving "Angry Doug" frustrated."I lost my cool. It's 100 percent my fault," Baldwin said in his postgame press conference. "At that moment, I was really frustrated with the offense as a whole. Not the coaching staff, but the players.""Y'all know I love Cable to death," Baldwin added, according to Brady Henderson of ESPN. "Me and Cable have one of the best relationships from coach to player. That was 100 percent my fault. I already apologized to him."The Seahawks rebounded by scoring 21 points in the second half, on their way to a 24-7 victory. Baldwin finished the game with nine catches for 92 yards and a third-quarter touchdown.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Pittsburgh Steelers receiver Martavis Bryant let his frustrations boil over to Instagram on Sunday night.Bryant responded to a comment, which has since been deleted, and took a shot at teammate JuJu Smith-Schuster in the process."JuJu is (nowhere) near better than me, fool," Bryant wrote, according to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN. "All they need to do is give me what I want and y'all can have JuJu and whoever else."Bryant tried to downplay the comment, but it had already spread all over social media."JuJu is the future and got great talent and is going to be one of the best to play this game," Bryant wrote after the fact. "I want him to get his. I just want mines, period, point-blank. Ain't nobody did nothing to get me back. I worked my ass off to get myself back with no help and little support, period. In due time the process will show."Bryant was targeted only twice Sunday, making just a single catch for three yards, as Smith-Schuster's has emerged as more of a focal point of the offense.Bryant reportedly requested a trade from the team, as a source told Fowler he "wants out." Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Prior to Sunday's 29-14 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Cincinnati Bengals looked to have handed the keys to their ground game to rookie Joe Mixon, giving him 40 carries over the past few three games.However, despite running the ball seven times for 48 yards in the first half against Pittsburgh, including a 25-yarder to help set up a touchdown, Mixon didn't register a single tote after the break. He called out the lack of touches for himself - and for the entire Bengals running back group - after the game."It's frustrating. I feel like I'm seeing (Le'Veon Bell) got the ball 35 times, and I got it seven in the first half and then don't touch the ball again," Mixon said, according to ESPN's Katherine Terrell."(Jeremy) Hill only got one touch in the second half. It's frustrating to us running backs. We feel like we're in the room and we feel like we're part of the offense. If it worked in the first half, why not do it in the second?"The Steelers rode Bell to victory after Ben Roethlisberger and Antonio Brown created a healthy lead, with the running back racking up 134 yards on 35 carries.Mixon believes he's capable of such a performance, and more, if given the opportunity."Me personally, I feel like I can do way more than (Bell) did. Like I said, I only had seven carries. I can't showcase nothing if I don't get the ball. There's nothing else I can say," Mixon said.Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis dismissed Mixon's comments."He was there in the third quarter," Lewis said. "Whatever plays are called are called."Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Jerry Jones is bracing for when the Dallas Cowboys are without Ezekiel Elliott.The NFL won't back down in its pursuit of a suspension for the running back, meaning it will only be a matter of time until Elliott is forced to miss game action. And Jones is dreading that day."I don't believe we've ever been negligent or anything in saying what Zeke means to our team. It will hurt us when we don't have Zeke, and so I don't like to think about playing ballgames without Zeke," Jones said after Sunday's 40-10 win over the San Francisco 49ers, according to Todd Archer from ESPN.In that game, Elliott showcased the talent that made him a Rookie of the Year candidate last season. He took 26 carries for 147 yards and two touchdowns and added a 72-yard receiving score.The Cowboys offense will look vastly different without Elliott in the lineup, and Jones knows it."We don't need to be reminded. We have seen Zeke now throughout his entire career. He's an integral part of our team and would be an asset to anybody playing football," Jones said.A hearing into Elliott's injunction to postpone his six-game suspension for violating the league's personal conduct policy is scheduled for Oct. 30.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Pittsburgh Steelers receiver Martavis Bryant wants to be traded, a source told Jeremy Fowler of ESPN."He wants out," the source told Fowler. "Point blank."It was reported last week that Bryant requested a trade, but quarterback Ben Roethlisberger said the wideout didn't want to go anywhere and team president Art Rooney said the Steelers weren't planning to trade him. Bryant appeared to be upset, though, following Sunday's win over the Cincinnati Bengals, when he criticized fellow receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster on Instagram."JuJu is (nowhere) near better than me, fool," Bryant wrote in the since-deleted comment. "All they need to do is give me what I want and y'all can have JuJu and whoever else."Bryant later clarified the comments, praising Smith-Schuster and highlighting how hard he worked to get back from a year-long suspension."JuJu is the future and got great talent and is going to be one of the best to play this game," Bryant wrote. "I want him to get his. I just want mines, period, point-blank. Ain't nobody did nothing to get me back. I worked my ass off to get myself back with no help and little support, period. In due time the process will show."Bryant was targeted only twice Sunday and hauled in one reception for three yards.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Good morning.Here’s what's making headlines:Patriots continue mastery of FalconsTom Brady threw two touchdown passes and the New England Patriots toyed with the Atlanta Falcons - sound familiar? - 23-7 in a fog-filled Super Bowl rematch Sunday night that wasn't particularly super.New England scored the final 31 points to win the NFL championship in February. Placards and shirts reading 28-3 were ever-present in and around Gillette Stadium as the Patriots (5-2) scored the first 23 points in this prime-time mismatch. The Falcons (3-3), who led New England by that 25-point margin in the third quarter of the Super Bowl before folding, were outplayed throughout this one.T-Wolves outlast Thunder in wild finish

A U.S. District Court judge has denied the NFL's request to expedite a hearing on the injunction to Ezekiel Elliott's six-game suspension, ESPN reports. The decision clears the way for the running back to remain in the lineup for the Dallas Cowboys' next game against the Washington Redskins.The hearing will go on as scheduled next Monday, Oct. 30, a day after the Cowboys' Week 8 game.Last week, Elliott was granted a second restraining order against the league's suspension, allowing him to remain available to play.The sophomore carried the ball 26 times in Week 7 for 147 yards and two touchdowns, and added 72 receiving yards and another score in the Cowboys' 40-10 rout of the San Francisco 49ers. It was Elliott's best statistical performance of the season.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The most recent matchup between the Atlanta Falcons and New England Patriots looked a little different than the one before.In their February encounter, both offenses showed up. On Sunday, only one did.The Falcons' offense lost perhaps its most important piece following Atlanta's Super Bowl defeat when offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan left to become head coach of the San Francisco 49ers. Shanahan had spent two seasons turning Atlanta's offense into a well-oiled machine, becoming the most revered offensive play-caller in the NFL in the process.After quarterbacks coach Matt LaFleur spurned Atlanta's offer in favor of the Los Angeles Rams, head coach Dan Quinn replaced Shanahan with former Alabama offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian. And while the Falcons haven't moved on from Shanahan's playbook, the results have suffered mightily.Average offensive stats per gameSeasonYardsPoints1st Downs2016415.833.823.72017372.521.321.3Shanahan managed to get the best out of all his weapons and keep everyone fresh. Sarkisian, however, has relied much more heavily on top stars Devonta Freeman and Julio Jones, who scored the team's sole touchdown Sunday.Related - The hangover is real: Falcons look nothing like a Super Bowl teamIn their much-anticipated rematch with New England, the Falcons hardly resembled the team that stormed out to an infamous 28-3 lead. Instead, Atlanta scored seven points and went 1-for-4 on red-zone attempts. When the team was down by 20 at the beginning of the fourth quarter, Sarkisian appeared to be out of tricks, calling a failed wide-receiver sweep from the 1-yard line on fourth-and-goal.Employing Sarkisian as offensive play-caller is questionable, since that wasn't part of his duties at Alabama and he surrendered the responsibility at USC before the 2015 season began. During Sarkisian's only game calling plays in the two years before he took the Falcons' job, he leaned heavily on the athleticism of his weapons.

There's something about fog that lend itself to great photos. With details slightly obscured, everything takes on a magical quality.Here are a handful of great shots from a night that was plenty magical for the reigning Super Bowl champions, but not so much for their repeat victims.(Photo courtesy: Action Images)(Photo courtesy: Action Images)(Photo courtesy: Action Images)(Photo courtesy: Action Images)(Photo courtesy: Getty Images)Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

T.J. Ward's resume hasn't translated to snaps on his new team, and he's none too pleased about it.The three-time Pro Bowl safety has played sparingly as a Tampa Bay Buccaneer this year, and he vented over his lack of snaps following the squad's 30-27 loss to the Buffalo Bills Sunday."I came here to be an impact player," said Ward, according to ESPN's Jenna Laine. "I can't do that if I'm not out on the field."Ward joined the team on a one-year deal just before the start of the season after the Denver Broncos sent him packing to lighten the payroll, and while many believed his addition would bolster a porous secondary, the 30-year-old has remained a rotational player in four games of action - much to his befuddlement."You have to ask (defensive coordinator) Mike Smith and (coach) Dirk Koetter about that, but I'm at my wit's end. I did not come here to rotate. I did not come here to be a part-time player."Smith himself reportedly chalked up Ward's lack of playing time to injury and the efforts of a group led by Chris Conte and rookie second-rounder Justin Evans, although the former Bronco maintains he's been healthy for several weeks.Ward's stance was soon echoed on Twitter by defensive lineman Chris Baker, who also joined the Bucs this past offseason on a three-year deal worth nearly $16 million with $9M guaranteed.In last week's date with the Arizona Cardinals, Ward and Baker played 55 and 51 percent of the Bucs' defensive snaps, respectively.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

A thick fog descended on Gillette Stadium on Sunday night, forcing NBC's television production crew to use a vertical camera angle, rather than the standard side angle, so TV viewers could see the action on the field in the Super Bowl LI rematch.This view, reminiscent of the Madden video game series, proved very popular with fans and media alike watching the game and following along on Twitter:

Indianapolis Colts rookie safety Malik Hooker's first NFL campaign is over after he suffered a torn ACL and MCL in Sunday's shutout loss to the divisional rival Jacksonville Jaguars, NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport reports, citing sources.The 21-year-old was taken with the 15th overall pick out of Ohio State in this year's draft, and promptly cemented his place as an integral member of the team's D.He hits the shelf with 22 tackles, four pass breakups, and three interceptions to his name.Hooker took to Twitter after the news broke to thank fans and pledge he will return:

Somewhere under that fog is a football game.

New England Patriots left tackle Nate Solder may have more important things on his mind than football this season.NBC's Michelle Tafoya revealed on Sunday night's broadcast that Solder's son restarted chemotherapy treatments a few weeks ago to treat kidney cancer.Solder and his wife announced their son Hudson was diagnosed with bilateral kidney tumors in 2015 when the infant was just three years old. Solder was happy to pass along that his son was going strong before Super Bowl LI, but things changed in the following nine months."When my son was diagnosed, it didn’t matter how many trophies I had won. It didn’t matter how much money I had," Solder told Cameron Wolfe of the Denver Post last January. "His health was the most important thing. So that’s taught me a lot of lessons about life. We’re so fortunate to play this game and I’ll never take it for granted."The 29-year-old survived testicular cancer himself in 2014.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The New Orleans Saints are getting a special prize for recovering from their 0-2 start with four straight wins.Head coach Sean Payton told ESPN's Dianna Russini that he was working to get manicurists to the Saints' facility Monday morning to celebrate the team's win over the Green Bay Packers.Running back Mark Ingram notched over 100 scrimmage yards Sunday and will be among those first in line to get his treatment."We will be taking him up on that offer Monday," Ingram said, according to ESPN's Mike Triplett. "I don't know about everybody else. But I'm gonna holler at him tomorrow morning for my pedicure."Receiver Ted Ginn Jr. was happy with the news as well, proclaiming himself "a pedicure guy.""It's part of my swag," Ginn said. "I need to put my feet up in that hot water with all this running he got me doing."Drew Brees will "absolutely" take advantage of Payton's offer."You gotta take care of your feet," said Brees.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones further cemented his stance Sunday against players protesting social injustices during the national anthem."There is no question the league is suffering negative effects from these protests," he told Brandon George of the Dallas Morning News after his Cowboys whipped the San Francisco 49ers in the Bay Area.Jones has been one of the more vocal owners against player demonstrations during the anthem, and previously vowed to bench any player who participates in such displays."Now if all this makes you stronger to represent messages then let's don't do it in a way that tears down the strength of the NFL," he added of the protests.Jones noted that several Cowboys sponsors have expressed "concern" over the protests.Numerous players from teams all over the league have been kneeling, sitting, or raising a fist during the anthem to protest social injustices - namely racial inequality and police brutality - throughout the U.S., drawing outrage from President Donald Trump, among others.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Arizona Cardinals will start Drew Stanton at quarterback for the remainder of the season after losing Carson Palmer to a broken arm for at least eight weeks, head coach Bruce Arians confirmed following Sunday's loss.Arians told reporters after the game that third-string quarterback Blaine Gabbert will not be considered over Stanton."He's number two," said Arians, referring to Stanton. "You don't skip two to go to three."Stanton completed 5 of 14 passes for 62 yards with one interception after replacing Palmer against the Los Angeles Rams Sunday. The 10th-year pro started one game for the Cardinals last season, defeating the San Francisco 49ers while Palmer was injured.The Cardinals enter a bye week and will play the 49ers on the road in two weeks.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Another long-term injury to a quarterback Sunday opened up yet another potential landing spot for free-agent signal-caller Colin Kaepernick as an emergency recruit.Through the NFL's first seven weeks, three teams that have enough talent to make the playoffs and contend for a Super Bowl are left with gaping holes at the most important position, and need to resort to the only available option for a significant in-season upgrade.Kaepernick, who is currently suing the NFL owners, is still the best free-agent quarterback and has more to offer than nearly all backups who may currently be available via trade. In six seasons, he completed 59.8 percent of his passes and threw 72 touchdowns to a reasonable 30 interceptions while adding 13 scores on the ground.Due to the focus on contending in 2017, the San Francisco 49ers and Cleveland Browns are excluded from this list of teams that should sign him, since their attention's likely focused on the opposite end of the standings this season.Arizona CardinalsWith 37-year-old Carson Palmer set to miss the next eight weeks, the 3-4 Cardinals need to address both their 2017 prospects and their long-term outlook at the position.Backup Drew Stanton completed just 5 of 14 pass attempts for 62 yards in relief of Palmer against the Los Angeles Rams, and he has a career completion percentage of 53.2 in 33 games.Related: Arians announces Stanton will start with Palmer out 8 weeksThe Cardinals are only two games back of the Rams in a wide-open NFC West, and need to address the quarterback position - with or without Palmer - in order to make the push.Green Bay PackersThe Packers' first game with Brett Hundley under center made Aaron Rodgers' projected return date seem a whole lot further away.The third-year backup went 12-for-25 for 87 yards and one interception against the New Orleans Saints. His 44 rushing yards and score on the ground did little to evoke confidence he's capable of sustained adequate play.Denver BroncosThe Broncos haven't topped 16 points in a single game since Week 2, and are coming off a shutout loss to the division-rival Los Angeles Chargers - the first time Denver's been shut out since 1992.Trevor Siemian has been at the root of the offensive stagnation, throwing more interceptions than touchdowns. He also hasn't thrown multiple touchdowns in a game since tossing four in Week 2.Once the Kansas City Chiefs' top competition in the AFC West, the Broncos now have as many wins as the Chargers and Oakland Raiders, and are trending in the opposite direction.(Photos courtesy: Action Images)Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Cleveland Browns fear left tackle Joe Thomas will require season-ending surgery on what they suspect is a torn triceps, sources told Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.The 10-time Pro Bowler will undergo an MRI on Monday to confirm the extent of his injury.An 11-year NFL veteran, Thomas played 10,363 consecutive snaps before being escorted off the field by trainers on Sunday versus the Tennessee Titans. He hadn't missed an offensive down since entering the league in 2007, and his streak is believed to be the longest in NFL history.

Ezekiel Elliott heard all your takes about his suspension the last two weeks.Since last playing in Week 5, the Dallas Cowboys running back had his six-game ban reinstated and then delayed again. Despite the cloud of uncertainty hanging over him, the second-year pro responded with the best game of his young career.Elliott started the win over the San Francisco 49ers by scoring two touchdowns in the first seven minutes, marching in scores from one and 25 yards out.

Football is a weird sport.While we would like to think that after decades of being played, a consensus would have been formed surrounding what it actually takes to win a football game, or at least put on a respectable performance.There were three games Sunday that proved we are not at all close to forming that consensus.Dolphins 31, Jets 28Believe it or not, the best game of the early Sunday slate was the Jets against the Dolphins. It wasn't necessarily the best-played football, but it was the most exciting.Josh McCown passed for three touchdowns and had one rushing score, while receiver Robby Anderson had the celebration of the year following his second touchdown of the season against the Dolphins.

The Miami Dolphins suspect quarterback Jay Cutler suffered two cracked ribs in Sunday's 31-28 victory over the New York Jets, a source told ESPN's Adam Schefter.Cutler will undergo X-rays as the Dolphins continue to evaluate his injury, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports, citing a source. Schefter's source estimates Cutler could be sidelined for two-to-three weeks if he did indeed crack his ribs.He was hurt in the midst of potentially his best game of the season, completing 12 of 16 pass attempts for 138 yards and two touchdowns with one interception before being replaced by backup Matt Moore.Moore led the Dolphins' fourth-quarter comeback, throwing two touchdown passes to wide receiver Kenny Stills and setting up Cody Parkey's game-winning 39-yard field goal with 22 seconds remaining.He'd finish his day going 13-for-21 through the air for 188 yards, the two scores, and one interception.The Dolphins visit the Baltimore Ravens on Thursday night of Week 8. The condensed week means it'll be difficult for Cutler to be ready to go, regardless of the X-ray results.Moore could be forced to start for the first time since the 2016 playoffs, when the Dolphins lost 30-12 to the Pittsburgh Steelers.He told Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio that he needs to "prepare like you're gonna go."Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.