Jimmy Fallon brought back his popular NFL superlatives segment for Thursday's episode of "The Tonight Show," this time taking aim at Washington Redskins and Oakland Raiders players.The funniest of the bunch was Washington offensive tackle Ty Nsekhe being voted "most likely to be the love child of LeBron James and Shrek."Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

PITTSBURGH (AP) James Harrison spent last weekend standing on the sideline waiting for a call that never came.The NFL's oldest defensive player didn't take the field for a single snap during Pittsburgh's 26-9 win over Minnesota in Week 2, the first time in more than a decade the five-time Pro Bowler was healthy enough to take his usual menacing spot at outside linebacker and just watched instead.This isn't why the 39-year-old Harrison signed a two-year extension in the spring. Yet the 2008 NFL Defensive Player of the Year isn't in the mood to expand on what it all means.''I'm just doing what I'm asked,'' Harrison said Friday.And right now, what he's being asked to do is simply be prepared. That's it. The Steelers have relied heavily on Bud Dupree, rookie T.J. Watt and Anthony Chickillo during their 2-0 start. Arthur Moats has played eight snaps. Harrison just four. When Watt left with a left groin issue in the first half against Minnesota, it was the 24-year-old Chickillo who took over. Harrison never strayed too far from defensive coordinator Keith Butler, but his No. 92 jersey never made its way into the defensive huddle.''We appreciate James,'' head coach Mike Tomlin said. ''We know what James is capable of. James will ready himself.''That's never been an issue. Harrison's early morning workouts (portions of which he shares on multiple social media platforms) have reached a kind of mythic status with his teammates. He's as healthy as he's been during his second act with the Steelers, which includes 15+ sacks since he rejoined Pittsburgh in 2014 following a brief 18-day retirement after an unremarkable year in Cincinnati.Harrison was arguably Pittsburgh's best pass rushing threat during the team's run to the AFC title game. He picked up 2+ sacks in three playoff games and drew a holding penalty on Kansas City tackle Eric Fisher that negated what would have been a game-tying two-point conversion in the divisional round.Though Harrison has become a de facto coach in the linebackers room, a group that considers speculation that the franchise's all-time sack leader might be done borderline sacrilege.''He's more than a teacher,'' inside linebacker Vince Williams said. ''(He's) is still a great player. He made a lot of great plays last year. It's not just like from a mentor perspective, he's not just telling you about things he used to do. These ain't war stories. It's from somebody who can still go out there and do that.''If anything, Tomlin points to Harrison's downturn in playing time as proof the youth movement the linebackers have undergone as a group over the last four years is finally complete. Williams, Ryan Shazier, Dupree, Chickillo and Watt are all 27 or younger. The Steelers never planned on Harrison being their most effective linebacker into his late 30s, one of the reasons he left for Cincinnati in 2013 in the first place.Tomlin is confident Harrison's tank is not empty. The proof came in late August when Harrison found himself on the field during the second half of the final preseason game, chasing around third and fourth stringers with the same fervency that he summoned so easily in his prime.The Steelers believe just because Harrison is a spectator at the moment doesn't mean he will remain one over the course of the next four months. He could very well be on the field Sunday in Chicago (0-2). Watt will sit to rest his aching groin, and depth will be tested with temperatures at Soldier Field expected to soar into the upper-80s.''There will be a time in the season where we'll call on his services and he'll deliver and deliver in a big way, much like he did in the latter part of 2016,'' Tomlin said. ''In the meantime, we're going to continue to roll people and play and play guys that we see fit and not do a real good job of maybe describing our mindset or outlining their intentions because part of it is gamesmanship and part of it will define itself as we move forward.''Harrison, who was cut numerous times earlier in his career before becoming one of the most feared defenders in the game, isn't exactly worked up over getting leapfrogged on the depth chart. This is hardly the first time he's been in this spot. He'll manage.''My confidence? You don't got to worry about that,'' Harrison said. ''My confidence is fine.''NOTES: Right tackle Marcus Gilbert (illness) is also out against the Bears. ... Defensive end Stephon Tuitt (left biceps) practiced with the starters on Friday and is questionable.---For more NFL coverage: http://www.pro32.ap.org and http://www.twitter.com/AP-NFLCopyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The NFL received some good news from the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, but the latest court date scheduled in the Ezekiel Elliott suspension case means he should take the field for the next two weeks.The court will hear the NFL's motion to stay the preliminary injunction of Elliott's suspension starting Oct. 2, according to multiple reports Friday.

New Orleans Saints cornerbacks Marshon Lattimore and Sterling Moore have been ruled out of Sunday's game against the Carolina Panthers with a concussion and chest injury, respectively, according to Josh Katzenstein of The Times-Picayune.Lattimore and Moore injured during a Week 2 loss to the New England Patriots.P.J. Williams, Ken Crawley, and De'Vante Harris are the lone cornerbacks available for Sunday's game, a scary proposition for a Saints team that can ill afford falling to 0-3.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan said it's unlikely that rookie linebacker Reuben Foster will be available for Week 4's contest against the Arizona Cardinals.Foster suffered a high ankle sprain in the 49ers' Week 1 loss to the Carolina Panthers."I'd be shocked if he came back this week," Shanahan told reporters Friday.Foster recorded three tackles in his professional debut. The 23-year-old was selected with the 31st overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft out of Alabama and is expected to be a major component of the 49ers' young, rebuilding defense.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Randall Cobb and offensive tackle David Bakhtiari are both doubtful for Sunday's game against the Cincinnati Bengals.Cobb is battling a chest injury while Bakhtiari is fighting through a hamstring issue. Bakhtiari missed the Packers' Week 2 loss to the Atlanta Falcons.Packers defensive tackle Mike Daniels (hip), linebackers Nick Perry (hand) and Jake Ryan (hamstring/concussion), and safety Kentrell Brice (groin) are also doubtful.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

There was some drama in Week 2 as the Seattle Seahawks left it until late to finally put away the San Francisco 49ers, but we made it to Week 3 with a perfect 4-0 record.This week's schedule doesn't offer as many double-digit favorites as the previous two, but there are two clear teams yet to be picked yet that should be strong plays on Sunday.Two teams to pickNew England PatriotsThe New England Patriots took their Week 1 frustrations out on the New Orleans Saints last Sunday, as Tom Brady piled up 447 yards passing in a 36-20 beatdown. While Drew Brees got his yardage on the Patriots' secondary, it's unlikely that rookie Deshaun Watson will be able to do the same.

The New York Giants have looked terrible this season, but one of the team's best players senses things are about to change.Giants pass rusher Jason Pierre-Paul declared Thursday he sees the team capturing their first win Sunday against the Philadelphia Eagles:

The New England Patriots passing attack will get a boost Sunday as Danny Amendola declared himself "good to go" against the Houston Texans, according to Jeff Howe of the Boston Herald. Amendola missed last weekend's victory over the New Orleans Saints due to a concussion suffered in the season opener. He was cleared from concussion protocol earlier this week and returned to practice Wednesday.

Washington Redskins star tight end Jordan Reed expects he'll be a game-time decision for Sunday's game against the Oakland Raiders, according to ESPN's John Keim.Reed suffered a chest contusion in Week 2. The pass-catcher said Friday he has a full range of motion in his shoulder but is still dealing with pain, according to Keim.If he's unable to play, veteran Vernon Davis should get the start.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Ten-plus NFL seasons can really take a toll on players - some more than others.These GIFs, created by Sportsbetting.ag, show how much Drew Brees, Aaron Rodgers, Ben Roethlisberger, and other veteran quarterbacks have changed from the start of their careers to now.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Rob Gronkowski says he's recovered for the New England Patriots' matchup Sunday against the Houston Texans despite suffering a groin injury in Week 2."Yeah, I'm good to go," Gronkowski told Doug Kyed of NESN on Friday. "I'm ready."The injury was reportedly not serious and the star tight end was able to practice in a limited capacity Thursday.After a slow start in the Patriots' season opener, Gronkowski exploded in Week 2 before exiting with the injury, catching six passes for 116 yards and one touchdown.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.RisersKareem Hunt, RB, Chiefs77 overall ➔ 79 overallFor the second week in a row, Hunt's overall rating jumped two points - and it's arguably less than he deserves after a ridiculous start to his NFL career.The Kansas City Chiefs' running back added another two touchdowns and over 100 scrimmage yards in Week 2 following his historic performance against the New England Patriots in the season opener.Expect to see him in this section often.Shaquil Barrett, LB, Broncos82 overall ➔ 86 overallThe Denver Broncos sorely needed someone to emerge next to Von Miller following DeMarcus Ware's retirement and an injury to Shane Ray, and Barrett has done just that.The pass-rusher didn't record a sack in Week 2 - though he did in Week 1 - but he did rack up an impressive seven combined tackles as the Broncos' front seven held Ezekiel Elliott to eight yards on nine carries, earning himself a much-deserved four-point bump.Demarcus Lawrence, DE, Cowboys79 overall ➔ 82 overallOnly Calais Campbell has more sacks through two games than Lawrence, who's single-handily keeping the Cowboys' pass rush alive. Only two other Cowboys have recorded a sack and none have more than one.Injuries and suspensions have kept Lawrence from reaching his potential early in his career, but now the defensive end is wrecking havoc, and thanks to his three-point increase, Madden lovers will have another option to play on the Cowboys' defense other than Sean Lee.Chris Thompson, RB, Redskins77 overall ➔ 79 overallWhen you average 25.7 yards per tote and score a 61-yard touchdown, a substantial bump is inevitable.Thompson was an underrated change-of-pace back prior to this season, but he's finally getting his due after scoring three times in two weeks with a leap to 79 overall. A further expansion of his role should only lead to more bumps for the dynamic playmaker.Jordan Poyer, S, Bills75 overall ➔ 78 overallFew players have seen their overall rating skyrocket like Poyer since Madden 18 launched, jumping from 75 to 78 for Week 3 after starting out at 67.The Buffalo Bills' safety has been making plays all over the field. He's been a highly efficient tackler, totaling 11 in Week 2 alone, and has also made key plays in the passing game in the loss to the Carolina Panthers, including two pass breakups of sure touchdowns.FallersKirk Cousins, QB, Redskins84 overall ➔ 82 overallAs Sean McVay makes a star out of Jared Goff, his former pupil, Cousins, is struggling without his ex-offensive coordinator.The Redskins' quarterback drops from 84 to 82 despite Washington pulling out the win against McVay's Rams. Cousins has struggled to find chemistry with his new targets, and his downfield passing and fumble issues have reemerged.Unless Washington's offense makes a miraculous turnaround, Cousins' fall might not be over.Jimmy Graham, TE, Seahawks89 overall ➔ 88 overallAfter struggling to cement his role in the Seattle Seahawks' offense following a 2015 trade, Graham looked to have finally found his rhythm last season.However, the tight end has looked a shell of his former self this campaign, catching one pass in Week 2 after a three-catch, eight-yard performance in the season opener.Graham started the season with a 93 rating, but gamers should look elsewhere when on offense for Seattle as the pass-catcher fell to 88 this week.DeMarco Murray, RB, Titans89 overall ➔ 87 overallEven before a hamstring injury forced Murray to the sidelines in Week 2, he looked set for his second consecutive rating drop.The Tennessee Titans' running back has lacked explosion over the first two games of the season, and it's been reflected in his overall score, dropping from 91 to 89 before Week 2 and falling further to 87 this week.Like the real-life Titans, you should be phasing to Derrick Henry.Jason Pierre-Paul, DE, Giants88 overall ➔ 85 overallFair or not, a lot of Giants' defensive players have taken a hit due to the offense's inability to keep them in games - and none more so than Pierre-Paul.The pass-rusher even had a sack and a forced fumble in Week 2's loss to the Detroit Lions, but couldn't avoid a drop from 88 to 85. Pierre-Paul's lackluster run defense - usually his specialty - could be the cause.LeSean McCoy, RB, Bills92 overall ➔ 90 overallMcCoy's 202-yard performance in Week 1 didn't give him enough goodwill to avoid a drop after being held to just nine yards on 12 attempts by the Carolina Panthers in Week 2.The Bills are heavily relying on their star running back, as usual, so McCoy has a shot to claw back the lost two points to his overall score, though he may end up being a victim of Buffalo's stagnant passing game.(Photos courtesy: Action Images)Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

DeMarco Murray returned to the practice field Friday for the Tennessee Titans but he's listed as questionable for Sunday against the Seattle Seahawks, head coach Mike Mularkey said, per Jim Wyatt from Titans Online. The running back hadn't practiced all week leading up to Friday.Murray left last weekend's game against the Jacksonville Jaguars with a hamstring injury.If Murray isn't healthy enough to suit up, expect Derrick Henry to get the majority of the carries in the Titans backfield. Henry took advantage of Murray's absence in a big way against the Jags, rushing for 92 yards and a touchdown.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Sam Bradford has been ruled out of Sunday's game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, head coach Mike Zimmer announced Friday.The quarterback's injured knee didn't respond well during the week's practices, a source told ESPN's Dan Graziano.Case Keenum will presumably start again for the Minnesota Vikings after filling in for Bradford in Week 2.Bradford will also seek a second opinion on his surgically-repaired knee from renowned orthopedic surgeon Dr. James Andrews, sources told ESPN's Chris Mortensen. Andrews has performed both of Bradford's ACL surgeries, one in 2013 and one in 2014.Under Keenum's guidance, the Vikings put up just nine points in a loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers - a steep drop-off from the dominant display Bradford and Co. put together in the season opener.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Buffalo Bills left tackle Cordy Glenn won't play in Sunday's game against the Denver Broncos, he announced Friday, according to ESPN's Mike Rodak.The Bills' injury report states Glenn has been dealing with foot and ankle injuries.Rookie Dion Dawkins will likely be tasked with protecting Tyrod Taylor's blind side from Von Miller and Co.Buffalo has struggled to put up points over the first two weeks of the season, including a three-point outing in the Week 2 loss to the Carolina Panthers.Now, the Bills will face a dominant Broncos defense without their best offensive lineman.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Cleveland Browns will be without one of their top defensive playmakers Sunday versus the Indianapolis Colts, as linebacker Jamie Collins was ruled out Friday due to a concussion.Collins has been solid this campaign, racking up nine total tackles, though he's failed to make many of his signature splash plays.The Browns will also likely continue to be without No. 1 overall pick Myles Garrett. The pass-rusher missed the first two games of the season due to an ankle injury and is doubtful for Week 3.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Cincinnati Bengals tight end Tyler Eifert won't play in Sunday's game against the Green Bay Packers due to a back injury, head coach Marvin Lewis announced Friday, according to ESPN's Katherine Terrell.First-round pick wide receiver John Ross was also ruled out of the game due to a knee injury, according to Paul Dehner Jr. of The Cincinnati Enquirer.Eifert has caught four passes for 46 yards and zero touchdowns over two games as the entire Bengals offense has fallen far short of expectations.Quarterbacks coach Bill Lazor was promoted to offensive coordinator following the dismissal of Ken Zampese last week, and now faces an even tougher challenge to turn the unit around without two valuable playmakers.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

After learning Aaron Hernandez's brain showed signs of Stage 3 CTE, his legal team announced Thursday it will be filing a federal lawsuit against the NFL and the New England Patriots on behalf of the former tight end's family."We are reviewing the lawsuit," NFL spokesman Joe Lockhart said in response Friday, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports. "On first blush, we believe it contains significant legal issues."Hernandez played three seasons with the Patriots, amassing 175 catches for 1,956 yards and 18 touchdowns.He was released by the Patriots after his arrest and eventual conviction for the murder of Odin Lloyd. While serving a life sentence in prison, Hernandez died by suicide in his jail cell in April.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Sammy Watkins had one of his best games in recent memory Thursday night when he torched the San Francisco 49ers for six receptions, 106 yards, and two touchdowns.It was his third game with the Los Angeles Rams, following an offseason trade from the Buffalo Bills.Watkins left Buffalo seven months after the Bills hired Sean McDermott as their new head coach. Though he had a hand in sending the receiver to the West Coast, McDermott had nothing but kind words for him."I'm happy for him," he said at Friday's press conference, according to Joe Buscaglia of WKBW.The coach may be fine with the trade's outcome, but Bills fans may not be, after witnessing what a healthy Watkins can do."That's hard to watch from a fan's perspective and, at times, from a coach's perspective," McDermott conceded.Watkins' performance may hurt even more after the Bills struggled to score three points against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

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 3 rankings.StartJay Cutler, QB, Dolphinsat JetsCutler's return from retirement went smoothly, with the Dolphins surviving by a missed field goal to win their delayed season opener. Cutler completed 72.7 percent of his passes for 230 yards and a touchdown with no characteristic turnovers. He'll now face a Jets team with a league-worst 66 points allowed and just one takeaway.Fearless prediction: 297 yards passing, 2 TDsOther QBs to start

In 2015, after 10 decorated seasons with the San Francisco 49ers, stalwart running back Frank Gore set off for free agency.By then, Gore had already carved out an impressive individual career and sought only a chance to win a Super Bowl. With that in mind, he signed with the Indianapolis Colts, a team coming off an appearance in the AFC Championship Game.In the time since that decision, the Colts have posted back-to-back 8-8 seasons and have started the 2017 campaign 0-2.Even still, Gore regrets nothing."If I had to do it again, I still would make the same decision," he said to Zak Keefer of the Indianapolis Star."Things just didn't go our way the last two years, starting with our leader. He got hurt. I've played with, what, five quarterbacks?"The Colts played five different signal-callers in 2015 alone. With franchise quarterback Andrew Luck battling injuries, the Colts trotted out Matt Hasselbeck, Charlie Whitehurst, Josh Freeman, and Ryan Lindley at various junctions.The following season, Luck played 15 games, and Scott Tolzien filled in for the other.This year, Luck has yet to see the field. He's being brought along slowly in his recovery from offseason shoulder surgery.While Luck has been in and out of the lineup since Gore's arrival, Gore has started every game since signing with the Colts.The 13-year veteran ranks eighth all time in career rushing yards and is just 106 yards from passing Eric Dickerson on the list.He may not be enjoying the team success he signed up for, but Gore doesn't lament past decisions."It's football. I just felt that if everything went perfect, we would've had our shot," Gore said. "But in this sport, you never know what's going to happen."Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

When you're coming off a three-touchdown, 149-yard performance, you can be forgiven for showcasing some friendly bravado.Todd Gurley powered the Los Angeles Rams to a thrilling 41-39 win Thursday over the San Francisco 49ers and told ex-Dallas Cowboys receiver and current NFL Network analyst Michael Irvin postgame that he has his sights set on Irwin's former team, the Rams' Week 4 opponent."Like I said, we're taking it game by game and just focusing on the future right now, man. Next week, we've got Dallas. We've got a little break. So we're gonna whoop up on your 'Boys," Gurley said, laughing, according to NFL.com's Conor Orr.The Rams should provide the Cowboys and their disappointing offense a much tougher challenge than Dallas likely presumed at the start of the year.L.A. has produced two 40-point performances already, and head coach Sean McVay looks to have molded the perfect scheme for Gurley and second-year quarterback Jared Goff.Meanwhile, the Cowboys have scored 36 combined points over the first two games, with Dak Prescott and Ezekiel Elliott both struggling to recapture their rookie form.If the Rams can take down the Cowboys next Sunday, expect playoff talk to heat up in Los Angeles.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

It took all of one game back with the Arizona Cardinals for Chris Johnson to climb the running back depth chart.Brought back into the fold after David Johnson dislocated his wrist, Chris Johnson led the Cardinals in yards and carries in a Week 2 16-13 overtime win over the Indianapolis Colts. The veteran finished the game with 11 rushes for 44 yards.Cardinals head coach Bruce Arians said Johnson's performance will lead to more playing time."Chris Johnson's carries right now will be up," Arians said Thursday, via Arizona Sports 98.7 FM.Kerwynn Williams started last week, but took his nine carries for only 22 yards. It appears Johnson will take over starting duties for the Cardinals' Monday nighter versus the Dallas Cowboys."I liked what I saw in Chris," Arians said after last week's game, according to team reporter Darren Urban. "He's more than ready to go."Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Le'Veon Bell hasn't been his usual dominant self over the first two games of the season.After holding out for a new contract until right before the regular season, the Pittsburgh Steelers' star running back has just 119 rushing yards and 19 receiving yards, with zero touchdowns - a far cry from the historic level he performed at last campaign.However, the Steelers aren't concerned about their offensive centerpiece. They believe a turnaround is right around the corner."I thought the only thing that our run game lacked was the splash play," head coach Mike Tomlin said of Bell's 87 rushing yards in Week 2, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette's Ed Bouchette. "The 25-yard run or the 35-yard run. That turns an 80-something yard day for him to a 120-something yard day for him. So, we'll continue, I'm sure that will come not only for him but for us."And it's not just the coaching staff that expects Bell to break out soon."He just has to take full advantage of his opportunities," center Maurkice Pouncey said. "We have to do a better job of locking on guys and making sure he can get one-on-one and most of the time he beats that guy.""He's getting there," said guard David DeCastro.Despite his struggles, Bell isn't concerned - especially as the Steelers have won their opening two matchups."It's Week 3, obviously I don't expect us to have the whole playbook like we had at the end of last year to be coming into this year," said Bell. "We'll keep going. We have new players on offense. We have to get all guys to keep going."I'm happy as long as we're winning games. We're 2-0, I'm healthy, I feel good. I’m ready to go."Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

No football fan would have predicted that a game between the San Francisco 49ers and Los Angeles Rams on Thursday night would be the best contest of the NFL season through three weeks - and yet, here we are.A week after the Cincinnati Bengals and Houston Texans made a strong argument against the very existence of Thursday Night Football, all the stars came out to give their best in Santa Clara in a matchup most fans would have gagged at when perusing the early-season schedule.So far, the 2017 campaign had lacked a signature game to recapture people's attention after the 2016 season ended with the most spectacular Super Bowl ever. Only one prime-time affair thus far had finished with a score within seven points. No game has gone to overtime. No competing teams had scored at least 30 points in the same contest.On Thursday night, essentially everything a fan would want to happen did happen in a narrow 41-39 Rams win.

Los Angeles Rams receiver Sammy Watkins was placed in concussion protocol following his team's win against the San Francisco 49ers, head coach Sean McVay confirmed, according to NFL.com.Watkins had his best game for the Rams so far Thursday night, catching six passes for 106 yards and two touchdowns. He left the game late in the fourth quarter to be evaluated in the locker room after being looked at by sideline medical staff.Fellow Rams receiver Tavon Austin was also placed in concussion protocol and left the game not long after Watkins. He had three carries for 14 yards as well as a fumble on a punt return.Both players have 10 days to recover before Los Angeles' next game against the Dallas Cowboys.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Los Angeles Rams are letting the stars star.In a surprisingly entertaining Thursday matchup with the San Francisco 49ers, the Rams saw their best offensive players take over the contest in the fourth quarter as Todd Gurley added to his three-touchdown night with a devastating third-down conversion.

Warning: Video contains coarse language

After catching a 27-yard touchdown pass in Monday night's win over the New York Giants, Detroit Lions wide receiver Marvin Jones Jr. celebrated with a simulated pingpong match against teammate Golden Tate.The celebration resulted in an awkward moment for left guard Graham Glasgow, who had to settle with giving Jones a pat on the helmet.

After a rough start to the season, New England Patriots cornerback Malcolm Butler is taking his demotion from the starting lineup in stride - though, not lightly.Butler was not surprised to see Eric Rowe taking his spot opposite Stephon Gilmore last Sunday against the New Orleans Saints - the team he flirted with in restricted free agency last spring - but the former Pro Bowler plans to fight to get his role back."I haven’t been performing at the level I should be performing at," Butler said Thursday, according to Mark Daniels of the Providence Journal. "I've got to do whatever I've got to do to help the team... Just got to keep grinding. Keep working hard."Butler, a second-team All-Pro corner in 2016, had hoped to get a new contract last season, but was instead signed to a one-year restricted free agent tender. Losing his starting job could certainly hurt Butler's free-agent stock next march, but he says that can't be the focus if he wants to get back on track."I kind of thought of it like that, but I can't worry about anything but what’s happening right now," Butler said. "Complaining or feeling sorry for myself is not going to make me perform better. I just have to keep it rolling. I’m going to get it rolling. That’s what I've got to do."The 27-year-old admitted that he sometimes questions himself and that he's heard rumors surrounding a possible trade, though he's trying his best to ignore the distractions.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Cleveland Browns need Kenny Britt to be better. There's no way around it.With injuries to receivers Sammie Coates and Corey Coleman, Browns head coach Hue Jackson has been left with no choice but to demand more from Britt, who has just two catches in two weeks after signing a four-year, $32.5-million deal in March."I have challenged our guys every day and I have challenged him that he needs to step up and make plays and I think he will, I really do," Jackson said Thursday, according to ESPN's Pat McManamon.Britt is currently eighth on the Browns in receiving while carrying the fifth-highest cap hit on the roster."We have to make some plays and we understand that these are the guys that we have and Kenny is the elder statesman in that room and I think he will raise up and help lead these young guys, and we will go play good this week," said Jackson.Britt says he's fine with the challenge and that the conversation between he and Jackson was "man to man," but revealed the overall message was to simply do better."To step up," Britt said of Jackson's message. "Let me get my energy into practice and the film room, on and off the field, and in the classroom because we are moving down a path that we don't believe we were going to go. Oh-and-two is not where we wanted to be and it is not where we are going to stay."As long as we do the right things and do the small things that we have been missing the last two games, I believe that we can be contending in this league."Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The attorney for Aaron Hernandez announced Thursday that the family is suing the NFL and the New England Patriots after a study on the former star tight end's brain found advanced CTE."Aaron Hernandez had an advanced Stage 3 of CTE which is usually found in the median age of a 67-year-old man," Baez told reporters, per Chad Amaral of Boston 25 News. "My team has filed a federal lawsuit suing the NFL and the New England Patriots on behalf of Aaron Hernandez's daughter, Avielle Hernandez."Following Hernandez's death in April, the family sent his brain to Boston University's CTE Center, which is considered among the best research labs in the country for the disease. After extensive study, researchers found that Hernandez had suffered from "atrophy and large perforations" on his brain.The Boston University Center is also the research lab responsible for finding CTE in the brains of 110-of-111 former NFL players during a study released in The New York Times in July.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Tom Brady doesn't need sunscreen, apparently.In his new book, "The TB12 Method," which was released Tuesday, the New England Patriots quarterback credits all the water he drinks with preventing him from getting sunburned.Here's the excerpt, via SB Nation's Matt Ufford:

Dallas Cowboys cornerback Orlando Scandrick expects to be out on the field for the team's Monday night game against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 3, according to Jane Slater of NFL Network.Scandrick told Slater he has eight stitches and it's the seventh surgery he's had on the hand.He said it was the easiest one yet.Scandrick suffered a fracture to his hand following the team's Week 1 victory over the New York Giants. Originally expected to miss a couple weeks, a Monday night return would be right on schedule.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

BOSTON - Aaron Hernandez's lawyer says the former New England Patriots tight end's brain showed severe signs of the degenerative brain disease chronic traumatic encephalopathy.In a news conference at his offices, attorney Jose Baez says testing showed that Hernandez had a severe case of the disease.CTE can be caused by repeated head trauma and leads to symptoms like violent mood swings, depression and other cognitive difficulties. Hernandez killed himself in April in the jail cell where he was serving a life-without-parole sentence for a 2013 murder. His death came just hours before the Patriots visited the White House to celebrate their latest Super Bowl victory.CTE can only be diagnosed in an autopsy. A recent study found evidence of the disease in 110 of 111 former NFL players whose brains were examined.CTE has been linked with repeated concussions and involves brain damage particularly in the frontal region that controls many functions including judgment, emotion, impulse control, social behavior and memory.A star for the University of Florida when it won the 2008 title, Hernandez dropped to the fourth round of the NFL draft because of trouble in college that included a failed drug test and a bar fight. His name had also come up in an investigation into a shooting.In three seasons with the Patriots, Hernandez joined Rob Gronkowski to form one of the most potent tight end duos in NFL history. In 2011, his second season, Hernandez caught 79 passes for 910 yards and seven touchdowns to help the team reach the Super Bowl, and he was rewarded with a $40 million contract.But the Patriots released him in 2013, shortly after he was arrested in the killing of semi-pro football player Odin Lloyd, who was dating the sister of Hernandez's fiancee. Hernandez was convicted and sentenced to life in prison; the conviction was voided because he died before his appeals were exhausted, though that decision is itself being appealed.A week before his suicide, Hernandez was acquitted in the 2012 drive-by shootings of two men in Boston. Prosecutors had argued that Hernandez gunned the two men down after one accidentally spilled a drink on him in a nightclub, and then got a tattoo of a handgun and the words ''God Forgives'' to commemorate the crime.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Ezekiel Elliott admitted Thursday to a lack of effort following an interception in Sunday's loss to the Denver Broncos.The Dallas Cowboys running back appeared to have an opportunity to chase down Denver Broncos cornerback Chris Harris following an interception, but conceded he didn't give it his all."I would say I was just very frustrated, but that's no excuse for the lack of effort I showed on tape," Elliott said, according to David Moore of the Dallas Morning News. "I just can't do that. Being one of the leaders on the team and being a guy that people count on, I can't put that type of stuff on film.''Elliott added his lackluster effort on the play doesn't reflect the type of player he is."It's definitely not me. It's definitely not the type of player I am. It's definitely not who I am for this team. I just can't do that. I was frustrated, and I wasn't myself,'' he saidCowboys head coach Jason Garrett said Monday he was disappointed in Elliott's effort, while owner Jerry Jones defended him. Elliott insists, though, that he and his teammates are on the same page after the play."We're a close team,'' Elliott said. "We believe in each other. We know what we are all capable of doing. Through ups and downs, we're together. I made a mistake on last Sunday, and we're a team. We're together. That's all I'm going to say about it.''Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

From the voice that brought you "Omaha!" comes the character "Guapo" in 20th Century FOX's animated film "Ferdinand."Retired quarterback Peyton Manning is following up starring roles with the Indianapolis Colts, Denver Broncos, and Nationwide to voice a character in an animated movie based on Munro Leaf and Robert Lawson's children's book, "The Story of Ferdinand."Manning, who's appeared on "Saturday Night Live" multiple times, is excited to be doing something geared toward a younger, wider audience.“I was flattered to be asked by the good folks at Fox and by the creators of this film, 'Ferdinand.' It’s something that I kind of wanted to be a part of, just to be able to watch this film with my kids and to see them laugh knowing maybe that’s their dad up there, on-screen. That’s kind of a cool thing at this moment because of their age and because animated films are so popular with my kids and certainly a lot of kids their age,” Manning said of the career move, according to Kara Warner of PEOPLE.com.The movie, set around an animated bull voiced by WWE superstar John Cena, is set for release on Dec. 15, 2017.- with h/t to FOX59Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

It may only be the middle of September, but a lot is riding on the results of a number of Week 3 games. For some, franchise-altering changes may be on the horizon.Safety Landon Collins of the 0-2 New York Giants has already classified Sunday's matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles as a "must-win," and he's not wrong.The Giants badly need the victory for a number of reasons, and they're not alone.Here are four teams that could face severe repercussions if they suffer losses in Week 3:ColtsThe Colts have already suffered crushing defeats to the Los Angeles Rams and Arizona Cardinals, and now find themselves listed as home underdogs to the Cleveland Browns this weekend.A loss to the Browns wouldn't just torpedo the Colts' season, but also likely mean changes throughout the organization. First, if Cleveland drops Indy to 0-3, what reason is there to rush Andrew Luck back? The franchise quarterback hasn't even begun practicing, and if the Colts aren't competitive enough to defeat a one-win outfit from a year ago, it's time to pack it up and prepare for 2018.A loss on Sunday would ensure that Luck's timetable wouldn't be expedited for him to potentially meet the vaunted Seattle Seahawks defense in Week 4. And if he's out for a quarter of the season, what's stopping the franchise from holding him out for half the year, or the entire campaign?Aside from Luck, a loss this week should spell doom for head coach Chuck Pagano. He was a source of inspiration in 2012 when he missed 12 games while undergoing cancer treatments, but the Colts have regressed under his direction in recent seasons. Two consecutive 8-8 campaigns are unacceptable with a talent like Luck at the helm.Pagano outlasted former general manager Ryan Grigson, but with worse results in the first season under Chris Ballard's watch, change will be inevitable.Three years since a trip to the AFC Championship Game, the Colts could be entering next season with a new coach and a top draft pick.BengalsThe Bengals are already in panic mode.After scoring nine points and zero touchdowns over two home losses to start the season, Cincinnati fired offensive coordinator Ken Zampese, who'd been employed by the team for the past 15 years.Such moves so early in the season have been made before, and they're almost always followed by even more drastic changes. The same will likely be the case for the Bengals if they lose to the Green Bay Packers on Sunday.A loss would drop Cincinnati to 0-3 and provide the perfect opportunity for a change at quarterback. The Bengals face the Browns in Week 4, which would be an ideal scenario for backup AJ McCarron to make his first start since 2015.Starter Andy Dalton has struggled mightily in his seventh season and may have already revealed his overall quality: Good enough to reach the postseaon, but not good enough to win a playoff game.Various rumors have surfaced that the Bengals declined trade offers for McCarron. There's a reason they're keeping him around.On the subject of keeping someone around, head coach Marvin Lewis is without a contract past this season. The Bengals have no reason to keep him in town for a 16th year, especially if 2017 continues going south.SaintsThe Saints are also staring an 0-3 start in the face. A loss on Sunday to the Carolina Panthers would put New Orleans three games behind in the NFC South - one of the most competitive divisions in football.With their hopes of a division title effectively shot in that scenario, the Saints could expedite a necessary rebuild rather than chase a wild-card spot.It may also lead the franchise to eventually make an unpopular decision involving its biggest star.Quarterback Drew Brees is 38 and his contract with the Saints expires after the season. He takes up a large chunk of the team's salary dollars and retaining him would mean more of the same. Parting ways with Brees would allow New Orleans to focus on fixing its weak defense and patching other holes.Brees has said he only intends to play two-to-four more years, and that he wants to win another Super Bowl. He's probably not doing that in New Orleans, barring a shocking turnaround.GiantsThe Giants were mentioned as Super Bowl contenders ahead of the season. Two losses into the year, however, and head coach Ben McAdoo is already considering drastic changes.They're necessary. The former offensive coordinator still calls the plays on that side of the ball, and under his guidance the team has managed just 13 points and 97 rushing yards through two games. Something has to change.If the Giants lose again on Sunday to the rival Eagles, they'll already be more than halfway to their entire loss total from 2016.New York's defense remains elite, but its offense is leaking oil. The problem could be patched up with one big move: firing McAdoo.The 40-year-old was handed the role with no previous head coaching experience. And faced with adversity after Week 2's loss to Detroit, he chose to heap blame on franchise quarterback Eli Manning.The reality is the Giants' offense relies far too heavily on Odell Beckham Jr., and the true quality of the unit is being revealed without him at full strength.Must-wins dot the schedule in Week 3. Don't be surprised if losses result in sweeping changes for these four franchises.(Photos courtesy: Action Images)Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

When Denver Broncos' first-round draft pick Garett Bolles was carted off the field Sunday, it was feared he suffered a major leg injury.The left tackle reportedly suffered only a deep bone bruise and high ankle sprain, but was expected to miss at least a couple of weeks.Stunningly, Bolles was back at practice Thursday:

Mike Vrabel faced Tom Brady in practice for years as a linebacker, but on Sunday he'll try to stop the future Hall of Famer as a defensive coordinator for the first time.The New England Patriots quarterback poses a tough task for any defense, and Vrabel knows firsthand what he'll be up against when the Houston Texans travel to Gillette Stadium on Sunday."They rely on precision and operation and timing - the comfort level of the receivers as far as where they're supposed to be," Vrabel said, according to John McClain of the Houston Chronicle. "They get their backs involved, and they work in the speed guys. It's a huge challenge."When asked about defending mobile quarterbacks, he brought the focus back to Brady, revealing some of what he's learned about his former teammate's style of play."We're playing Tom Brady (and) he'll be seven-and-a-half yards behind the center, I can promise you," Vrabel said. "He won't leave (the pocket) unless we somehow force him to. He'll stand back there and keep his feet square and point his left shoulder to wherever he's throwing the ball. I don't have to try to defend a mobile quarterback this week. We will down the road."Brady certainly isn't mobile, but he proved he's as dangerous as ever last week in a win over the New Orleans Saints. The 40-year-old bounced back from a subpar Week 1 outing, throwing for nearly 450 yards and three touchdowns.Vrabel could use last year's playoff meeting with the Pats when he was the Texans' linebackers coach as a reference. Despite losing, Houston held Brady to less than 300 yards passing and intercepted him twice.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.