Ryan Tannehill dropped back to pass and the pocket quickly collapsed John Franklin-Myers Color Rush Jersey , making it just like old times.

An onrushing end merely waved as he went by because Wednesday’s drills involved no contact, which spared Tannehill a blow. Instead, he scooted away on his reconstructed left knee toward the sideline and encountered a linebacker, who also pulled up at the last moment.

The hits will come soon enough, but for now Tannehill is healthy and optimistic about leading a turnaround by the Miami Dolphins.

He’s practicing this week for the first time since a torn left ACL in training camp ended his 2017 season before it began. A serious injury to the same knee forced him to miss the final four games in 2016, meaning he hasn’t played in nearly 18 months.

”It was a long year, some dark times,” Tannehill said, speaking publicly for the first time since he was hurt last August.

Tannehill has received medical clearance without limitations and isn’t even wearing a knee brace this week, although he plans to wear one in games.

”It’s purely to prevent what started the whole train wreck,” he said.

Tannehill said his return to practice stirred painful memories of watching workouts last year while sitting inside the team complex Authentic Nick Nelson Jersey , his injured leg in a brace and propped on a chair.

”It feels amazing to be back out there,” he said. ”It has been a lot of work to put a helmet back on and step on the grass again. I was just telling the guys, I can remember sitting in the cafeteria looking through the glass like a little kid that’s not allowed to go outside and play.”

Also back were linebacker Raekwon McMillan and cornerback Tony Lippett, both of whom missed the entire 2017 season because of injuries. The entire roster was on hand, although 35-year-old running back Frank Gore was on the field only briefly and won’t be involved in drills much this spring to keep him healthy.

Tannehill, a starter since his rookie season in 2012, has never played in the postseason. But he and the Dolphins are optimistic he can regain the form he showed in 2016, when he enjoyed the best stretch of his career and helped put the team in playoff contention before his injury.

”I feel like I kind of went on a run there,” Tannehill said. ”I felt like I was finally starting to play really good football, being in command of the offense and understanding what we were trying to accomplish with every play call.”

With Jay Cutler as an emergency replacement for Tannehill, the Dolphins slipped to 6-10 last year. Gase is so confident about Tannehill that they didn’t draft a quarterback last month.

”It’s great to have him back out there Sylvester Williams Color Rush Jersey ,” Gase said. “As long as we don’t have a setback, I feel good. We’re in a good place. I’ve seen him move around just as well as he ever has.”

Newcomer Josh Sitton, a four-time Pro Bowl guard, offered an endorsement of his new QB after just two practices together. Sitton took particular note of one strike Tannehill threw.

”He rolled out after a play action and was running to his left,” Sitton said. ”I thought, `That’s pretty impressive.”’

Tannehill didn’t miss a game in his first four NFL seasons, enduring 212 sacks behind a leaky line without serious injury. He said he’s not worried about his knee holding up, and won’t be thinking about it on the field.

The knee probably won’t be tested with contact until the preseason in August.

”I’m never eager to get hit,” Tannehill said with a chuckle. ”I’d be sadistic. But I don’t think about it any different than I would any other season going into a new season. It’s a physical game, and I love that.”

—

When given the choice, the Milwaukee Bucks will always prefer to have Giannis Antetokounmpo on the court closing out tight games.

They’re still winning while the All-Star forward rests a sore right ankle Jessie Bates III Jersey , a good sign for a team jockeying for playoff seeding in the East.

Coach Joe Prunty said it was too early to determine Antetokounmpo’s status for the regular-season finale Wednesday at Philadelphia, though he liked what he saw at practice. The NBA’s fourth-leading scorer (27.1 points) has missed the last two games because of the ankle injury.

”The bottom line is that it’s progressing, that’s the positive,” Prunty said after practice Tuesday.

A win over the 76ers allows the Bucks to clinch the sixth seed in the Eastern Conference. A loss means that they could fall as low as eighth, depending on how the Washington Wizards fare over their last two games.

Without Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee has beaten 50-loss teams in the New York Knicks and Orlando Magic. It’s a positive since the Bucks have been prone at times to playing down to the level of their opponents, especially those that can hit 3s.

Prunty’s team appears to be getting closer to full strength after winning three of their last four games, and five of their last seven. But the medical report has kept Prunty busy fielding questions about how much time injured players need to regain chemistry with the rest of the team.

Guard Malcolm Brogdon is working back into the rotation after the 2016-17 NBA Rookie of the Year followed a 30-game absence with a left quad injury. Brogdon appears to be fine after he played 14 minutes in his return his return Monday in the win over Orlando, Prunty said, and should play Wednesday.

Guard Matthew Dellavedova is also trying to come back from a sprained right ankle that has kept him out for two months.

”It does make it difficult, because you look at last night – Malcolm plays Authentic Matt Murray Jersey , but he’s not out there with Giannis, so that timing is going to be a little off,” Prunty said. ”But we are where are. We’ve got to find a way to make it work, and we will.”

Prunty does have other healthy proven scoring options in forwards Khris Middleton and Jabari Parker, along with point guard Eric Bledsoe. Parker is back to averaging about 30 minutes a night, two months after returning from a left knee injury.

Bledsoe is shooting about 50 percent from 3-point range over the last seven games, giving defenders the difficult decision of whether to play him more tightly at the perimeter at the risk of letting him blow past them on the dribble. Prunty especially likes the way that Bledsoe has been running the offense of late.

”We definitely know we can’t win the whole thing without (Antetokounmpo). But at the same time, we’ve got a lot of confident guys in the room,” Bledsoe said. ”We’re trying to get everybody on the same page because we’re going to need everybody.”

—

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The Patriots should know fairly quickly whether they’ll be starting the season with or without veteran receiver Julian Edelman.

If Sylvester Williams Color Rush Jersey , as reported, the hearing on his PED suspension began on Monday, the PED policy requires a summary ruling from the arbitrator within three business days after completion of the hearing or receipt of the transcript, whichever comes later. And since it usually takes a little while to generate a transcript of a hearing involving testimony, argument, etc., that three-business-day clock likely won’t be ticking, for now.

Also, the use of the term “business days” means that weekends and holidays don’t count. Which means that, if (for example) the transcript is received by the arbitrator on Friday http://www.seahawksauthorizedshops.com/authentic-barkevious-mingo-jersey , June 29, Day One becomes Monday, July 2. Day Two will be Tuesday, July 3. Day Three will be Thursday, July 5.

If the summary ruling is late, Edelman doesn’t automatically win. Instead, the arbitrator ends up being suspended from hearing appeals for the remainder of the season.

Beyond that timeline, the arbitrator could request written briefs to be submitted based on specific issues that arose during the hearing. The parties will have no more than five business days to submit the briefs, which would naturally push the process back accordingly.

Also, keep in mind that the arbitrator for appeals of PED positive tests is now neutral; that’s one of the concessions the NFLPA received when agreeing to HGH testing. So the NFL won’t be reviewing the NFL’s decision. Which gives Edelman something better than a snowball’s chance in Roger Goodell’s coffee for prevailing — if he actually has a strong argument that can get the arbitrator’s attention.

If not Authentic Markus Wheaton Jersey , Edelman will miss the first four weeks of the season (vs. the Texans, Jaguars, Lions, and Dolphins), and the Patriots will enter 2018 without Edelman, Danny Amendola, or Brandin Cooks.

Coach Ron Rivera received a text from Cam Newton immediately after the Carolina Panthers selected Maryland wide receiver D.J. Moore in the first round of the NFL draft that read: "Thank you!"

The Panthers gave Newton more help on offense Thursday night by selecting Moore 24th overall in hopes of upgrading a passing game that finished 28th in the league last season.

Moore was the first wide receiver taken in the draft.

Panthers general manager Marty Hurney said Moore's best quality is his ability to make plays after the catch.

"When he has the ball in his hands he turns into a running back," Hurney said. "He breaks tackles and makes big plays. And still he has the speed to stretch the defense and go deep. He runs good routes and has a lot of strengths."

Newton apparently took notice.

"Cam stays up on all of this stuff and he came right to us with all of the offensive guys," Rivera said. "He pays attention to it."

Newton isn't the only one high on Moore.

Steve Smith Sr., the Panthers all-time leader in most receiving categories Daniel Winnik Jersey , said he likes the toughness with which Moore approaches the game and thinks he can be a big time player.

"To be truthful, they have never been able to replace me" said Smith, now an analyst for the NFL Network.

Smith thinks Moore might finally be the receiver that can.

"You get that guy and you've got instant grits all day long," Smith said.

"For Steve to say that is high praise," Rivera said. "I'm pretty fired up. I believe D.J. is a guy who can come in and play all three of our wide receiver positions."

Moore is the latest skill position player selected early by the Panthers in the hopes of giving Newton more to work with on offense. Last year Carolina selected running back Christian McCaffrey in the first round and wide receiver Curtis Samuel in the second to take some of the pressure off Newton after he had a down season statistically in 2016.

"It was nice to know that whatever I did in college did not go unnoticed," Moore said.

Moore joins what is becoming a crowded wide receivers room in Carolina.

The Panthers traded with the Eagles for Torrey Smith and signed free agent Jarius Wright from the Vikings earlier this offseason. Devin Funchess returns as Carolina's No. 1 receiver after a breakout season in 2017 and Samuel hopes to battle back following an injury-plagued rookie season.

Moore said he had a good idea the Panthers were going to select him.

"It was a sigh of a relief when I saw North Carolina (area code) come up on my phone," Moore said. "I was like, 'OK, this my pick.' They told me when I was on my draft visit they were going to (draft me), so they kept their promise."

Moore was the 2017 Big Ten Receiver of the Year and first-team all-conference selection. He had a school-record 80 receptions for 1 Noah Hanifin Jersey ,033 yards and eight touchdowns in 12 games last season for the Terrapins. He also led Maryland in receiving as a sophomore with 41 receptions for 637 yards and six touchdowns.

Rivera said Moore could also contribute right away as a returner in addition to playing wide receiver.

The 6-foot, 210-pound Moore said he feels like he can be a week one starter at wide receiver "if I put the work in."

Moore is the first draft pick chosen by Hurney's since 2012. Hurney was fired by the Panthers that year after conducting 11 drafts as GM, but returned to the team on an interim basis last summer and was hired full time in February.

Hurney said he didn't think Moore would drop to No. 24.

He said Moore reminds him a little of Smith.

"He has that play strength and that ability to break tackles and make yards after the catch," Hurney said. "That is a pretty high bar to set (comparing him to Smith) but there are a lot of things we liked about him.

The Panthers have made the playoffs in four of the past five seasons, but were knocked out in the first round last season by division foe New Orleans. The Saints swept all three games from Carolina, which made finding ways to match up better with them an offseason priority.

Carolina's offense stalled most of the season in 2017 and it was often the defense that had to bail them out.

The move comes on the same day the Panthers gave three-time Pro Bowl tight end Greg Olsen a two-year contract extension.

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COLUMBUS http://www.dolphinsauthorizedshops.com/authentic-jerome-baker-jersey , Ohio (AP) The Columbus Blue Jackets have re-signed forward Oliver Bjorkstrand and defenseman Ryan Murray.

The 23-year-old Bjorkstrand, the team’s fifth-leading scorer last season with 11 goals and 29 assists, signed a three-year pact worth $7.5 million.

The 24-year-old Murray accepted the team’s qualifying offer of a one-year contract worth $2.8 million. Both deals were announced over the weekend.

Murray Authentic Kareem Martin Jersey , who had a goal and 11 assists in 44 games last season, could play a larger role next season after the departure of free agents Jack Johnson and Ian Cole.

The Blue Jackets’ top scorer Artemi Panarin tweeted that he and his agent were meeting for contract talks with team general manager Jarmo Kekalainen on Monday in France. He is a free agent after next season.

The New York Jets have signed four players to their 10-man practice squad, including 2017 sixth-round pick Jeremy Clark.

The defensive back Authentic Erik Karlsson Jersey Kids , who played both safety and cornerback during training camp, joined safety Brandon Bryant and linebackers Frankie Luvu and Anthony Wint on the practice squad Sunday.

Clark missed almost all of last season while recovering from a knee injury suffered while playing at Michigan. He played in the regular-season finale last December against New England.

Bryant signed with the Jets after going unselected in this year's supplemental draft. The former Mississippi State star had six tackles in New York's preseason finale at Philadelphia.

Luvu, an undrafted free agent out of Washington State Jordan Mills Jersey , had an impressive camp while running with the Jets' first-team defense at times.

Wint was signed by New York after rookie minicamp following a standout career at Florida International.

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The "Honey Badger" is headed to Houston.

The Houston Texans said Monday they had signed unrestricted free agent safety Tyrann Mathieu and claimed wide receiver Sammie Coates off waivers from Cleveland.

Mathieu was released last week by Arizona after five seasons when the two sides couldn't rework his contract. The 25-year-old safety was due for $18.75 million of his contract to be guaranteed when the league year officially began and Arizona saved nearly $5 million in cap space by cutting him.

He has 11 career interceptions Womens Greg Olsen Jersey , four sacks, 41 passes defensed and 303 total tackles in 66 NFL games during a career plagued by injuries. Only last season did Mathieu appear in all 16 games and he finished with two interceptions along with 74 tackles. He was an All-Pro in 2015, when he had five interceptions and 17 passes defensed.

Mathieu became a star in the Arizona secondary after being selected in the third round of the 2013 draft following a troubled college career at LSU. A finalist for the Heisman Trophy as a sophomore, he got into trouble with marijuana and eventually was kicked out of school. Mathieu spent an entire season out of football and slid to the third round before the Cardinals took a chance on him.

His rookie season ended prematurely when he tore the LCL and ACL in his left knee.

His big 2015 season was cut short when he tore the ACL in the other knee. His absence was sorely felt as the team that went 13-3 before being routed by Carolina in the NFC championship game.

Despite the injury, the Cardinals rewarded him with a five-year, $62.5 million contract, with $15.5 million guaranteed. Off the field, he was a model citizen and with his fierce style and natural charisma Authentic Mason Rudolph Jersey , was among the most popular players on the squad.

The 24-year-old Coates was a third-round pick by Pittsburgh out of Auburn in 2015.. He spent two seasons with the Steelers before joining the Browns last year. He has 28 career receptions for 516 yards and two touchdowns in 32 regular-season games played, including six starts.

C.J. Anderson is leaving Denver with a million memories, a Super Bowl ring and no hard feelings.

"It's business, I understand it," Anderson told The Associated Press on Monday after he was released by the Denver Broncos. "I've been here five years and it came to an end. So, I'm excited for the next opportunity."

Where that is, "I don't know," Anderson said. "I have no clue at all."

Possible landing spots include Miami Womens Todd Gurley Jersey , where Dolphins coach Adam Gase offered him a four-year, $18 million deal in 2016 that Denver matched, and New England, where Patriots coach Bill Belichick is also a big fan.

Anderson hits free agency at an opportune time.

He's 27, has just 683 career carries and is coming off his best season, one in which he played in all 16 games for the first time and ran for a career-best 1,007 yards .

"I would never say it's a good time to be free," Anderson said. "All I ever tried to do was give my best effort to Denver in every way possible. I did that for five years. Now it's time to go and do that for another team."

Anderson wasn't one of the 23 running backs drafted in 2013 but the Cal alum has put up better career numbers than all of those running backs except for one: Steelers star Le'Veon Bell.

Anderson's resume includes a Pro Bowl Sam Darnold Color Rush Jersey , two dozen TDs, a pair of playoff touchdowns and numerous game-sealing runs, none bigger than his TD plunge that capped Denver's 24-10 win over Carolina in the Super Bowl three years ago.

Shortly afterward, Gase, who had been his offensive coordinator in Denver, offered him the big contract that Broncos GM John Elway ultimately matched.

The deal included a $5 million signing bonus and salaries of $675,000 in 2016, $2.9 million last year and $4.5 million in each of the next two years.

Because there was no dead cap money in 2018 or '19 http://www.giantsauthorizedshops.com/authentic-patrick-omameh-jersey , Anderson knew his release was, if not imminent, a very strong possibility this offseason as the Broncos rebuild an anemic offense following a 5-11 season.

"I knew I could be released or traded at any time," Anderson said.

His release not only clears a combined $9 million off the books for Denver but it opens the way for Devontae Booker, De'Angelo Henderson or maybe even a pick in the upcoming draft to take over as the Broncos' featured back alongside new QB Case Keenum .

"I respect the decision whether it's a money issue or a play issue," Anderson said. "They feel like they can move on from me. I understand that. That's the beauty of our game. Now I get an opportunity to showcase my skills somewhere else."

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JACKSONVILLE Jamaal Williams Jersey , Fla. (AP) When All-Pro defensive end Calais Campbell re-watched his first season with the Jacksonville Jaguars, he noticed a recurring issue: The vaunted defense had chances to come up big late in games and failed.

It happened in four of Jacksonville’s final five losses, including – and most memorably – in the AFC championship game at New England.

Campbell felt as if the unit also could and should have done more against the Los Angeles Rams, Arizona and Tennessee.

”When I study the tape and those situations, I realize that as good as we are we have so much room for growth,” Campbell said.

With Campbell leading the way, ”finishing” has become the defense’s motto for 2018. The Jags expect to be better in those fourth-quarter situations, knowing one stop could be the difference in a league that has a penchant for tight games.

”We have to have that mentality of crunch time,” Pro Bowl linebacker Telvin Smith said. ”We know we are not front-runners; we can bang with you. We just have to put our foot on your throat and keep it there from the beginning to the end.”

Jacksonville’s defense was one of the best in the league in 2017. The group ranked second in points (16.8) and yards allowed (286.1) and first in yards per play (4.61), passing yards (169.9) Zach Werenski Jersey , third down rate (33.6 percent) and red zone rate (39.3 percent).

The Jaguars also had 55 sacks and set a franchise record with 33 takeaways.

In some games, it wasn’t enough.

Jacksonville had New England reeling in late January, leading 20-10 early in the fourth quarter. But the defense allowed Tom Brady to convert a third-and-18 play that led to a touchdown and later provided little resistance while trying to prevent the go-ahead score.

In the regular-season finale at Tennessee, the Jaguars trailed 15-10 with about four minutes remaining but gave up two first downs that helped the Titans to run out the clock and essentially seal the victory.

The defense also faltered twice down the stretch at Arizona in late November. The Jags led 17-16 in the fourth before getting torched for a long touchdown pass. They tied the game on the ensuing possession and kept it that way until Blaine Gabbert connected on two first-down passes in the final 16 seconds to set up a game-winning 57-yard field goal.

Those three losses came on the road. The Rams found similar success against the Jags in Jacksonville.

They were up 24-17 with about seven minutes to play and essentially put the game away by picking up three first downs that got them into field-goal range.

”It’s not a conditioning thing. It’s a mental thing,” Jaguars safety Tashaun Gipson said. ”That is something that is easily correctable. You just have to go back to the drawing board and figure out what it is. It is nothing wrong with what we are doing, us schematically. It is not that we are not in shape. It is just we have to have that mentality.

”You have to see the blood in the water. You have to go attack.”

The Jaguars expect to see gains from returning 10 defensive starters and having all of them in the same scheme for a second straight year. They also anticipate continued improvement from star cornerback Jalen Ramsey as well as linebacker Myles Jack and defensive end Yannick Ngakoue.

All that experience has Jacksonville making offseason tweaks to blitz schemes and third-down packages – and waiting for another late-game shot.

”You have to go out there when you have an opportunity, when it presents itself, whether it is a preseason game or during the regular season,” coach Doug Marrone said. ”Then, you have to step up and do it and that will prove that you are able to do those things.

”I think that until you do that in those situations http://www.seahawksauthorizedshops.com/authentic-byron-maxwell-jersey , there is always going to be a question mark. But having the thought of wanting to do that obviously helps because it keeps you aware of that situation.”

—

Jed Lowrie loves the feeling of coming through with a clutch hit late to lift his team, and he just keeps showing a knack for it.

He is a big reason the A’s are rarely out of games even when down by a couple of runs.

The Oakland second baseman delivered his 12th game-winning RBI after filling in beautifully at third base during Matt Chapman’s absence, hitting a three-run double in the decisive sixth to help rally the Athletics past the San Diego Padres 6-2 on Tuesday night.

If that’s not enough to make Lowrie an All-Star for the first time in an 11-year career and at age 34, manager Bob Melvin might just throw his hands up in disbelief.

”It would be the icing on the cake. I feel like I’ve been close a couple times and haven’t been there,” Lowrie said. ”So that would be something I would always be able to say.”

Mark Canha added a solo homer in the sixth and Chad Pinder connected in the seventh.

The A’s finally got to San Diego starter Clayton Richard (7-8). Pinder walked to start the sixth as the first five hitters reached base. Khris Davis followed Lowrie’s double with a run-scoring single before Canha’s 11th home run, after a double play.

Emilio Pagan (2-0) pitched 1 1/3 innings for the win in relief of A’s starter Chris Bassitt.

Chapman went 0 for 3 in his return from the disabled list after missing 16 games with a recurring right hand injury that began bothering him during the offseason. He had played in 149 straight games before the DL stint.

Wil Myers hit a run-scoring double in the fifth right after Eric Hosmer’s RBI groundout got the Padres on the board.

Bassitt, who has just one win in five starts since being called up last month, escaped jams in the first and third innings as the Padres stranded five baserunners. The A’s made a pair of forceouts at home in the third, including first baseman Matt Olson’s nifty throw after a backhanded stop.

Myers’ double chased Bassitt. He was tagged for two runs on seven hits in 4 2/3 innings, struck out six and walked three.

Richard allowed five runs and six hits Malik Jefferson Color Rush Jersey , walked a season-high five batters over six innings and struck out two in his second straight defeat.

”Defense picked me up early in the game but that’s the story of it was just too many three-ball counts and then put too many guys on with the walk,” Richard said.

Oakland, which had its six-game winning streak snapped Sunday by Cleveland, won for the 13th time in 16 games despite grounding into five double plays.

”As much as any team I’ve ever had, at least at this point, there’s no panic when we’re down,” the skipper said.

Leadoff hitter Travis Jankowski had three hits for San Diego, which will conclude the short two-game series Wednesday having played 23 of its last 28 away from Petco Park.

BIG MAC HONORED

Padres bench coach Mark McGwire, a former A’s slugger who spent his first 11 1/2 big league seasons in the East Bay before being traded to the Cardinals in 1997, was honored before the game as part of Oakland’s 50th anniversary season festivities in a ceremony at home plate with team President Dave Kaval. Big Mac received his green No. 25 commemorative A’s jersey and the Bash Brother tipped his cap to the cheering crowd.

TRAINER’S ROOM

Padres: RHP Jordan Lyles Authentic Filip Forsberg Jersey , scratched in the bottom of the first inning June 23 just before his scheduled start and on the DL with inflammation in his pitching elbow, played catch with the relievers and depending how he felt afterward the Padres would decide when he is ready to throw off a mound. … The Padres placed RHP Kirby Yates on the paternity list and recalled RHP Colten Brewer from Triple-A El Paso.

Athletics: RHP Trevor Cahill, who has an impingement in his throwing elbow, pitched in the Arizona League and is likely to make another rehab appearance Sunday or Monday before potentially joining the A’s in Houston early next week. … RHP Daniel Mengden (sprained right foot) threw a bullpen session and if all was OK by Wednesday the A’s planned to send him to Triple-A Nashville for a rehab assignment. … Oakland optioned INF Franklin Barreto to Nashville to clear roster room for Chapman’s return.

UP NEXT

Padres: RHP Luis Perdomo (1-2, 8.36 ERA), a taxi squad player, will be called up Wednesday to make his fifth start of 2018.

Athletics: LHP Sean Manaea (8-6, 3.38) is coming off a masterful June during which he went 3-0 with a 2.84 ERA in five starts.

—

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Record-setting wins don’t get much hollower than Florida’s victory Saturday night.

The Panthers were eliminated from playoff contention Authentic Alexander Wennberg Jersey , even after Vincent Trocheck scored late in the third period to help hold off the Buffalo Sabres 4-3 and set a franchise mark with 27 home victories.

Florida’s slim playoff hopes ended when Philadelphia beat the New York Rangers 5-0 earlier in the day. The Panthers took out their frustration on the Sabres, going ahead 3-0 in the first period.

The Panthers’ season ends in Boston on Sunday.

”We wanted to go in tomorrow and have a chance to clinch a spot in the playoffs,” coach Bob Boughner said. ”It’s tough to have to rely on other teams. We know an hour before the game our playoff hopes were done. It was tough going into this game and getting the job done tonight.”

Jonathan Huberdeau scored a power-play goal for the Panthers. Colton Sceviour had a goal and an assist and Nick Bjugstad also scored.

”I think everybody in here is disappointed. The whole goal this year was to make the playoffs,” Trocheck said. ”Everybody coming into the game, we were all preparing as if it was going to be a do-or-die game. Kind of went into it the same way we would have gone into it if we were in the playoffs.”

James Reimer made 38 saves in place of Roberto Luongo, who had played three games in four nights Authentic Michael Dickson Jersey , including his 1,000th game Thursday. The Panthers also played without points leader Aleksander Barkov, who injured his shoulder late in the third period in Thursday’s game against the Bruins. Barkov will also miss Sunday’s finale.

Ryan O’Reilly, Sam Reinhart and Jason Pominville scored for Buffalo. Chad Johnson allowed three goals on 12 shots in the first period and was replaced to start the second with Adam Wilcox. Wilcox finished with 14 stops in his NHL debut.

”The guys did a good job battling for me,” Wilcox said. ”They knew it was my debut tonight. A lot of respect for them battling for me for two periods. I just wanted to give the guys a chance to get back in the game, and they did a good job of doing that.”

The Panthers were cruising but the Sabres mounted a final flurry http://www.brownsauthorizedshops.com/authentic-baker-mayfield-jersey , scoring two goals 21 seconds apart late in the third period to make it 3-2. Pominville scored on a wrist shot with 4:30 left, and Reinhart scored shortly after.

”Just to be blunt and honest, that was typically what our season was,” coach Phil Housley said. ”We couldn’t come out and start on time, and then we get the urgency to push back and get back into a game and make a game of it.”

Trocheck’s empty-netter with 1:23 left made it score 4-2. O’Reilly’s power-play tally with 15.8 left closed the gap to 4-3.

The Panthers took a 1-0 lead when Huberdeau deflected in a shot from Trocheck during a 5-on-3 power-play at 3:04 of the first. Sceviour made it 2-0 when he deflected a shot by Frank Vatrano at 10:59. Bjugstad then slid a puck under Johnson at 13:39.

NOTES: Retiring Panthers F Radim Vrbata played his last game. Vrbata played 1,057 career games Womens Landon Collins Jersey , including 42 with the Panthers. ”I’m glad I got a chance to play and have my family here. My wife, my sons, they got to see me one more time.” … O’Reilly set the NHL record for faceoff wins in a single season with 1,269 – passing Rod Brind’Amour (1,268 FOW in 2005-06). ”It’s special. It’s something I take a lot of pride in,” O’Reilly said. … A moment of silence was observed before the game in memory of the lives lost in a traffic accident Friday night involving the Humboldt Broncos Steelers Authentic Jerseys , a youth hockey team from Canada.

UP NEXT

Sabres: Completed their season.

Panthers: Visit Boston Bruins on Sunday.

—

The Latest on the NFL concussion settlement (all times local):

5:10 p.m.

Lawyers representing former NFL players in their concussion claims estimate payouts from the settlement with the league will likely reach $1.4 billion.

The lawyers filed a status update Wednesday saying an actuary estimates the approved payouts to date and the number of players who had filed to be a part of the settlement are outpacing any previous estimate. The actuary says participation rates are 21 percent higher than estimated when the settlement was reached.

The $400 million increase in estimated payout came after a judge Wednesday denied for now a request from the league to appoint a special investigator to look into what the league said was extensive fraudulent claims against the settlement fund.

Judge Anita Brody says, as of now, the audit process seems to be appropriately ferreting out and denying those claims.

3:40 p.m.

A federal judge has denied a request from the NFL to appoint a special investigator to look into what the league says is extensive fraudulent claims on the $1 billion concussion settlement.

Judge Anita Brody wrote in her ruling Wednesday that the league's attorneys have demonstrated that there is "sufficient evidence of probable fraud to warrant serious concern." Brody says the already in place special master and claims administrator have effectively ferreted out those claims.

The league cited an independent study it said found more than 400 claims had been recommended for denial based on evidence of fraud by attorneys, doctors and former players attempting to cheat the program.

Plaintiffs' lawyers say they support Brody's decision, noting more than $485 million has already been approved for valid claims.

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Less than two weeks after settling a four-year-old lawsuit arising from allegations of fraudulent memorabilia Jordan Poyer Jersey , the Giants fired three members of their equipment staff. Two of them were surprised.

Via Ryan Dunleavy of NJ.com, equipment director Joe Skiba and assistant equipment director Ed Skiba did not expect to be fired.

“Joe and Ed did not see this coming,” attorney Gerald Krovatin told Dunleavy.聽“They are two stand-up guys, and they stood tall throughout the four difficult years of this lawsuit. They remain very grateful for the 20-plus years they were able to work with the players Jesper Bratt Jersey Kids , coaches and everyone else in the Giants organization.”

Though not said expressly by Krovatin, the Skibas also may be surprised because they cooperated with the lawsuit, saying what needed to be said to push back against the allegations. But it’s hardly uncommon for a company to rally around the employees whose conduct gave rise to a lawsuit, ensuring their cooperation with the reality of ongoing employment and the vague promise that the relationship will continue until the case goes away. And then the employees whose behavior fell at the heart of the lawsuit go away Sam Darnold Color Rush Jersey , too.

Absent a settlement agreement of their own that gives the Skibas severance pay in exchange for silence, the Giants may have to worry about what Joe and Ed Skiba may say.

Consider this exchange of text messages from May 2016 between the Skibas, as reported last year by the Washington Post.

鈥淚 hate it here,鈥?Joe Skiba said to Ed Skiba. 鈥淕uys who mow the lawn make more.鈥?/p>

鈥淸Our] raises are because they are paying our legal fees Authentic Chad Thomas Jersey ,鈥?Ed Skiba replied.

Joe Skiba suggested that he was considering requesting overtime, 鈥淐ause my insights on the case cost money now.鈥?/p>

Ed Skiba said at one point that it’s “[n]ot even worth it.鈥?/p>

鈥淔or me it is,鈥?Joe Skiba replied. 鈥淚鈥檒l tell the whole f–king world the truth.鈥?/p>

Maybe now Joe Skiba will. Or at least his version of it.

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Who else is happy to have NFL football back?!?!

Fans of football Vincent Rey Jersey , specifically the NFL, are accustomed to seeing a certain group of players score touchdowns; when Ben Roethlisberger airs it out, it's a foregone conclusion it winds up in the hands of Antonio Brown. Or聽when Eli Manning launches a ball downfield, you can聽bet your life Odell Beckham Jr. is the receiver chasing after it.

Matt Ryan... Julio Jones. Deshaun Watson... DeAndre Hopkins. Andy Dalton... A.J. Green.

The list goes on and on -- the NFL has never had more bonafide superstar wide receivers in it than it does today.

Given the league's transformation, it's no surprise that wide receivers are finding themselves in the spotlight (and end zone) more than ever. Offenses聽are more pass-oriented compared to聽prior eras -- teams no longer expect running backs to carry the ball 30 or 35 times, but they will have their quarterback (good or bad) air it out 40 times on any given Sunday.

The 2017 NFL season saw just under 1.5 receiving touchdowns scored per game聽but not every catch-for-six聽comes from an All-Pro wideout. Sometimes the lesser-knowns get their time to shine Logan Thomas Jersey , allowing them to show off their celebration style and skills in the process.聽If you don't like the relaxed approach to celebrations then you don't like fun, and that's a problem.

Here are 20 players that have, through some miracle, caught a touchdown in the past five seasons. Don't be surprised if you haven't heard much about them before coming here.

Gareon Conley is ready for a fresh start.

The 2017 first-round pick who was expected to become the shutdown cornerback Oakland has lacked for years had his first season derailed by injuries that limited him to just two games as a rookie and created a void in the Raiders secondary.

"I feel like it's still my rookie year because I didn't play a lot," Conley said Tuesday. "I learned a lot mentally. I feel like it's my second year mentally knowing the game and the logistics. But physically I feel like it's my rookie year again because I didn't play a lot."

Conley is a key part of a revamped secondary that brings back just one cornerback who played at least 100 snaps on defense last year in Dexter McDonald, who is a longshot to make the team in 2018.

David Amerson and Sean Smith were let go and TJ Carrie left for Cleveland in free agency. In their place are free agent acquisitions Rashaan Melvin Youth Josey Jewell Jersey , Daryl Worley and Leon Hall, as well as draft pick Nick Nelson.

But perhaps the most important member of that group will be Conley, who is being counted on to provide the lockdown coverage Oakland has been missing ever since Nnamdi Asomugha left seven years ago.

"He's showing why he was the first-round pick," safety Reggie Nelson said. "I think there's a high standard out there for him and he's holding that up. I think Conley is doing a great job right now doing what the coaches ask him to do. ... He just has tight coverage. A great little athlete. He's going to be great in this game. Just keep learning and playing ball."

Conley wasn't able to do much as a rookie after being drafted 24th overall out of Ohio State despite a rape allegation that surfaced shortly before the draft but ended up with no charges being filed.

Conley was impressive in offseason workouts last year before hurting his shin in minicamp in June. That injury lingered and kept Conley sidelined for all of training camp.

He managed to work his way back and made it on the field for his NFL debut in Week 2 but said he was never completely healthy. Conley showed flashes of his ability the first time he was targeted with a pass when he made an acrobatic breakup against the New York Jets and nearly tipped the ball to Nelson for an interception.

But he played only one more game, finishing the season with just 93 defensive snaps and seven tackles. In 53 snaps of coverage, Conley allowed just four catches for 35 yards Adidas Brock Boeser Jersey , according to SportRadar.

"I feel like I played all right but I feel like I could play way better watching film," Conley said. "I had a couple of good plays but I had a lot of bad plays, too."

Conley tried to work his way back by taking time off practice but never completely healed and eventually needed season-ending surgery.

He was limited at the start of the offseason program this year but is now back to full speed and showing the Raiders why he was so coveted coming out of college.

"It's been a dark world that he's been in, this young man," coach Jon Gruden said. "He had a terrible injury he had to rehab from. He's had to change coaches, learn a new system. It's been a slow Authentic Josh Sitton Jersey , steady process but man he's a good player. When he's feeling good, you can see why we picked him No. 1."

NOTES: Rookie T Brandon Parker and DL Fadol Brown got into a fight during a two-minute drill late in practice and Gruden sent Brown off the field and to the weight room. "I didn't like what happened today, particularly in the situation. ... We're in a two-minute drill to win the game and we got a guy ejected for fighting," Gruden said. ... S Marcus Gilchrist sat out with a minor calf injury.

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When a die-hard Philadelphia Eagles fan woke up groggy from recent dental surgery Youth Pernell McPhee Jersey , she had one big fear: ”Did I miss the Super Bowl?!?”

Haley Parks’ father posted a video on Facebook this week showing her coming out of anesthesia after having her wisdom teeth removed.

When her mom let her know the game was Sunday, Parks asked if she could go. She says the team is ”like my sisters,” that they better win because she wants to go to a parade, and that she’s sad for injured Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz.

But she has faith in ”St. Nick,” Eagles’ quarterback Nick Foles.

The video had been viewed more than a million times as of Thursday John Tavares Jersey , something Parks says has been ”crazy to see.”

The Eagles face the New England Patriots Sunday.

As Browns wide receiver Antonio Callaway stood by, a police officer said he "got real nervous" when he found bullets and a gun part while searching the rookie's vehicle.

Callaway was cited for marijuana possession and driving with a suspended license after being stopped by Strongsville, Ohio police early Sunday morning for failing to yield to oncoming traffic..

On Wednesday, the dash-camera video obtained by TMZ shows Callaway getting out of his car and being questioned by police after the ammunition and a "strap" for a handgun were found in the 23-year-old's car.

A Browns spokesman said Callaway, a fourth-round pick who had numerous off-field problems while he was at Florida Adidas Nikita Kucherov Jersey , traveled with the team for Thursday's exhibition opener against the New York Giants.

Callaway had been scheduled to appear in court Thursday, but had his appearance moved to Aug. 23. He recently moved into the starting lineup after the Browns traded Corey Coleman to Buffalo. It's still not known if Coleman will be disciplined by the team.

Callaway was pulled over at 2:59 a.m., and during the routine stop was asked to exit his vehicle after one of the officers smelled marijuana. In the video, Callaway says he has not been smoking and tells the officer his car had just been shipped from Florida.

Once he returns to his patrol car, one officer tells the other he got worried when he found the bullets.

"I got real nervous when I opened (the car) up and first thing right down by where the seats sit is the backstrap of a Glock Clint Boling Jersey , and then he's got a bunch of spare single rounds sitting in the center console," the unidentified officer said. "So I got real nervous when he's standing back there and there's no gun but there's gun stuff everywhere."

Callaway says he owned a gun, but that it was in Florida. The officer asks to pat him down to make sure he's not carrying a weapon.

There was no mention of the ammunition or gun part in the police report. The AP has requested the dash-cam video.

Coach Hue Jackson said he only learned of Callaway's situation on Tuesday and said he wanted to gather more information before commenting further.

"Obviously, the red flag is up," Jackson said. "Let me work through it http://www.packersauthorizedshops.com/authentic-josh-jackson-jersey , see what it is and go from there."

Callaway is already in Stage 1 of the NFL's substance-abuse program after he provided a diluted urine sample at the league's combine in February. He could be subject to a fine or discipline from the league for his latest transgression.

s://apnews/tag/NFLfootball and s://AP_NFL

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The Buccaneers could be expecting the tight end who unexpectedly slid to No. 19 in the 2017 draft to make a significant jump in 2018.

Tight end O.J. Howard caught the attention of his head coach during the offseason program Authentic Jaire Alexander Jersey , finishing up spring practice with a flourish.

“You saw two good examples of O.J. right there at the end,” coach Dirk Koetter said Wednesday at the conclusion of practice, via Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times. “He made that great catch in the end zone [Tuesday]. He made that beautiful catch in the seam, then a few plays later, we threw the screen to him. I mean O.J.’s incredible athleticism just jumps out to you.”

Howard had 26 catches for 432 yards and six touchdowns in 2017. He shares time with tight bend Cameron Brate Youth Hayden Hurst Jersey , who signed a long-term deal earlier in the offseason.

“I think with him knowing more what to expect with the 16-game schedule and six-week training camp, it’s easy to see, I don’t think anybody who watched those plays wouldn’t see why that guy was a first-round draft pick last year,” Koetter said.

The Tampa Bay offense has plenty of weapons in the passing game, with the two tight ends accompanied by receivers Mike Evans and DeSean Jackson. If they can put it all together Rigoberto Sanchez Jersey , the Bucs may finally get back to the playoffs, for the time time since 2007. Their last postseason win came in Super Bowl XXXVIII.

Arizona coach Steve Wilks confirmed what the team’s statement said Monday about Christian Kirk‘s arrest: The Cardinals knew about the receiver’s arrest, conducted their own investigation and felt comfortable enough with what they found to draft Kirk in the second round.

“Well, I鈥檓 not going to go indulge in what he told us, but I will say this Youth Dante Pettis Jersey , we knew about it,” Wilks said Tuesday, via Josh Weinfuss of ESPN. “We did our own independent research on it, and we felt very good about the information that we received and that鈥檚 why we moved forward in really drafting him. As I stated before, we want to bring in great character guys Authentic Paul Worrilow Jersey , and I think Christian is one of those guys. I think the situation is going to resolve itself here in a couple of months. And with it still being an on-going legal issue, I鈥檓 not going to go into it any further than that.鈥?/p>

Kirk was arrested in February, charged with damaging property and disorderly conduct-disruptive behavior for throwing rocks at cars outside the Waste Management Phoenix Open.

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A look ahead to top enterprise and feature stories planned globally by AP Sports. New digests will go out each Thursday and Monday and will be repeated on other weekdays. Please note that story plans may change depending on news and other issues.

For access to AP Newsroom and other technical issues Youth C.J. Mosley Jersey , contact AP Customer Support at apcustomersupport(at)ap.org or 877-836-9477. For reruns, call the Service Desk 800-838-4616 or your local AP bureau.

As with all our operations, we welcome and want your feedback. If you have thoughts or questions about the Sports Showcase Digest or the material listed, please reach out to Oskar Garcia, deputy sports editor for presentation and storytelling, at 215-446-6632 or at ogarcia(at)ap.org.

All times are Eastern.

—

SENT:

SOC–WCUP-THE JERSEYS

NEW YORK – Spain, your asymmetry is showing. Nigeria, you’re so bright I need shades! Croatia, Russia’s fresh out of Big Boy restaurants. Those three countries and a few more are among the more festive standouts in jerseys this time around, with loads of sentimental touches in the designs of the 32 shirts rolled out over the last few months. By Leanne Italie. SENT: 1,000 words, photos.

SOC-WCUP PREVIEW

After raising the World Cup eight miles from Copacabana Beach four years ago, Germany hopes to lift the trophy four miles from the Kremlin on July 15 and become the first repeat champion in more than a half-century. The soccer world gathers at 12 stadiums in 11 cities across the European portion of Russia starting June 14 for a 32-day Zemgus Girgensons Jersey , 64-match championship. Much has changed since Die Mannschaft humiliated the host Selecao 7-1 in the 2014 semifinals, then left Rio de Janeiro’s Maracana Stadium with a 1-0 extra-time win over Argentina on Mario Goetze’s 113th-minute goal. By Ronald Blum. SENT: 860 words, photos.

WEDNESDAY, June 13

FBN–WENTZ’S COMEBACK

PHILADELPHIA – Carson Wentz was having an MVP season before a torn ACL forced him to the sideline where he watched Nick Foles lead the Philadelphia Eagles to their first Super Bowl victory. Wentz has a mission to return for Week 1 but his return comes with interesting circumstances: He’s got no pressure to return right away because the Eagles can lean on the Super Bowl MVP to start the season. And that’s not necessarily a threat to Wentz, whose friendship with Foles appears without the strain seen in other famed NFL tandems like Brett Favre and Aaron Rodgers or Joe Montana and Steve Young. That has allowed Wentz to pursue other interests while rehabbing, like building a sports complex during a mission trip to Haiti, with the comfort of knowing his job is reasonably safe if he plays well once he comes back. By Rob Maaddi. UPCOMING: 850 words, photos by 3 a.m. Wednesday.

SOF–OLY-SOFTBALL GLOBALIZATION

OKLAHOMA CITY – U.S. softball officials say the sport needs to thrive outside the mainland United States and Japan to remain an Olympic sport long term. Softball was in the Summer Olympics from 1996 to 2008 but was left off the program in 2012 and 2016. It will return in Tokyo in 2020, and U.S. officials hope to convince Paris officials it needs to be a part of the 2024 Games. They say evidence of progress for other national teams will help their argument. By Cliff Brunt. UPCOMING: 750 words, photos by 12 p.m. Wednesday.

THURSDAY, June 14

BBC–STRIKEOUT UPSWING

OMAHA, Neb. – If the College World Series plays out like the season up to this point, there’ll be lots of strikeouts. Mirroring what’s happening in the major leagues Mathew Barzal Jersey , strikeouts are on the upswing in the college game. Strikeouts are at an all-time high, and the number of pitching staffs averaging nine or more per nine innings has tripled in the last two years. By Eric Olson. UPCOMING: 750 words, photos by 3 a.m. Thursday.

FRIDAY, June 15

FBC–COLLEGE FOOTBALL FATHERS

It is not uncommon to find major college football players all over the country who are fathers, many of them unmarried. Coaches say they want to know as much as possible when a child is in the picture. Information and understanding are vital to helping players who are fathers manage the responsibilities of school, football and parenthood. For some coaches it is not just about accommodating players who have kids, it is about helping to teach the young men in their programs to be good dads. By AP College Football Writer Ralph D. Russo. UPCOMING: 900 words, photos by 3 a.m. Friday.

SOC–WCUP-AMERICAN REFEREES

MOSCOW – The United States is missing from the World Cup for the first time since 1986 but is the only nation with two referees in Russia: Mark Geiger and Jair Marrufo. By Ronald Blum. UPCOMING: 800 words, photos by 4 p.m. Friday.

SATURDAY, June 16

SOC–WORLD CUP-VIEWING PARTIES

SAN JOSE, Calif. – Start times before the sun rises and the lack of the U.S. team in the World Cup might seem to put a damper on excitement for the tournament. But the San Jose Earthquakes hope to make it a month-long party by showing every game on the video board at Avaya Stadium, even those starting as early as 3 a.m. local time. By Josh Dubow. UPCOMING: 800 words, photos by 3 a.m. Saturday.

—

Again Womens Greg Olsen Jersey , if you have questions about the Sports Showcase Digest or the material listed, please reach out to Oskar Garcia at 215-446-6632 or ogarcia(at)ap.org.

Thanks,

AP Sports

NEW YORK — It took Jose Bautista 1,727 major league games to hit a walk-off home run. It only seems like it has been that long since the New York Mets won consecutive games at home.

The Mets will hope Bautista’s long-awaited walk-off on Friday propels them to a rare winning streak on Saturday afternoon at Citi Field when they host the Tampa Bay Rays in the middle game of a three-game series.

The Mets’ Steven Matz (4-5, 3.46 ERA) is scheduled to oppose Rays ace Blake Snell (11-4, 2.24) in a battle of left-handers.

Bautista made his first walk-off homer a particularly memorable one when his grand slam with two outs in the ninth inning lifted the Mets to a 5-1 win in the series opener.

“I guess sometimes it just takes awhile,” said Bautista, whose 336 homers without a walk-off before Friday were the most among active players.

The 37-year-old Bautista has proved to be a rare bright spot for the struggling Mets (35-49) by hitting .255 with four homers, 18 RBIs and a .432 on-base percentage since signing with New York on May 22, hours after he was released by the Atlanta Braves. He hit just .143 with two homers and five RBIs in 12 games for Atlanta.

“Top-tier production out of a guy that we got from Atlanta, who let him go, so that (performance is) surprising,” Mets manager Mickey Callaway said Friday night. “Now the guy himself Brock McGinn Jersey Kids , who has the body of a 25-year-old (and) stays in shape? Can never count those guys out. He’s been playing for a long time, had a lot of success.”

Success has been hard to come by for the Mets, especially at home, where they haven’t won consecutive games since a four-game winning streak from May 18 to May 21. New York is 3-15 in its last 18 games at Citi Field.

The task won’t be easy Saturday when Snell looks to continue his breakout season for the Rays (43-44) and further bolster his case for drawing the start for the American League in the All-Star Game on July 17.

Snell has limited opposing batters to a .179 average, the lowest in the AL. He is tied for second in the the league in wins and ranks third in ERA.

Snell has been particularly dominant in winning his last three starts, a stretch in which he has allowed just two runs in 21 1/3 innings while striking out 26 and allowing 20 baserunners. He surrendered one run and struck out 10 in 7 1/3 innings in beating the Houston Astros on Sunday.

Rays manager Kevin Cash said the success has emboldened Snell, who entered the seasons with just 11 wins and a 3.83 ERA in 43 career starts.

“We all know how talented he is and the stuff that he features — there aren’t many guys in baseball, 6-foot-5 left-handers that throw that hard — but the consistency has been probably the most eye-popping of all of it,” Cash said. “And I’m sure there’s a lot of reasons that go into that. But once he got some confidence and realized how talented he is, I think it carries over from start to start.”

Snell has never faced the Mets, though he did pitch at Citi Field as a member of the “home” team last Sept. 12. In that game, he allowed one run and two hits in five innings for the Rays against the New York Yankees in a game relocated to Citi Field because of Hurricane Irma’s impact on the Tampa Bay area.

Matz also picked up the win in his most recent start Sunday when he gave up an unearned run in 5 1/3 innings as the Mets beat the Miami Marlins 5-2. He has never faced the Rays.

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