UT Martin opens Big South-OVC play with 20-10 win over Tennessee State The Associated Press MARTIN, Tenn.
MARTIN, Tenn. (AP) — Kinkead Dent passed for one touchdown and ran for another to help UT Martin defeat Tennessee State and win its Big South-Ohio Valley Conference Association opener on Saturday night.
After Tennessee State (2-2, 1-1) took a 10-0 lead, Dent threw a 15-yard TD pass to DJ Nelson with 4 1/2 minutes left in the half. Then he went 31 yards for the go-ahead score with 48 seconds remaining and a 14-10 halftime lead.
Aidan Laros had the only points in the second half with a pair of field goals for the Skyhawks (4-1, 1-0).
The Tigers' points came on Draylen Ellis' 28-yard run and James Lowery's field goal. But the Tigers ended up punting on its nine other possessions.
Dent was 16-of-25 passing for 230 yards and ran for another 48. Sam Franklin rushed 132 yards on 20 carries while DeVonte Tanksley had 93 yards on six catches.
Ellis was 16-of-33 passing for 189 yards and ran for 46 more. Karate Brenson had 85 yards receiving on four catches.
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Aaron Rodgers rejoins the Jets and is expected to attend their game vs. Chiefs, AP source says By DENNIS WASZAK Jr. AP Pro Football Writer The Associated Press
Aaron Rodgers attended a team meeting at the New York Jets’ New Jersey hotel Saturday night and is expected to attend the game against the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday night, according to a person with knowledge of the situation.
The four-time NFL MVP had been healing and rehabilitating at home in Malibu, California, after having surgery 2 1/2 weeks ago to repair a torn left Achilles tendon. Rodgers was injured four snaps into his debut with the Jets on Sept. 11 against Buffalo.
The 39-year-old Rodgers hinted earlier this week during his weekly appearance on “The Pat McAfee Show” he could make his first public appearance since the injury if he was cleared by doctors to travel.
“You never know who you’re going to see at the game,” Rodgers said with a grin.
It was unclear then if he was referring to himself or pop superstar Taylor Swift, who could also be at the game at MetLife Stadium to support Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce — or perhaps both.
Rodgers apparently received medical clearance to fly and be with his teammates, according to multiple reports Saturday night. The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the team didn’t announce Rodgers had rejoined his teammates.
Photos published by the New York Post on Friday of Rodgers walking on crutches and his left leg in a compression sleeve after a workout in Los Angeles further fueled speculation the quarterback could attend the game.
“I would love to have him back, but whenever it is safe for him to travel,” coach Robert Saleh said Friday. “I know he wants to get back, but I’m not exactly sure where that is on the timeline.”
It apparently was right on time for him to make it to participate in meetings Saturday and attend the game Sunday night.
His teammates were excited about the idea of Rodgers at some point rejoining them, even if he can’t play.
“That would be awesome to have as good of a football mind as he is around the team for, you know, someone like me to be able to bounce my thoughts off and see what he’s thinking,” wide receiver Garrett Wilson said Friday. “To have him around, the energy, the aura that he comes with, I mean, it’s priceless, man. So as soon as we can get him back, his presence will be felt.
“And, I look forward to that. I hope it is this weekend.”
Two days after the injury, Rodgers had surgery performed by Dr. Neal ElAttrache in Los Angeles. There were reports Rodgers had a “speed bridge” procedure, which is designed to accelerate the normal rehabilitation process.
The quarterback wouldn’t go into specifics during a recent appearance on “The Pat McAfee Show” on the procedure or his rehab, saying only: “Some of the things that were reported about the type of surgery I got was factual. Some of the stuff was not entirely factual.”
Rodgers said he wouldn’t put a timeline on a return to play football, but has said he’ll use anyone doubting him as motivation in his rehabilitation. — AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL
Jaguars' return specialist Agnew inactive. Patterson set for season debut for Falcons The Associated Press LONDON
LONDON (AP) — Return specialist Jamal Agnew will be inactive Sunday for the Jacksonville Jaguars against the Atlanta Falcons at Wembley Stadium because of a thigh injury.
Agnew had been listed as questionable this week in practice. Since entering the league in 2017, he leads the NFL with seven return touchdowns — four punt returns, two kickoff returns and one field goal return.
For the Falcons, running back Cordarrelle Patterson is set for his season debut. The versatile veteran was not listed among Atlanta's inactives.
Patterson had missed the first three games because of a thigh injury.
The Falcons now call Patterson’s position “Joker” for his wild-card potential as a receiver and runner.
Also inactive for the Jags are LB Devin Lloyd (thumb), safety Antonio Johnson (hamstring), WR Zay Jones (knee) and WR Elijah Cooks.
The Falcons inactives list is CB Clark Phillips III, OL Jovaughn Gwyn, WR Josh Ali, DL Albert Huggins and DL Joe Gaziano.
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Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku burned on face, arm in home accident while lighting fire pit By TOM WITHERS AP Sports Writer The Associated Press CLEVELAND
CLEVELAND (AP) — Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku suffered burns to his face and arm in an accident at home while lighting a fire pit.
Njoku was added to the injury report on Saturday and listed as questionable for Sunday's home game against the Baltimore Ravens.
“The flesh is weak,” Njoku wrote on social media . “See u tomorrow #DawgPound.”
It's not immediately known when the accident took place or the severity of Njoku's injuries. However, his agent Malki Kawa, posted on social media that the 27-year-old tight end “is OK.” Kawa thanked “everyone for reaching out.”
Njoku, who is in his seventh season with Cleveland, has 10 catches for 92 yards this season. He's a solid blocker and coach Kevin Stefanski noted earlier this week that Njoku has been a major contributor on several big plays through three games.
"He’s made a huge impact for us already,” Stefanski said. “He’s very close to why we’re having success. He gets a ton of attention from defenses in the pass game. He does a great job competing in the run game.
"I can think back to a few plays in the last few weeks that are only having success because he’s at the point of attack. So he’s a very, very complete tight end.”
Njoku's injury further complicates things for the Browns (2-1), who could be without starting quarterback Deshaun Watson against the Ravens. Watson was limited in practice this week with a shoulder injury and is also questionable.
If Watson can't play, rookie Dorian Thompson-Robinson, a fifth-round pick from UCLA, will make his first NFL start. Thompson-Robinson, who had a strong training camp and preseason, took the majority of snaps with Cleveland's starting offense this week.
The Browns elevated tight end Zaire Mitchell-Paden from the practice squad in case Njoku is inactive.
Quarterback P.J. Walker was also brought up from the practice squad as insurance for Watson's situation.
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Ray Davis rushes for career-high 280 yards and scores 4 TDs, Kentucky dominates No. 22 Florida 33-14 By GARY B. GRAVES AP Sports Writer The Associated Press LEXINGTON, Ky.
LEXINGTON, Ky. (AP) — Ray Davis gave an encouraging glimpse of what was to come for Kentucky on his first three carries against Florida.
He totaled 33 yards and was on the way to one of the best games a Wildcats running back has ever had.
Davis rushed for a career-high 280 yards and scored four touchdowns, including three in the first half, as Kentucky overwhelmed the 22nd-ranked Gators 33-14 on Saturday.
The Wildcats (5-0, 2-0 Southeastern Conference) turned a matchup considered critical toward establishing an East Division challenger behind top-ranked Georgia into a rout before halftime thanks to Davis' dominant day.
The Vanderbilt transfer established a career rushing best with 206 yards before the break alone in addition to scoring runs of 3 and 75 yards, the latter virtually untouched after bursting through a hole on the left side.
Davis also charged for a 9-yard TD reception that made it 10-0, getting a little assist at the goal line from guard Eli Cox. He added 2-yard TD run early in the third quarter on the way to a 26-carry day for the third-highest single-game rushing total in program history and the first 200-yard effort since Chris Rodriguez Jr. had 207 against Missouri in September 2021.
A week after rushing for 78 yards and a TD on 17 attempts against his former team, Davis figured he needed redemption in a game that Kentucky needed.
“I really didn't do a whole lot today,” Davis said. “You've got to give credit to the O-line and the receiver corps. These guys were blocking downfield. I was just staying with it.”
Kentucky outrushed Florida 329-69, its first 300-yard performance since gaining 362 against Louisville two years ago.
More impressively, the Wildcats totaled 398 yards against the SEC's top overall and scoring defense , which entered the game yielding just 224 yards and 13.5 points per outing. The Wildcats also beat the Gators (3-2, 1-1) for the third consecutive time — their first such streak since winning four in a row from 1948-51 — and fourth in six meetings.
“We were far from perfect," coach Mark Stoops said, "but when we did put it together, we were humming on all sides. ... Our guys came out strong and that’s something I said we needed to go back to, establishing the line of scrimmage. That’s who we are.”
Graham Mertz threw a 4-yard TD pass to Hayden Hansen just before halftime and a 33-yard score to Ricky Pearsall in the third quarter. Mertz completed 25 of 30 passes for 244 yards, but was sacked three times.
He was also intercepted by Trevin Wallace, who snatched defensive tackle Deone Walker's deflection of a pass intended for Arlis Boardingham and returned it 21 yards to the Florida 15 and set up Davis' first score.
“Not a lot of positives to talk about today,” Florida coach Billy Napier said. ”Hats off to coach Stoops and Kentucky. They were ready to play and they were the more physical team."
Florida has lost seven of eight away from Florida Field under Napier and five of six in true road games.
THE TAKEAWAY
Florida: The Gators reached the end zone after settling for five field goals against Charlotte, but it was too late by then as just about everything else failed against Kentucky. Their defense barely laid a hand on Davis, whose big TD run came after the special teams was flagged for a costly leaping penalty on a punt.
“I think the early morning game had a factor in it, to be honest," inside linebacker Shemar James said. "We came out very flat defensively and we kind of got it together in the second half, but you have to start fast to finish (on) top in the SEC.”
Kentucky: Davis took a huge step toward establishing himself as the SEC’s top runner with a monster day. Alex Raynor made two field goals, including a career-long 50-yarder. The Wildcats were aggressive in most every phase, just what they needed with a bigger challenge looming at Georgia next week.
BETTER EXECUTION
Kentucky didn’t allow quarterback Devin Leary to be sacked, finished without a turnover and were penalized just three times for 25 yards, a big shift after four games in which they looked shaky and penalty prone.
“The O-line came off and mentioned they felt like they could get some movement in the run game,” offensive coordinator Liam Coen said. “We got the (illegal jumping) penalty on the punt, and the 75-yarder, you’re like, ‘Ok, we have something.’ The offensive line played great, the tight ends blocked, the receivers blocked.”
POLL IMPLICATIONS
Florida should exit the rankings after being swamped by Kentucky, which made a strong case toward getting in after earning 41 votes last week.
UP NEXT
Florida hosts Vanderbilt next Saturday.
Kentucky visits the top-ranked Bulldogs.
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AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/college-football and https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll
Running back Saquon Barkley is doubtful for Monday night's game against Seattle, New York Giants say By TOM CANAVAN AP Sports Writer The Associated Press EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J.
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) — Star running back Saquon Barkley has been listed as doubtful for the New York Giants' game against the Seattle Seahawks on Monday night because of a sprained right ankle.
Barkley practiced on a limited basis Saturday for the third straight day and coach Brian Daboll listed him as doubtful on the final injury report.
Daboll also said star left tackle Andrew Thomas would miss his third straight game with a hamstring injury. He was hurt in the season opener against Dallas. Second-year pro Josh Ezeudu will start again.
“Saquon will practice, do a little bit more,” Daboll said before Saturday's workout. “We’ll see where he’s at and take it right up to game time.”
Barkley sprained his ankle on Sept. 17 late in a game against the Arizona Cardinals. The 2018 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year did not play four days later in a loss to the San Francisco 49ers.
After Saturday's practice, Barkley confirmed for the first time to local media he sustained a high sprain to his ankle. He had one in 2019 and missed three games.
“I think I am doing way better than what other people would expect, especially talking to doctors, I'm further along, but it's frustrating," Barkley said. "I'm healing fast, but you want it to be faster.”
Barkley, who is playing on a one-year contract worth up to $11 million, said he loves playing football, doesn't like watching it and wants to be out there with his teammates. He added he has felt better with each passing day but that he wants to play when he can compete at a high level and protect his quarterback as needed.
The Giants have lost two of their first three games. Seattle is 2-1 and never has lost at MetLife Stadium in five tries.
Barkley refused to say whether he did any speed drills on Saturday. He was coy when asked about his chances of playing Monday night.
“I think I will have a better answer tomorrow and a better answer the day after that, that's Monday, right? We'll see,” he said.
Barkley has carried 29 times in two games for 114 yards and a touchdown. The No. 2 overall draft pick in 2018 has caught nine passes for 41 yards and another TD.
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Ravens put linebacker David Ojabo on injured reserve with ankle and knee problems The Associated Press OWINGS MILLS, Md.
OWINGS MILLS, Md. (AP) — The Baltimore Ravens put linebacker David Ojabo on injured reserve Saturday with ankle and knee problems.
The Ravens also announced that they signed linebacker Kyle Van Noy to the 53-man roster and elevated running back Melvin Gordon and wide receiver Laquon Treadwell from the practice squad before Sunday's game at Cleveland .
Baltimore drafted Ojabo in the second round out of Michigan in 2022, when he was coming off an Achilles tendon injury. He made it back toward the end of last year, but now he's dealing with more injuries after playing in the first three games of the season.
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Raiders release Chandler Jones, capping final tumultuous month with the team By MARK ANDERSON AP Sports Writer The Associated Press HENDERSON, Nev.
HENDERSON, Nev. (AP) — The Las Vegas Raiders released defensive end Chandler Jones on Saturday, ending a tumultuous final month with the club in which he lashed out several times on social media.
The Raiders’ decision to release Jones, who had been on the non-football illness list, came one day after he was arrested by Las Vegas police for allegedly violating a domestic violence temporary protection order. He’s scheduled to appear in court Dec. 4.
Las Vegas also placed linebacker Curtis Bolton (knee) on injured reserve, meaning he must miss at least next four games. Linebacker Kana’i Mauga was signed to the active roster, and cornerback Tyler Hall and linebacker Malik Reed were activated off the practice squad.
Jones' issues with the Raiders first surfaced shortly before Las Vegas' season opener on Sept. 10 at Denver when he accused the team of locking him out of the facility. He was especially critical of coach Josh McDaniels and general manager Dave Ziegler.
This week, Jones was highly active on X, the social media platform formerly called Twitter, making unusual allegations regarding the death of former New England Patriots tight end Aaron Hernandez, among other bizarre posts.
McDaniels wouldn't get into specifics about Jones at Friday's news conference, but was asked about how concerned he is in general about players' well-being.
“I care for all of them,” McDaniels said. “I think we all do. We want the best for all of our players, former players, etc. So, that will never change. That part is going to be there now and forever for all the guys we’ve coached and got an opportunity to know and work with.”
The Raiders signed Jones in March 2022 hoping that he would bolster their pass rush, but he had just 4 1/2 sacks last season. Jones has 112 career sacks.
His absence this season has had a noticeable effect on the Raiders, who don't have another pass rusher to better free up Maxx Crosby. Las Vegas has tried several options, including moving Crosby all over the line to decrease the number of double teams. He has two sacks in three games.
The Raiders are at the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday.
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Browns star RB Nick Chubb undergoes knee surgery, will need 2nd operation to repair torn ligament By TOM WITHERS AP Sports Writer The Associated Press CLEVELAND
CLEVELAND (AP) — Cleveland Browns star running back Nick Chubb sustained a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee when he suffered a season-ending injury almost two weeks ago on national TV against Pittsburgh, the team said in a statement Saturday.
Team physician Dr. James Voos repaired damage to Chubb's left medial capsule, meniscus, and medial collateral ligament during surgery on Friday, the Browns said. Chubb will have to undergo a second surgery in the coming months to repair his ACL.
There had been hope that Chubb had only hurt his MCL and stretched his ACL, but there was no way to know for certain until surgery.
In the update, the Browns estimated the four-time Pro Bowler could recover and return “at some point in the 2024 season.”
Chubb tore the ligaments in the same knee when he got hurt in 2015 while playing at Georgia.
Chubb got hurt Sept. 18 when he took a direct shot to the side of his knee from Steelers safety Minkah Fitzpatrick, who came in low on a tackle that collapsed Cleveland's running back inside Pittsburgh's 5-yard line.
One of Cleveland's most respected players, Chubb was carted off the field in tears.
The loss of Chubb is a major blow to the Browns (2-1), who have leaned on him the past few seasons.
The team has dedicated the remainder of this season to the steady and stoic 27-year-old Chubb, who has rushed for 6,341 yards and 48 touchdowns in five seasons. He gained 106 yards in the season opener and had 64 on 10 carries against the Steelers before going down. The Steelers won 26-22.
Following last week's win over Tennessee, Browns coach Kevin Stefanski hand delivered a game ball to Chubb at home.
Second-year back Jerome Ford moved into Chubb's starting spot and the Browns re-signed Kareem Hunt as a backup.
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Garoppolo won't play against Chargers, leaving Raiders starting QB a mystery By MARK ANDERSON AP Sports Writer The Associated Press HENDERSON, Nev.
HENDERSON, Nev. (AP) — Jimmy Garoppolo was ruled out of Sunday's game at the Los Angeles Chargers because of a concussion, making the Las Vegas Raiders' starting quarterback a mystery.
Either 15-year veteran Brian Hoyer or rookie Aidan O'Connell will start in place of Garoppolo, who has been in concussion protocol after getting injured Sunday night against the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Raiders didn't announce which one would get the nod.
Also, the Raiders announced that starting cornerback Nate Hobbs will not play because of an ankle injury, and running back Brandon Bolden didn't make the trip to Los Angeles because of personal reasons. Bolden, however, will travel to LA on his own and is expected to play.
Las Vegas coach Josh McDaniels was noncommittal when asked earlier in the week which quarterback he might go with against the Chargers.
“I think everybody is going to get ready to go, and I think sometimes experience is a good thing,” McDaniels said. “It doesn’t mean that it’s going to determine how it’s going to go for one guy versus another. There are a lot of guys that don’t have a lot of experience that can play well because they’re prepared and they do the right thing to get ready. Ultimately, what matters is how they perform, not how long they’ve been in the NFL or how many games they’ve played in or what have you.”
Hoyer and McDaniels go back to New England when the QB was Tom Brady's backup and McDaniels was the Patriots' offensive coordinator.
“I've been a starter, I've been a backup,” Hoyer said Thursday. “The mentality is always prepare to play and then go out and execute when your name's called.”
O'Connell was drafted this year in the fourth round out of Purdue and had a strong preseason. He completed 69.4% of his passes for 482 yards, with three touchdowns and no interceptions in three preseason games. He started two of them.
At some point, especially with a quarterback-rich draft next year, the Raiders will have to determine if O'Connell is their QB of the future or if they need to look elsewhere. That could be a determining factor in McDaniels' decision on which player to start.
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