AM Sports

Matt Forte to resume practicing this week

2012-09-24T13:35:00.004-04:00

Bears coach Lovie Smith indicated Monday that Matt Forte (ankle) has a chance to resume practicing as soon as this week. Smith stated that Forte has made "good progress," and missing just one game would obviously be well ahead of schedule for a player initially feared to be in danger of missing 4-6. The Bears face the Cowboys on Monday Night Football in Week 4. While we're not overly optimistic about Forte's chances of playing in that game, he appears to be recovering faster than anticipated. Source: Brad Biggs on Twitter

Peyton Manning "can't throw the ball anymore"?

2012-09-24T13:35:00.001-04:00

One veteran NFL scout observed to NFL Network's Albert Breer Sunday night that Peyton Manning "can't throw the ball anymore." The stats are okay (5:3 TD-to-INT ratio, 60 percent completion rate, 7.2 YPA), but far off Manning's usual standard. He's been inconsistent in terms of velocity and deep passing ability. Added ESPN's Ron Jaworski, "When I see the ball coming out of his hand, what I see is a little wobble on it. That’s not what you want to see. We like to see that thing spinning really nice, tight on a spiral." The Broncos face a brutal Raiders pass defense in Week 4. Source: Profootballtalk on NBC Sports

Fred Jackson will practice this week

2012-09-24T13:33:00.002-04:00

Coach Chan Gailey confirmed that Fred Jackson (knee) will practice this week. Gailey made the comments on a Monday morning radio appearance. "I don't know if it'll be Wednesday or Thursday, but [Jackson] should practice some time this week. His recovery has been amazing," Gailey said. CBS' Jason La Canfora is reporting that Jackson has a real chance of playing in Week 4. If he can't go, Tashard Choice will draw the start. C.J. Spiller (shoulder) is out 1-2 weeks. Source: BuffaloBills.com

Andy Reid said we're with Michael Vick

2012-09-24T13:32:00.004-04:00

Asked if he was considering a quarterback change at Monday's presser, Eagles coach Andy Reid said "right now we're with Michael (Vick)," but that he'll "evaluate it as we go." Reid wasn't hinting at any immediate plans to bench Vick, but it's certainly notable he offered such a tepid endorsement of his starting quarterback. Vick has racked up 905 passing yards and 94 rushing yards through three games, but been a veritable turnover machine, tossing six picks and losing three fumbles. A lot of it has had to do with poor protection, but Vick's decision-making has been iffy at best. Reid's comments are a not so subtle hint Vick needs to up his game. Source: Geoff Mosher on Twitter

Reggie Bush left knee MRI

2012-09-24T13:31:00.001-04:00

The MRI on Reggie Bush's left knee revealed no structural damage and he has not been ruled out of Sunday's game against the Cardinals. Bush has dodged a bullet. This is the third injury to his left knee in the last five years, but it has the look of a mild sprain at worse. After getting the results of his exam, Bush tweeted "Received some great news today! Praise the Lord!" Consider Bush questionable for Sunday. Daniel Thomas and Lamar Miller will share the load if he's out. Source: Adam Schefter on Twitter

Darrelle Revis torn left ACL

2012-09-24T13:30:00.003-04:00

Jets CB Darrelle Revis has been officially diagnosed with a torn left ACL, and is done for the reason. It's a crushing blow for Revis, and potential death-knell for the 2-1 Jets' defense. Coach Rex Ryan's scheme is built entirely around the league's top cover corner, and will now be forced to go with shaky third-year pro Kyle Wilson opposite Antonio Cromartie. It will force the Jets to be more conservative on the back-end, further complicating efforts to jump-start a pass rush that's generated only three sacks in three games. Revis will be in a race against time to be ready for next summer's camp, but should be good to go for Week 1 2013 barring setbacks. A situation like this is why Revis mulled his second holdout in three years. Still only 27, however, Revis has an excellent shot at returning to his pre-injury form. He's signed for $3 million in 2013, and due a $3 million roster bonus. Source: Mike Garafolo on Twitter

Greg Jennings expected to play Monday night

2012-09-24T13:29:00.005-04:00

ESPN's Adam Schefter reports Greg Jennings (groin) is expected to play in Monday night's game against the Seahawks. Jennings is officially "questionable," but practiced fully on Saturday. Schefter describes Jennings' ailment as "lingering," while FOX's Jay Glazer reported Sunday the Packers were initially worried the injury could sideline their No. 1 receiver upwards of four weeks. Nevertheless, Jennings appears intent on playing at less than 100 percent after sitting out in Week 2. Official word should come down around 7ET this evening. If Jennings suits up, it won't be an easy night against the Seahawks' physical secondary. Source: Adam Schefter on Twitter

Brandon Myers sustained a concussion

2012-09-24T13:29:00.002-04:00

Raiders TE Brandon Myers sustained a concussion during the Week 3 win over the Steelers. Myers has quietly emerged as a legit target for Carson Palmer. Through three games, he compiled 15 catches for 206 yards with no touchdowns. "He catches everything you throw to him, and he dives and make plays," Palmer said. "Great player, and we got a lot of plays for him in this offense." Myers will be in a race to get cleared for next week's game against the Broncos. The Raiders could hold him out with the bye looming in Week 5. Source: San Francisco Chronicle

Austin Collie will have MRI on his right knee

2012-09-24T13:28:00.005-04:00

Austin Collie will have a Monday MRI on his right knee. Making his return from his latest concussion, Collie lasted just three quarters. Per the Indy Star, the knee injury "appeared serious" and he couldn't put any weight on his right leg. "That's just a terrible, terrible thing," coach Chuck Pagano said. Donnie Avery will resume every-down wideout duties while Collie is out. Source: Indianapolis Star

Torrey Smith shined in Baltimore's 31-30 win

2012-09-24T13:28:00.002-04:00

Playing with a heavy heart less than 24 hours after the death of his younger brother, Torrey Smith shined in Baltimore's 31-30 Week 3 win over the Patriots, making six catches for 127 yards and a pair of touchdowns. Under the circumstances, it was above-and-beyond what could have been reasonably expected of Baltimore's second-year wideout, who led the team with 10 targets. Smith's 25-yard touchdown in the second quarter was a thing of beauty, as he ran right around RCB Kyle Arrington before making a nice mid-air adjustment on the catch. Smith went to battle with Devin McCourty on his second score, winning a bruising one-on-one as he dove for a five-yard grab in the end zone. Smith's speed had him wide open on more than one occasion, while he's made major improvements in the technical aspects of receiving. There will be more inconsistency going forward, but Smith is locked in as a high-end WR3, with room to grow. Source: NBC Sports

C.J. Spiller shoulder sprain

2012-09-24T13:22:00.003-04:00

ESPN's Adam Schefter reports that the Bills believe C.J. Spiller escaped Sunday's injury with only a shoulder sprain. Schefter confirms that Spiller's collarbone is intact after initial fear it may have been broken. Spiller will undergo an MRI on his left shoulder Monday, but "doctors do not believe he will be sidelined much beyond next week." Spiller's exact role upon return will be uncertain with Fred Jackson (knee) also due back within a game or two. Buffalo's backfield suddenly has the look of a fantasy headache, although we're confident that whichever back is getting the majority of the carries going forward will be highly, highly productive in Chan Gailey's running-friendly Pistol Spread scheme. Source: Adam Schefter on Twitter

Darrius Heyward-Bey suffered a concussion

2012-09-24T13:21:00.002-04:00

The Raiders confirmed late Sunday that Darrius Heyward-Bey suffered a concussion in their Week 3 win over the Steelers. It could have been much worse, of course, considering the fact that he was taken off the field in a gurney and immediately hospitalized. Heyward-Bey's concussion was most likely of the "major" variety as he appeared knocked unconscious. While it's good news that Heyward-Bey didn't suffer a career-threatening injury, we wouldn't expect to see him playing for at least a week or three. Source: Steve Corkran on Twitter

Carlos Gomez returns to Brewers' lineup

2012-09-24T13:04:00.000-04:00

Carlos Gomez (quad) is back in the Brewers' starting lineup on Monday afternoon against the Nationals. Gomez sat out of Sunday's game because of a quad injury that he suffered on a close play at first base Saturday. The dynamic outfielder also has a bruised foot. He'll be playing through pain down the stretch as the Brewers try to catch St. Louis in the Wild Card hunt. Source: Tom Haudricourt on Twitter

Hanley Ramirez left foot x-rays are negative

2012-09-24T13:03:00.001-04:00

X-rays taken late Sunday night on Hanley Ramirez's bruised left foot turned up negative. Ramirez was removed from Sunday's game against the Reds after fouling a pitch off his foot, but he suffered no major structural damage and later singled in the at-bat. The shortstop should be fine to play on Tuesday. Source: Dylan Hernandez on Twitter

Clayton Kershaw threw five innings

2012-09-24T13:02:00.003-04:00

Clayton Kershaw threw five innings of one-run ball Sunday night against the Reds. Pitching with a damaged hip, Kershaw was effectively wild tonight, walking five and hitting a batter before coming out. He also gave up five hits, but the Reds could muster only one run. Whether Kershaw pitches again this year will probably depend on the Dodgers' place in the wild card standings come next weekend. Source: NBC Sports

Ryan Dempster tosses 6 2/3 inning victory

2012-09-24T13:02:00.000-04:00

Ryan Dempster limited the Mariners to two earned runs over 6 2/3 innings in Sunday's 3-2 victory. Dempster fanned eight and yielded just one walk, cruising easily to a win against the Mariners' light-hitting lineup. He's been pretty inconsistent since joining the Rangers at the trade deadline but is certainly capable of getting on a roll heading into the postseason. The veteran right-hander will take on the Angels next time out. Source: NBC Sports

Stephen Curry and Warriors extension talks

2012-09-24T13:00:00.002-04:00

Stephen Curry and the Warriors are tabling extension talks until after the preseason. Both Curry and his agent "expressed optimism" that the two sides would agree to an extension before the season begins, but it's worth noting that the optimism is coming from Curry's agent, who is obviously inclined to get a deal done for his client. The Warriors very clearly want to see how Curry's ankle looks before committing money to him, and his potential free agency will be one of the more interesting stories to follow this year. Source: CSN Bay Area

Brook Lopez feels 100 percent healthy

2012-09-24T12:59:00.002-04:00

Brook Lopez (ankle) feels "100 percent" healthy. Lopez is finally over his foot and ankle injuries from last season and is ready to go with training camp right around the corner. Lopez said that he's "not even thinking" about his foot, so it sounds like he's cleared the mental hurdle as well as the physical one. Lopez will bring owners scoring and blocks, but if he's on your fantasy team, be sure to find your rebounds elsewhere. Source: ESPN New York

Rich Peverley has signed with Jyvaskyla

2012-09-24T12:58:00.006-04:00

Rich Peverley has signed a contract with JYP Jyvaskyla of the Finnish Elite League. Peverley had a productive time in the Bruins lineup in 2011-12; when he played. He had 42 points in only 57 games. He is expected in Finland on the weekend and should be ready to play on Tuesday October 2. Source: Elite Prospects.com

Prospect Evgeny Kuznetsov

2012-09-24T12:58:00.002-04:00

Washington prospect Evgeny Kuznetsov led Traktor to a 4-1 victory over Salavat Yulaev in KHL play on Monday. He registered one goal and added two assists in the contest to give him a team-leading 10 points in seven games. Kuznetsov was committed to playing in Russia this season, so he wouldn't have been at Washington's training camp even if there wasn't a lockout. Still, it will be interesting to see how he plays against and compares to some of the NHLers that will skate in the KHL while the lockout goes on. Source: NBC Sports

Nikita Nikitin agrees to Avangard Omsk

2012-09-24T12:57:00.002-04:00

Nikita Nikitin has agreed to terms with Avangard Omsk of the KHL on a lockout contract, according to the team's website. "We called Nikitin right after the lockout was announced and he expressed his interest in playing for his native team," team president Alexander Sterlyagov said. Sterlyagov also stated that he will stay busy in trying to land other players to help strengthen his lineup. Nikitin played with Avangard from 2003-10 prior to joining the St. Louis Blues for the 2010-11 campaign. He was acquired by Columbus last season and signed a two-year extension with the Blue Jackets this past summer. Source: R-Sport.ru

Brynas interested in signing Nicklas Backstrom

2012-09-24T12:56:00.002-04:00

According to Swedish newspaper Aftonbladet, Brynas IF is interested in signing Washington forwards Nicklas Backstrom and Marcus Johansson. Both players are represented by agent Marc Levine, who reported on Friday that there was nothing to say yet regarding European contracts for either of them. Now that the Swedish Elite League is willing to accept locked out NHLers, there will be plenty of rumors and signings to come from Swedish-born talent going back home to play during the NHL and NHLPA's labor dispute. Source: Washington Post

Luke Guthrie goes back-to-back

2012-09-24T12:55:00.003-04:00

A week removed from his first Web.com TOUR title, Luke Guthrie went back-to-back when his 17-under-par 271 total was good for a one-stroke victory over defending-champion Danny Lee and Cameron Percy. Guthrie entered the day in a tie for fifth but his 6-under 32-34=66, including birdies on his first three holes, erased a five-stroke defecit. For the week, he circled 21 birdies and added a hole-in-one on the par-3 11th in the second round. His 1.608 putting average was second in the field. He joins fellow rookie Ben Kohles as a back-to-back winner, and would receive a battlefield promotion to the PGA TOUR should he add a third win before year's end. Source: NBC Sports

Brandt Snedeker wins FedExCup title

2012-09-23T23:05:00.000-04:00

With a 2-under-par 35-33=68 in the final round of the TOUR Championship, overnight co-leader, Brandt Snedeker, recorded a three-stroke victory (over fellow 54-hole co-leader, Justin Rose) and captured the FedExCup title. Snedeker circled five birdies, including a chip-in from 28'6" on the 17th hole, to erase his double bogey on the par-3 sixth and bogey on the 18th hole. The Ryder Cup rookie landed just half of his fairways and greens in regulation in the finale, but more than made up for it with his short game and putter. He took just 25 putts to the tune of a 1.667 average and gained 1.962 strokes on the field in his last lap around East Lake. For the week, his 20 birdies led the field as did his 1.676 clip in Strokes Gained-Putting; his six bogeys were a field-low. In addition to the $1.44 million first place prize that comes with winning the TOUR Championship, his 10-under 270 aggregate netted him $10 million for winning the FedExCup. He now heads to Medinah Country Club to try and help his countrymen take back the Ryder Cup from the Europeans. Source: NBC Sports

Spencer Hawes to play alongside Andrew Bynum

2012-09-23T11:54:00.001-04:00

Spencer Hawes sounds ready and willing to play PF alongside Andrew Bynum this season, which is Doug Collins' tentative plan. "I don't think it's a huge challenge," Hawes said. "I've guarded the four a lot. Offensively, the way we've done it, the four and the five are pretty interchangeable ... And playing alongside a 7-footer is going to make things easier on myself and everyone else." Hawes' skill-set is hardly in question, but he needs to stay healthy to have a consistent impact for Philly -- recurring back and Achilles' injuries sidelined him for nearly half of the 2011-12 season, and he was awful vs. Boston in the playoffs. Source: Philadelphia Inquirer & Daily News