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Bears mull abandoning plan to build stadium in Arlington Heights

Andrew Seligman, The Associated Press 2 minute read 6:10 PM CDT

CHICAGO (AP) — The Chicago Bears say they are considering abandoning their plan to build an enclosed stadium and entertainment complex on a suburban tract of land they recently purchased in favor of constructing one elsewhere in the region.

Citing a property assessment they said is too high, the Bears announced in a statement Friday that building on a 326-acre site in Arlington Heights, Illinois, is “no longer our singular focus.”

“It is our responsibility to listen to other municipalities in Chicagoland about potential locations that can deliver on this transformational opportunity for our fans, our club and the State of Illinois,” the team said.

The Bears announced in February they purchased the site of the shuttered Arlington International Racecourse from Churchill Downs Inc. for $197.2 million.

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Veteran Mitchell tops CFL quarterback carousel

Dan Ralph, The Canadian Press 6 minute read Preview

Veteran Mitchell tops CFL quarterback carousel

Dan Ralph, The Canadian Press 6 minute read 8:52 AM CDT

TORONTO - Bo Levi Mitchell tops the changing quarterback landscape in the CFL this season.

The veteran quarterback enters his ninth season as a league starter but first with Hamilton. The Tiger-Cats signed Mitchell to a three-year deal shortly after acquiring his rights from the Calgary Stampeders, the team he'd been the starter with since 2014.

Hamilton will be one of seven CFL teams to have a different starter this season. Only the Ottawa Redblacks (Jeremiah Masoli) and Winnipeg Blue Bombers (Zach Collaros) are scheduled to open with the same starting quarterback for a second straight year.

But Collaros could be the only one as Masoli continues to recover from a knee injury that sidelined him for most of last year. If Masoli doesn't suit up, the Redblacks would likely turn to veteran Nick Arbuckle when they open their season June 10 versus Montreal.

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8:52 AM CDT

Hamilton Tiger-Cats quarterback Bo Levi Mitchell (19) looks on from the sidelines against the Toronto Argonauts during first half CFL pre-season football action in Hamilton on Saturday, May 27, 2023. Mitchell tops the changing quarterback landscape in the CFL this season.The veteran quarterback enters his ninth season as a league starter but first with Hamilton.THE CANADIAN PRESS/Peter Power

Lions survive Stampeders comeback to win 25-22

Nick Wells, The Canadian Press 3 minute read Preview

Lions survive Stampeders comeback to win 25-22

Nick Wells, The Canadian Press 3 minute read Updated: 1:10 AM CDT

VANCOUVER - In his first pre-season start for the B.C. Lions, Vernon Adams Jr. said he felt like time slowed down.

He went 12 for 12 and led three touchdown drives as the B.C. Lions survived a late comeback bid from the Calgary Stampeders to eke out a 25-22 win.

"It's probably the first time in my career (I felt like that)," he said. "I just felt like I was seeing everything very clear tonight and it helped me get the ball out quick tonight."

Adams earned the starting quarterback role for the Lions after Canadian Nathan Rourke departed to the NFL in the off-season.

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Updated: 1:10 AM CDT

BC Lions' Terry Williams (left) is brought down by Calgary Stampeders' Kelon Thomas during the first half of CFL pre-season football action in Vancouver, B.C., Thursday, June 1, 2023. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Rich Lam

Adams, Crum lead Redblacks past Argonauts 34-23

Dan Ralph, The Canadian Press 4 minute read Preview

Adams, Crum lead Redblacks past Argonauts 34-23

Dan Ralph, The Canadian Press 4 minute read Updated: Yesterday at 10:16 PM CDT

GUELPH, Ont. - Now comes the hard part for Bob Dyce.

Quarterbacks Tyrie Adams and Dustin Crum both threw TD passes and ran for another to lead Ottawa to a 34-23 in CFL exhibition win over the Toronto Argonauts on Thursday night. Dyce, the Redblacks head coach, said he's facing some tough decisions heading into the league's final roster cutdown deadline of 10 p.m. ET on Saturday.

"Coming into the game we knew it was going to be tough," Dyce said. "Now, coming out of it, it's probably going to be tougher.

"Obviously we've got some work to do but some good performances out there."

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Updated: Yesterday at 10:16 PM CDT

Ottawa Redblacks quarterback Dustin Crum (18) launches a pass from the pocket during first half CFL pre-season action against the Toronto Argonauts in Guelph, Ont. on Thursday, June 1, 2023. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Frank Gunn

49ers defensive end Drake Jackson looks to build off ‘humbling’ rookie season

Josh Dubow, The Associated Press 4 minute read Preview

49ers defensive end Drake Jackson looks to build off ‘humbling’ rookie season

Josh Dubow, The Associated Press 4 minute read 3:24 PM CDT

SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) — Drake Jackson's promising rookie season for the San Francisco 49ers had a disappointing finish that has provided the fuel for his offseason.

After recording three sacks in his first six games lining up opposite Defensive Player of the Year Nick Bosa, Jackson couldn't even get on the field by the end of the season.

Worn down by the rigors of his NFL season, Jackson was a healthy scratch in five of San Francisco's final six games, including all three in the postseason as he lacked the strength necessary to compete.

“I feel like everything happens for a reason,” Jackson said. “So when they sat me, I kind of had to take myself from the game and see what else is going on that I need to be doing. So basically, it kind of helped me in a way because instead of me being mad or sad from being taken out of the game, I figured out things that I needed to do to help myself to better myself further on.”

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3:24 PM CDT

FILE - San Francisco 49ers defensive end Drake Jackson (95) leaves after a win against the Miami Dolphins in an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 4, 2022, in Santa Clara, Calif. Drake Jackson’s promising rookie season for the San Francisco 49ers had a disappointing finish that has provided the fuel for his offseason. (AP Photo/Lachlan Cunningham, File)

Eric Bieniemy making noise already as Washington Commanders offensive coordinator

Bobby Bancroft, The Associated Press 4 minute read Preview

Eric Bieniemy making noise already as Washington Commanders offensive coordinator

Bobby Bancroft, The Associated Press 4 minute read 12:31 PM CDT

ASHBURN, Va. (AP) — Before heading out to the field for another Washington Commanders offseason practice, coach Ron Rivera declared everyone would be able to hear new offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy.

Rivera wasn’t kidding.

Bieniemy, the two-time Super Bowl-winning assistant who spent the last 10 seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs, was audible to just about everybody, no matter where they were in the practice facility. No matter if music was blaring from speakers during position workouts or players yelled during 7-on-7 drills, Bieniemy wouldn’t be drowned out.

“We got to get up to the line of scrimmage!”

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12:31 PM CDT

Washington Commanders assistant head coach/offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy watches the NFL football team's rookie minicamp, Friday, May 12, 2023, in Ashburn, Va. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)

Seahawks’ Kenneth Walker III hopes to turn award disappointment into on-field success

Tim Booth, The Associated Press 3 minute read Preview

Seahawks’ Kenneth Walker III hopes to turn award disappointment into on-field success

Tim Booth, The Associated Press 3 minute read Yesterday at 6:52 PM CDT

RENTON, Wash. (AP) — Kenneth Walker III had a terrific rookie season after being called upon to take a bigger role as the primary ball carrier for the Seattle Seahawks.

His rookie year was so good that right up until the point the announcement was made during the NFL Honors award show during Super Bowl week, Walker felt confident he was going to be named offensive rookie of the year.

Instead, it was Jets wide receiver Garrett Wilson who walked up on the stage and received the award.

“Yeah, I thought I was going to win it, but Garrett Wilson is a great player though,” Walker said Thursday after the Seahawks wrapped up their latest offseason workout.

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Yesterday at 6:52 PM CDT

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith (7) hands off to running back Kenneth Walker III, Monday, May 22, 2023, at the team's NFL football training facility in Renton, Wash. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

Friday night preseason tilt last chance to impress Bombers’ brass

Jeff Hamilton 7 minute read Preview

Friday night preseason tilt last chance to impress Bombers’ brass

Jeff Hamilton 7 minute read Updated: 6:12 PM CDT

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers will go with a roster full of mostly fresh faces for their preseason finale after playing a majority of its veterans in last week’s opener.

The Bombers welcome the Saskatchewan Roughriders to town Friday night in what will be the team’s final tuneup before the regular season gets underway with a home date against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats on June 9.

The lineup against the Roughriders will feature some experienced Bombers, but is made up mostly of rookies and newcomers trying to carve out a spot — either on the active roster or practice team. Final cuts will be made Saturday.

“Be right and make plays,” Bombers head coach Mike O’Shea said when asked what players can do to make a final strong and lasting impression. “Show a high degree of physicality — all the stuff we like from football players.”

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Updated: 6:12 PM CDT

BROOK JONES / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

Jobs in the Bombers lineup and on the practice roster will be on the line when the Big Blue take on their Prairie rivals from Saskatchewan on Friday night.

Jones on the hot seat against Roughriders

Taylor Allen 5 minute read Preview

Jones on the hot seat against Roughriders

Taylor Allen 5 minute read Updated: 11:44 AM CDT

Josh Jones will need to have one heck of a performance Friday night if he wants to remain with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.

The 22-year-old quarterback is in a battle with fellow rookie Tyrrell Pigrome for the team’s third-string job but already finds himself as the underdog.

Pigrome won over a lot of people last week in the club’s preseason opener in Edmonton by completing two-of-four passes for 43 yards, while leading the club with 71 rushing yards on five carries, and scoring a pair of touchdowns with his legs.

Jones, who started five seasons at NCAA Division II UNC-Pembroke, took the reins on the final two drives but wasn’t able to make the same splash in the 25-23 victory.

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Updated: 11:44 AM CDT

RUTH BONNEVILLE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

Blue Bombers QB Josh Jones knows he needs to impress in Friday’s game against the Saskatchewan Roughriders.

Chargers coordinator Moore taking offense through first lap through playbook

Joe Reedy, The Associated Press 4 minute read Preview

Chargers coordinator Moore taking offense through first lap through playbook

Joe Reedy, The Associated Press 4 minute read Yesterday at 4:30 PM CDT

COSTA MESA, Calif. (AP) — Kellen Moore is with a new team, yet he has the same mandate.

Take a good offense and make it great.

Moore is in his first season as the Los Angeles Chargers offensive coordinator after eight years in Dallas, including the last four as coordinator. With the Bolts in their second week of voluntary on-field workouts, Moore is putting the unit through what he called a first lap through the playbook.

“It’s a little bit fast," Moore said, referring to the installation process over the next couple weeks. “There is going to be some stuff that is good, plenty of stuff that we have to clean up and redefine and all of that sort of stuff. Then, you just have to kind of ace it in training camp.”

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Yesterday at 4:30 PM CDT

Los Angeles Chargers offensive coordinator Kellen Moore talks to reporters after the NFL football team's camp Wednesday, May 31, 2023, in Costa Mesa, Calif. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)

Buffalo Bills sign Brandon Shell to add veteran offensive line depth

The Associated Press 2 minute read Preview

Buffalo Bills sign Brandon Shell to add veteran offensive line depth

The Associated Press 2 minute read Updated: Yesterday at 5:27 PM CDT

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (AP) — The Buffalo Bills added veteran depth to their offensive line by signing Brandon Shell to a one-year contract on Thursday.

Shell is listed at 6-foot-5 and 324 pounds and has seven years of NFL experience, starting 11 games for Miami last season after being promoted off the Dolphins’ practice squad. He spent his first four seasons with the New York Jets and spent two years with the Seattle Seahawks.

With 72 starts in 83 career games, Shell has spent much of his career playing right tackle. He was a four-year starter at South Carolina and selected by the Jets in the fifth round of the 2016 draft.

Shell's great-uncle is Pro Football Hall of Fame offensive lineman Art Shell, who spent his 15-year career with the Raiders.

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Updated: Yesterday at 5:27 PM CDT

FILE - Miami Dolphins offensive tackle Brandon Shell (71) blocks during an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec.4, 2022, in Santa Clara, Calif. The Buffalo Bills added veteran depth to their offensive line by signing Brandon Shell to a one-year contract on Thursday, June 1, 2023. (AP Photo/Scot Tucker, File)

Star receiver Lawler suspended by Bombers

Jeff Hamilton 2 minute read Preview

Star receiver Lawler suspended by Bombers

Jeff Hamilton 2 minute read Yesterday at 3:05 PM CDT

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers are dealing with a massive hit to their roster just a week before the CFL season begins.

The team has transferred star receiver Kenny Lawler to the suspended list, “… pending resolution of matters related to his 2021 off-field incident,” the Bombers said in a statement. An update on Lawler’s status will be provided once the situation resolves, with the expectation that it will take between three or four weeks to achieve that goal, the two-sentence statement read.

There was no further information provided by the Bombers.

However, league sources confirmed to the Free Press the off-field incident in question is related to Lawler’s charge for impaired driving after a single-vehicle accident in the early hours of Monday, Oct. 4, 2021.

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Yesterday at 3:05 PM CDT

Mike Deal / Winnipeg Free Press

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers’ star receiver Kenny Lawler has been suspended just a week before the CFL season begins.

Jets’ Breece Hall working way back after knee injury cut short promising rookie season

Dennis Waszak Jr., The Associated Press 4 minute read Preview

Jets’ Breece Hall working way back after knee injury cut short promising rookie season

Dennis Waszak Jr., The Associated Press 4 minute read Yesterday at 1:39 PM CDT

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. (AP) — Breece Hall still razzes Garrett Wilson about what could've been.

In the New York Jets running back's mind, the AP Offensive Rookie of the Year award absolutely would have been his.

And then Hall blew out his left knee in October, had surgery and spent the rest of his first NFL season rehabilitating his injury — while his playmaking teammate rose above all rookies with lots of impressive catches.

“If I wouldn’t have gotten hurt ... ,” a smiling Hall said he tells Wilson. “But, nah, I don't really care about that stuff anymore. All I can do is look forward and just try to work myself back to being that same Breece that was making all those plays last year.”

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Yesterday at 1:39 PM CDT

New York Jets' Breece Hall participates in a drill at the NFL football team's training facility in Florham Park, N.J., Wednesday, May 31, 2023. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)

Packers’ Bakhtiari feeling healthy again, upbeat while adapting to Rodgers’ absence

Steve Megargee, The Associated Press 4 minute read Preview

Packers’ Bakhtiari feeling healthy again, upbeat while adapting to Rodgers’ absence

Steve Megargee, The Associated Press 4 minute read Yesterday at 11:31 AM CDT

GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) — Green Bay Packers offensive tackle David Bakhtiari doesn’t know the exact whereabouts of the golf cart that transported him and former teammate Aaron Rodgers from the Lambeau Field locker room to practice every day.

Bakhtiari gave Rodgers the golf cart in the summer of 2021. Now Rodgers is gone and so is the golf cart. Bakhtiari instead is taking his Jeep Wrangler to practice while wondering if his old gift has made its way to New York Jets camp yet.

“In the divorce papers, Aaron unfortunately won legally, so he’s allowed to have the cart,” Bakhtiari quipped this week.

This has been a year full of change for Bakhtiari, who protected Rodgers’ blind side for the last decade. The trade of Rodgers and the departure of several other veterans make the 31-year-old Bakhtiari the Packers' second-oldest player, behind only 32-year-old punter Pat O’Donnell.

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Yesterday at 11:31 AM CDT

Green Bay Packers' David Bakhtiari talks to coach Luke Butkus during an NFL football OTA practice session Wednesday, May 31, 2023, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)

NFL expanding The Smart Heart Sports Coalition

The Associated Press 2 minute read Preview

NFL expanding The Smart Heart Sports Coalition

The Associated Press 2 minute read Yesterday at 8:02 AM CDT

NEW YORK (AP) — The NFL has expanded The Smart Heart Sports Coalition to 26 member organizations as it continues to advocate for all 50 states to adopt policies that will prevent high school students from fatal outcomes from sudden cardiac arrest.

The coalition was founded earlier this year in response to the life-saving emergency care provided to Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin. It’s made up of men’s and women’s professional sports organizations and leading medical and advocacy groups.

The WNBA is among the latest professional sports organizations to join along with the National Women’s Soccer League, Women’s Tennis Association and United States Tennis Association.

The NBA, NHL and MLB have been members of the coalition since it launched in March.

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Yesterday at 8:02 AM CDT

NEW YORK (AP) — The NFL has expanded The Smart Heart Sports Coalition to 26 member organizations as it continues to advocate for all 50 states to adopt policies that will prevent high school students from fatal outcomes from sudden cardiac arrest.

The coalition was founded earlier this year in response to the life-saving emergency care provided to Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin. It’s made up of men’s and women’s professional sports organizations and leading medical and advocacy groups.

The WNBA is among the latest professional sports organizations to join along with the National Women’s Soccer League, Women’s Tennis Association and United States Tennis Association.

The NBA, NHL and MLB have been members of the coalition since it launched in March.

49ers QB Brock Purdy resumes throwing program

Josh Dubow, The Associated Press 2 minute read Preview

49ers QB Brock Purdy resumes throwing program

Josh Dubow, The Associated Press 2 minute read Wednesday, May. 31, 2023

SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) — San Francisco quarterback Brock Purdy has officially resumed his throwing program as he tries to return from offseason elbow surgery in time for the season opener.

Purdy began throwing on the side this week for the first time since undergoing surgery on his throwing elbow on March 10.

“He’s had one (throwing) session thus far and we’re incredibly encouraged by that,” general manager John Lynch told SiriusXM NFL Radio on Wednesday. “He’s hitting all his marks and that doesn’t surprise us, because he’s putting in all the work.

“As for best-case scenario, we’ll take it as it comes. The hope is he’s ready for training camp. The hope is he’s ready for the regular season.”

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Wednesday, May. 31, 2023

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Sam Darnold takes part in an NFL football practice in Santa Clara, Calif., Wednesday, May 31, 2023. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)

Bombers DB Houston aims for major comeback after minor setback

Taylor Allen 3 minute read Preview

Bombers DB Houston aims for major comeback after minor setback

Taylor Allen 3 minute read Wednesday, May. 31, 2023

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers expected American defensive back Tyquwan Glass to be an important piece of their secondary in 2022.

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Wednesday, May. 31, 2023

Mike Deal / Winnipeg Free Press

Defensive back Demerio Houston had 27 tackles and two interceptions in nine starts with the Bombers last year.

Bombers training camp and exhibition games are for evaluating talent

Jeff Hamilton 6 minute read Preview

Bombers training camp and exhibition games are for evaluating talent

Jeff Hamilton 6 minute read Wednesday, May. 31, 2023

It’s always important to take the CFL preseason with a grain of salt.

While players work all off-season to get into shape, and then use training camp as a way to further get ready for the season, there’s really no way to truly replicate the kind of action you see in a ‘real’ game. Because players need time to shake off the rust built up over a long winter, performances in the preseason — good or bad — aren’t necessarily strong indicators of what’s to come.

Add in the fact key players are often limited in their playing time or held out altogether, making room for younger and inexperienced players who in most cases are new to the CFL, drawing any kind of concrete conclusions is a fool’s game.

That’s not to suggest what we’ve seen over the last week is meaningless — not even close. A strong preseason effort can earn a rookie a job or, in the case of a seasoned veteran, provide the confidence to hit the ground running when the regular season starts.

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Wednesday, May. 31, 2023

Jason Franson / THE CANADIAN PRESS

Bombers receiver Kenny Lawler breaks free from a tackle by Edmonton Elks’ Dwayne Thompson II Saturday during a CFL exhibition game in Edmonton.

Packers debate term ‘rebuild’ as they adjust to life without QB Aaron Rodgers

Steve Megargee, The Associated Press 3 minute read Preview

Packers debate term ‘rebuild’ as they adjust to life without QB Aaron Rodgers

Steve Megargee, The Associated Press 3 minute read Wednesday, May. 31, 2023

GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) — The exit of four-time MVP Aaron Rodgers has led to some debate among the Green Bay Packers regarding exactly what constitutes a rebuild.

Most Packers insist they’re not rebuilding even as they try to break in new starting quarterback Jordan Love after getting three decades of Hall of Fame-caliber quarterback production from Rodgers and his predecessor, Brett Favre.

“It’s the crutch that everyone wants to lean on outside of the facility, not knowing what’s going on in here,” wide receiver Christian Watson said Wednesday. “It’s easy to say, ‘They lost Aaron. It’s going to be a down year or whatever.’ I feel like that’s the easy route to take. That’s not our mentality in here. We’re never trying to think of it as a rebuild or whatever people want to say it is.”

Left tackle David Bakhtiari has no problem thinking of it that way.

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Wednesday, May. 31, 2023

Green Bay Packers' head coach Matt LaFleur watches during an NFL football OTA practice session Wednesday, May 31, 2023, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)

Friday night match against Roughriders final audition for trio of kickers

Taylor Allen 4 minute read Preview

Friday night match against Roughriders final audition for trio of kickers

Taylor Allen 4 minute read Wednesday, May. 31, 2023

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers are still struggling to solve their punting situation after 18 days of training camp and a pre-season game.

If anything, things are more complicated than ever as Global punters Jamieson Sheahan and Karl Schmitz both impressed in last Saturday’s exhibition game at Commonwealth Stadium against the Edmonton Elks.

The pair had four punts each, with Sheahan’s going for an average of 48.3 yards per kick and Schmitz’s travelling 49.5 yards.

Canadian Marc Liegghio, the team’s punter the past two seasons, sat out the Edmonton game but will get a chance to show his stuff on Friday at IG Field against the Saskatchewan Roughriders in the preseason finale.

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Wednesday, May. 31, 2023

Mike Deal / Winnipeg Free Press

Incumbent Blue Bombers punter Marc Liegghio (above) is competing with Global players Jamieson Sheahan and Karl Schmitz for a spot in the team’s roster.

Shane Ray’s NFL comeback bid from wrist injury takes him from CFL to Buffalo Bills

John Wawrow, The Associated Press 5 minute read Preview

Shane Ray’s NFL comeback bid from wrist injury takes him from CFL to Buffalo Bills

John Wawrow, The Associated Press 5 minute read Wednesday, May. 31, 2023

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (AP) — Through the woe-is-me low points, wrist surgeries, mood swings, counseling sessions and tryout obstacles created by the COVID-19 pandemic Shane Ray experienced over the past five years, the one-time promising NFL edge rusher never lost sight of his desire to play football.

If it meant attending league-sponsored free-agent hub camps, Ray was there. If the only teams expressing interest were from Canada, the 2015 first-round NFL draft pick packed his bags and spent a week in self-quarantine upon crossing the border to play for the CFL's Toronto Argonauts.

And if it came down to the Buffalo Bills offering him, at 30, an invitation to attend their rookie minicamp in May, Ray leaped at the opportunity in what became a successful bid to win one of the team's final roster spots.

“I had to humble myself, more than humbled than ever before,” Ray said following a recent practice.

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Wednesday, May. 31, 2023

Buffalo Bills linebacker Shane Ray (49) runs a drill during NFL football practice in Orchard Park, N.Y., Tuesday, May 23, 2023. (AP Photo/Jeffrey T. Barnes)

Broncos sign kicker Elliott Fry after dumping veteran Brandon McManus

Arnie Stapleton, The Associated Press 2 minute read Preview

Broncos sign kicker Elliott Fry after dumping veteran Brandon McManus

Arnie Stapleton, The Associated Press 2 minute read Wednesday, May. 31, 2023

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) — Elliott Fry will get the first chance to serve as Brandon McManus' successor in Denver after the Broncos signed the third-year kicker who has appeared in three career NFL games games with the Falcons, Chiefs and Bengals.

The Broncos cut ties with McManus on May 23, and coach Sean Payton indicated last week that money was a driver in the decision. They saved $3.75 million in salary and $2.5 million in cap space by dumping McManus.

The last holdover from the Broncos' Super Bowl 50-winning team, McManus took out a full-page advertisement in the Denver Post last weekend thanking “Broncos Country” and listing more than 150 members of the organization.

McManus quickly signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars after his nine-year career in Denver came to a close with him as the second-leading scorer in team history, highlighted by his 10-for-10 run through the playoffs on the way to the franchise's third Super Bowl title. He connected on a franchise-most 42 field goals of 50 or more yards in the regular season and playoffs.

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Wednesday, May. 31, 2023

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) — Elliott Fry will get the first chance to serve as Brandon McManus' successor in Denver after the Broncos signed the third-year kicker who has appeared in three career NFL games games with the Falcons, Chiefs and Bengals.

The Broncos cut ties with McManus on May 23, and coach Sean Payton indicated last week that money was a driver in the decision. They saved $3.75 million in salary and $2.5 million in cap space by dumping McManus.

The last holdover from the Broncos' Super Bowl 50-winning team, McManus took out a full-page advertisement in the Denver Post last weekend thanking “Broncos Country” and listing more than 150 members of the organization.

McManus quickly signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars after his nine-year career in Denver came to a close with him as the second-leading scorer in team history, highlighted by his 10-for-10 run through the playoffs on the way to the franchise's third Super Bowl title. He connected on a franchise-most 42 field goals of 50 or more yards in the regular season and playoffs.

Als' Philpot still not training with teammates

Frédéric Daigle, The Canadian Press 4 minute read Preview

Als' Philpot still not training with teammates

Frédéric Daigle, The Canadian Press 4 minute read Wednesday, May. 31, 2023

TROIS-RIVIÈRES, Que. - Montreal Alouettes wide receiver Tyson Philpot did not train with his teammates on Wednesday and hasn't done so since May 26.

Whether or not his status for the start of the CFL season is in question is not clear. Philpot was not on the injured list as of Wednesday afternoon and head coach Jason Maas said he won't speak about injuries to his players.

"If you ever ask me a question about an injury to a player I’ll never ever answer you straight, so if you wanna keep asking me I’ll never answer it," Maas said when asked about an injury to offensive lineman Landon Rice. "I’m not a big believer in telling anybody about our players' injury, nothing. If you wanna talk about their on-field performance, how they are, all that stuff, I’ll always tell you guys. But when it comes down to injuries, I’m not going to tell you.

"We’ll disclose it when we need to disclose anything because you have to do that. But as far as me telling you guys, you’ll never get it from me. I guarantee that."

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Wednesday, May. 31, 2023

Montreal Alouettes wide receiver Tyson Philpot (81) makes a catch under pressure from Toronto Argonauts defensive back Royce Metchie (9) during second half CFL Eastern Final football action in Toronto on Sunday, November 13, 2022. Philpot did not train with his teammates on Wednesday and hasn't done so since May 26. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Frank Gunn

Adeleke an elder statesman on Ticats defence

Dan Ralph, The Canadian Press 5 minute read Preview

Adeleke an elder statesman on Ticats defence

Dan Ralph, The Canadian Press 5 minute read Wednesday, May. 31, 2023

HAMILTON - Tunde Adeleke is only 27, but he's already an elder statesman on the Hamilton Tiger-Cats defence.

The five-foot-10, 208-pound Adeleke is entering his sixth CFL season and fourth with Hamilton. Despite his relative youth, the former Carleton star is among the longest-tenured players on a Ticats defence that will feature plenty of new faces in 2023.

Veteran linebacker Simoni Lawrence (11th CFL season, 10th with Hamilton) and Canadian defensive lineman Ted Laurent (12th CFL season, ninth with Hamilton) are the unit's two longest-serving players. Adeleke and defensive back Richard Leonard both came into the league in 2017, but this will be Leonard's fifth campaign with the Ticats.

"Yeah, it's different being one of the older guys on the team," Adeleke said with a chuckle. "I think the previous five years, a lot of rookies have come in at the same age as me so it's starting to get a little bit different.

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Wednesday, May. 31, 2023

Ottawa Redblacks' Darvin Adams (1) is tackled by Hamilton Tiger-Cats' Tunde Adeleke (2) during first half CFL football action in Ottawa on Saturday, Oct. 29, 2022. A five-foot-10, 208-pound Adeleke is entering his sixth CFL season and fourth with Hamilton. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Justin Tang

Belichick: Pats have ‘moved on’ after losing 2 workout days for NFL rules violation

Kyle Hightower, The Associated Press 1 minute read Preview

Belichick: Pats have ‘moved on’ after losing 2 workout days for NFL rules violation

Kyle Hightower, The Associated Press 1 minute read Wednesday, May. 31, 2023

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) — Patriots coach Bill Belichick says the team has moved on after losing two days of workouts for violating NFL offseason workout rules.

“It’s in the past. We’ve moved on,” Belichick said Wednesday as his team resumed their optional offseason conditioning program.

The team announced last week that a scheduled workout that was supposed to be open for reporters to attend had been canceled. Another workout originally slated for this week was also canceled.

The violation reportedly was for holding a mandatory meeting that was required to be optional.

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Wednesday, May. 31, 2023

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) — Patriots coach Bill Belichick says the team has moved on after losing two days of workouts for violating NFL offseason workout rules.

“It’s in the past. We’ve moved on,” Belichick said Wednesday as his team resumed their optional offseason conditioning program.

The team announced last week that a scheduled workout that was supposed to be open for reporters to attend had been canceled. Another workout originally slated for this week was also canceled.

The violation reportedly was for holding a mandatory meeting that was required to be optional.

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