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NFL Network first reported the terms of the contract, which is worth $27.5 million per season to top the previous record set by Detroit’s Matthew Stafford last year by $500,000 per year.

San Francisco acquired Garoppolo from New England before the trade deadline for a 2018 second-round pick. As soon as he took the field a few weeks later, he immediately turned around a franchise that started the year with a 1-10 record.

Garoppolo took over as starter and led San Francisco to five straight wins to end the season. That solidified the organization’s belief in him and the willingness to offer him the largest average per year contract in NFL history.

While Garoppolo lacks the track record of the top quarterbacks in the NFL after spending most of his career as Tom Brady’s backup with New England John Simon Jersey , what he has shown when he has gotten on the field has been impressive.

He completed 67.4 percent of his passes this season, averaging 8.8 yards per attempt with seven TDs, five interceptions and a 96.2 rating. Among quarterbacks with at least 100 attempts last season, Garoppolo ranked first in yards per attempt Briean Boddy-Calhoun Jersey , fourth in completion percentage. His 308.4 yards passing per game in his five starts also would have led the league had he played a full season.

Garoppolo has won all seven starts in his career, including two in New England to start the 2016 season when Brady was suspended for his role in ”Deflategate.” Only four other quarterbacks since the 1970 merger won their first seven starts with Ben Roethlisberger the most recent to do it with 15 wins in a row in the regular season for Pittsburgh in 2004-05. Garoppolo’s 2,038 yards passing in his first seven starts are the fourth-most among all quarterbacks since 1970.

Locking up Garoppolo is the first big step this offseason in San Francisco’s rebuilding plan that got off to a strong start last season in the first year under coach Kyle Shanahan and general manager John Lynch.

The duo took over a franchise in turmoil with coaching changes following three straight seasons. While the season started with nine straight losses with Brian Hoyer and rookie C.J. Beathard at quarterback, the foundation for future success was being put in place.

Now with the quarterback position settled Charles Tapper Jersey , the Niners can use their hefty amount of salary cap room to fill in the other pieces, including upgrading the offensive line and skilled position players and adding pass rushers and cornerbacks on defense.

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In listing the options available to Steelers running back Le'Veon Bell, I forgot to include one possibility that may not be as remote as many would believe.

Bell could choose to sign the one-year franchise tender and to show up for training camp and the preseason.

That could be the deeper message in his vow to have his best season yet. Beyond it being an indication that he won’t be skipping regular-season games, Bell could be hinting that he’ll do everything in his power to be ready to hit the ground sprinting in 2018. Given his fairly slow start to 2017 DJ Moore Jersey , surely sparked by the fact that he first showed up six days before the first Sunday of the season, Bell’s best season ever could be more likely to be achieved if he’s there for training camp and the preseason.

That’s not a report that he’ll be there or even a prediction that it will happen. It’s just something to watch as training camp opens — and it’s one way that Bell could get the fans behind him at the outset of what likely will be his last season in Pittsburgh.

Curry played his most minutes since missing nearly six weeks with a knee injury, finishing with 28 points and helping the Golden State Warriors advance to the Western Conference finals for a fourth straight year by dismantling Anthony Davis and the New Orleans Pelicans 113-104 in Game 5 on Tuesday night.

”I think Coach did a great job though of just giving him a little bit here and there and tonight really just letting him go,” Kevin Durant said. ”You see when you let the dog off the leash what happens.”

Durant scored 24 points and Klay Thompson added 23 for the Warriors, who with a 15th straight home playoff win tied Chicago for an NBA record. The Bulls did so from April 27, 1990 to May 21, 1991.

Davis had 34 points and 19 rebounds for a Pelicans team that overcame the loss of DeMarcus Cousins to a season-ending torn Achilles tendon three months ago to make this strong run. The Pelicans shaved the lead to seven points with two minutes left on a basket by Davis before Draymond Green’s turnaround fadeaway moments later.

Curry has his swagger.

”I feel confident in what I’m able to do out there,” Curry said. ”Timing could still get a little bit better with the ball and things like that when you start to get so excited, still when I’m out there missing six weeks is still appreciative of being out there playing. I’ll continue to get better, continue to get my timing right, continue to get back to the normal rotation, the normal minutes I’m out there playing and hopefully won’t look back.”

The Warriors advance to play the top-seeded Houston Rockets in what has long been an anticipated Western Conference finals matchup – with a Finals feel Chaz Green Jersey , perhaps. The series starts Monday night in Houston. The teams didn’t meet during the 2017 postseason, but the Warriors won a five-game series in the first round of the 2016 playoffs. Houston eliminated Utah in its Game 5 earlier Tuesday.

”We want to win another championship,” Green said, ”and it don’t matter who’s in the way of that.”

Curry, who returned for Game 2 after nearly six weeks out with a knee injury, knocked down an open 3-pointer midway through the third and raised his hands to get the crowd going, then made another less than two minutes later. He converted three free throws at the 6:25 mark following a hard foul by Jrue Holiday.

In the second quarter, Holiday shoved Curry hard into the basket, enraging the two-time MVP who let the officials know how upset he was by the push and no call.

Holiday contributed 27 points and 11 assists, but even with better shooting, New Orleans couldn’t stay with deep Menelik Watson Jersey , score-at-will Golden State.

”No matter what the score is, no matter the time, whatever it is, we play desperate,” Holiday said.

The defending champions are serious about a repeat title and took one step closer to that goal.

So far this postseason, with Durant and Green leading the way, the Warriors have admirably defended the slower San Antonio Spurs and now the imposing, push-the-pace Pelicans.

Green had another superb all-around night on both ends with 19 points, 14 rebounds, nine assists, three steals and two blocked shots.

The Warriors came out of halftime with a 10-0 run over the opening 1:54 Karl Mecklenburg Jersey , forcing two Pelicans timeouts and taking control for the rest of the game.

Thompson hit back-to-back 3-pointers midway through the first to put Golden State up 17-10, the second right in front of his own bench as teammates erupted in celebration. He began 6 for 9 and had 14 points by the 4:10 mark of the first.

Durant became irate when Nikola Mirotic made a late, hard bump on a 3-point try with 5:23 left in the first – a play that was reviewed and Mirotic received just a common foul.

As Durant took free throws, Green tried to listen in on the Pelicans’ huddle before official Josh Tiven pulled him away.

”I don’t have a reaction, that’s Draymond,” New Orleans coach Alvin Gentry said. ”Should that surprise me?”

CURRY’S SERIES

Curry went 10 for 16 in 37 minutes playing his fourth game back from a sprained left knee he hurt March 23. His minutes have increased each game he plays, up to 31 in Game 4 and 37 on Tuesday. He added eight assists and seven rebounds in Game 5.

He was 32 for 67 with 15 3s in the series.

”It feels like he’s back now,” coach Steve Kerr said.

On a side note, he went 0 for 5 on his signature tunnel shots before the game.

TIP-INS

Pelicans: Rajon Rondo dealt with a sore groin that limited his time in the second half. … New Orleans made 6 of 9 3s in the first and finished 10 for 24 from long range. … New Orleans got back in it with an 11-0 run in the second.

Warriors: Green is the first Warrior to ever average a triple-double in a playoff series. … Durant scored 20 or more points in a 17th straight postseason game. His first five points moved him past two players – Chris Mullin (685) and Harrison Barnes (687) – into 10th place all-time for the Warriors in postseason scoring. … Curry (366) passed Paul Arizin (364) for second place on the franchise postseason list for made free throws. … Durant received the Al Attles Community Impact Award in a pregame ceremony. The Warriors Community Foundation will donate $15,000 to the charity Durant chose, Oakland Elizabeth House Yannick Ngakoue Jersey , which provides residences to women and children who have been homeless or faced violence or addiction.

Kennard was placed on the non-football injury list at the start of camp with an injury that he opted not to disclose when talking to reporters after his first work of the summer. Kennard was limited to individual work on his first day, but it left him feeling positive all the same.

“It felt good being out there with my teammates, with some shoulder pads on again and everything,” Kennard said, via the Detroit News. “It was definitely frustrating, but I took every mental rep I could.”

With Kennard back, the Lions still need to activate Ziggy Ansah and Cornelius Washington to have all their defensive hands on deck.

In addition to getting Kennard on the field, the Lions also made a change at cornerback on Wednesday. They signed Josh Okonye and waived Amari Coleman.

Steelers receiver Trey Griffey has been asked a million times why he plays football instead of baseball.

The son of Baseball Hall of Famer Ken Griffey Jr. and grandson of three-time MLB All-Star Ken Griffey Sr. Jacoby Brissett Jersey , Trey would seem to be destined to play baseball as well. But he says his reason for playing football instead of baseball is simple: He likes it better. And his dad was the first to realize that his son was better suited for trying to make it on his own as an athlete, rather than demanding that he go into the family business.

“Everybody has a love for something . . . and I have a love for football,” Trey told the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. “Me and my dad talked about it and he said, ‘You have a love for football, and I could see that from a young age. I’ll always support you.’ He was never like Colton Schmidt Jersey , ‘You have to play baseball.’ He was a father, supporting his son with whatever choice I was making and leading me down the right path.”

So far, Trey Griffey hasn’t made his mark in the NFL. He played his college football at Arizona and went undrafted last year, and although he spent time on the rosters of the Colts and Dolphins in the offseason, he was out of the league for the entire 2017 season. In January the Steelers picked him up Justin Blackmon Jersey , however, and now he’s trying to make the roster in Pittsburgh.

Trey Griffey will have to surprise a lot of people to make the Steelers’ roster, but he knows he has a father who’s rooting for him, and urging him to put in the work necessary to make it in the sport he loves.

“My dad always told me, ‘I want to be known as Trey Griffey’s dad. I had my time when I was playing.’ That’s something that Demarcus Walker Jersey , when you hear that from your dad, you’re like, ‘Wow.’ With his track record, all of the awards and going to the Hall of Fame, for him to say something like that is amazing Graham Glasgow Jersey ,” Trey Griffey said.

Sounds like Trey has a dad who’s proud of him for following his dream, whether he makes the Steelers or not.

Donahue entered the plea Wednesday in Weehawken Municipal Court. As part of a plea deal, three other charges were dismissed. Donahue also will have to drive with an ignition interlock device for a year after his license is reinstated.

Police say Donahue was drunk when he drove the wrong way in the tunnel on Feb. 26 and collided with a jitney bus, injuring four of the 15 people on board. It was his second DUI.

The 25-year-old checked into rehab earlier this year.

Donahue was a fifth-round draft pick of the Jets last year and played in four games before he suffered a season-ending elbow injury.

Why?

The way he sees it, Porter was widely considered the best high-schooler in the country 12 months ago – even though he had back issues that led to him having surgery last fall and basically robbed him of his only college season at Missouri. So now, he thinks it’s logical that if his back is better, his stock should be even higher as well.

”I’m still the best player,” Porter said.

And that’s his message at the NBA Draft Combine, going on this week in Chicago. The small forward went through the anthropometric testing – height, weight, wingspan, body fat percentage and so on – but isn’t partaking in on-court matters this week, opting instead to save his statements there until he gets workouts with teams over the coming weeks.

”I know without a doubt Erik Swoope Jersey ,” Porter said. ”I’ve played against all these guys. They’re all great players. But I’m the best player in this draft and I can’t wait to show what I’m capable of.”

The players who are likely to be taken at the very top of next month’s draft aren’t participating in the combine. Arizona’s Deandre Ayton declined an invitation, Slovenian standout Luka Doncic’s season in Europe isn’t in Chicago – his European season isn’t over – and Duke’s Marvin Bagley III only took part in interviews with some teams.

That doesn’t mean intrigue is lacking at this gathering of hopefuls.

Texas’ Mo Bamba, he of the 7-foot-10 wingspan , said he believes he merits consideration from Phoenix for the No. 1 overall pick. Billy Preston , who left Kansas in November under the cloud of an NCAA investigation and briefly played in Europe, is in Chicago and insisting that he’s ready mentally and physically for the NBA life. Brian Bowen , who hasn’t played a college game yet – he left Louisville for South Carolina after it became known he was part of the FBI’s probe into college basketball and could only practice with the Gamecocks after enrolling there – is participating as well.

But there might not be a player in Chicago with more intrigue around him right now than Porter, who went from can’t-miss to couldn’t-play.

”Mike is a great player,” said Bruce Brown Jr., a guard who’s leaving Miami after two seasons for the NBA. ”I know him personally. We’re cool as friends. I think he can show the world what he is capable of and what I know he’s capable of.”

Porter is among the 25 or so Chicago invitees who are skipping the 5-on-5 portions of the combine. That’s not a surprise – the trend in recent years has been for players who are likely to be taken with the highest picks to skip some or all of the combine events – but a case could be argued that Porter could have used some game time.

He played in three games at Missouri Michael Roberts Jersey , one of those for only two minutes before his back surgery on Nov. 21. He returned for two NCAA Tournament games.

Here’s how little Porter played last season: There were 3,505 players in Division I who scored more points than he did in his only college campaign. Porter shot 10 for 30 at Missouri, scoring 30 points in 53 minutes.

Obviously, those aren’t best-player numbers. Everything else on his resume suggests otherwise – 36.2 points and 13.6 rebounds per game as a senior in high school, MVP of the McDonald’s All-American Game, and was both the Naismith and Gatorade Boys High School National Player of the Year awards. He was the fifth player to sweep those, joining Alonzo Mourning, Dwight Howard, Chris Webber and LeBron James.

Big-time company.

”In the workouts, I won’t be holding back at all Kawann Short Jersey ,” Porter said.

He’s interviewing with a slew of teams this week – New York, Dallas, Philadelphia, Phoenix, Atlanta, Cleveland, Memphis, Houston and the Los Angeles Clippers so far, with Sacramento, Charlotte Marquis Haynes Jersey , Oklahoma City and Boston still to go. He knows that the Bulls fans are letting anyone who will listen on Twitter know they want him, and said he was impressed how New York’s braintrust knew many things about him.

And make no mistake: He says he is raring to play again.

”I was hoping to turn college basketball upside down, just like a lot of these players,” Porter said. ”But this is just a step in my process. It’s a little different, but I’m more ready than ever. I’ve been dreaming about this NBA stuff for so long. I feel like I’m ready.”

The Packers could use an edge rusher to help Clay Matthews and Nick Perry. Wide receiver and offensive line are also positions of need.

But they hope that they've shored up their pass coverage after adding Iowa cornerback Josh Jackson in the second round. They selected Vanderbilt's Oren Burks in the third round. They see Burks as a versatile inside linebacker who can cover.

The Packers chose Louisville cornerback Jaire Alexander in the first round.

Gutekunst says that adding competition will bring out the best in his players.

George Parros is a busy man early in the Stanley Cup playoffs thanks to a rash of questionable hits around the NHL.

The vice president of player safety’s department suspended Toronto Maple Leafs center Nazem Kadri three games for boarding Boston forward Tommy Wingels in what the league called a hit made in the name of retribution and Los Angeles Kings defenseman Drew Doughty one game for an illegal check to the head on Vegas forward William Carrier.

With two suspensions Duke Johnson Jersey , two misconduct ejections for boarding that resulted in injuries, plus Capitals winger Tom Wilson’s hit to the head that knocked Columbus center Alexander Wennberg out of the game, it has been a rough start to the playoffs – and there have only been eight games played. In 1,271 regular-season games, there were a total of 37 game misconducts and 22 suspensions.

The NHL has made a concerted effort to rid its game of fighting and questionable hits, wanting to keep skilled players on the ice and boost scoring. In the postseason, goals are usually harder to come by and the adrenaline of the moment brings hard hits that cross the line; a year ago, Penguins star Sidney Crosby missed a game with a concussion after a cross-check to the head from the Capitals’ Matt Niskanen.

Kadri was tossed from Toronto’s Game 1 loss at Boston for boarding Wingels, and Blue Jackets winger Josh Anderson was thrown out of their overtime victory at Washington for a hit from behind that injured Capitals defenseman Michal Kempny.

A game misconduct will likely suffice for Anderson Teez Tabor Jersey , but Kadri wasn’t as fortunate and will miss Games 2, 3 and 4.

”I certainly wasn’t trying to hit him when he was down like that,” Kadri said after Thursday night’s game. ”Obviously, if he’s still standing up, I think there’s nothing wrong with that, but he ended up falling and reaching for the puck, and I’m not sure what happened after that.”

What happened was another Bruins goal on the ensuing power play that made it 5-1 in the first game between the bitter rivals. Down the East Coast, Wilson’s hit on Wennberg allowed the Blue Jackets to tie the score in a game they won in overtime. Wilson blamed himself for costing Washington Game 1 by taking a bad penalty at a critical moment.

”I’ve got to be better and maybe pass up on that hit,” Wilson said. ”We’ve got the lead there so maybe a big hit’s not needed. It’s the playoffs. Trying to finish your checks Yannick Ngakoue Jersey , and unfortunately I took a penalty.”

Wilson was suspended two preseason games for interference and then for the first four regular-season games for boarding but had cleaned up his game since. Part of that stemmed from meeting with Parros in Calgary in the fall and educating himself on what’s acceptable and what the NHL looks for.

”We had a meeting, me, him and Parros, and went over videos and just what they were looking at when he was being considered for suspensions and fines and other examples throughout the league,” Capitals general manager Brian MacLellan said.

Parros spent almost a decade as an NHL enforcer and finished his career with 159 fights and 1,127 penalty minutes. When he took over the league’s player safety department last September, he said he intended to crack down on ”non-hockey plays” that have nothing to do with affecting the course of the game.

Some of the hits may alter series because of the resulting injuries.

Carrier, Kempny, Wennberg and Wingels are all day-to-day with ”upper-body” injuries – the customarily vague description in the NHL – with their statuses legitimately uncertain moving forward. Columbus general manager Jermo Kekalainen called Wennberg ”doubtful” for Game 2 Sunday at Washington and considered it a ”dangerous hit” by Wilson that the league deemed wasn’t worthy of further punishment.

Doughty Cam Robinson Jersey , a Norris Trophy contender and Los Angeles’ top defender, was suspended for Friday night’s Game 2 against Vegas for what the league called an avoidable hit to Carrier’s head. Kadri’s hit came after Wingels crushed Toronto forward Mitch Marner, but the timing and force of the hit made it worse.

”The bottom line is, you always have to be disciplined at all times and emotions are a part of the game, but it’s got to be controlled,” Maple Leafs coach Mike Babcock said.

Kekalainen disagreed with officials giving Anderson a five-minute major and a game misconduct for his hit on Kempny, which was definitely a minor penalty but seemed less egregious than Wilson’s later. That didn’t stop Capitals coach Barry Trotz from voicing his displeasure with Anderson’s play.

”I thought there’s clearly numbers there,” Trotz said. ”Trying to get that out of the game.”

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The Minnesota Vikings have signed half of their draft class, securing rookie contracts with kicker Daniel Carlson Carlos Henderson Jersey , guard Colby Gossett, defensive end Ade Aruna and linebacker Devante Downs.

The four deals were signed on Thursday, the day before the team's rookie minicamp. Carlson was a fifth-round pick from Auburn. Gossett and Aruna were sixth-round selections from Appalachian State and Tulane, respectively. Downs was a seventh-round choice from California.

The four picks yet to sign contracts are first-round cornerback Mike Hughes (Central Florida), second-round offensive tackle Brian O'Neill (Pittsburgh), fourth-round defensive end Jalyn Holmes (Ohio State) and fifth-round tight end Tyler Conklin (Central Michigan).

PHILADELPHIA EAGLES (16-3)

OPEN CAMP: July 25 Josey Jewell Jersey , NovaCare Complex, Philadelphia

LAST YEAR: Won first Super Bowl title and franchise’s first NFL championship since 1960, defeating Bill Belichick, Tom Brady and Patriots. Overcame losing several key players to injury, including QB Carson Wentz, LT Jason Peters, LB Jordan Hicks and others. Backup QB Nick Foles led way after Wentz tore ACL in Week 14, earning Super Bowl MVP honors. Coach Doug Pederson’s offense was balanced yet aggressive. Players bought into team-first attitudes. Defense thrived under coordinator Jim Schwartz. DT Fletcher Cox anchored deep line that included Super Bowl hero Brandon Graham. Special teams were solid despite losing PR Darren Sproles. Rookie K Jake Elliott showed strong leg.

IMPORTANT ADDITIONS: DE Michael Bennett, DT Haloti Ngata, WR Mike Wallace, LB Corey Nelson, TE Richard Rodgers, rookie TE Dallas Goedert.

IMPORTANT LOSSES: Offensive coordinator Frank Reich, QB coach John DeFilippo, TE Trey Burton James Hanna Jersey , RB LeGarrette Blount, DE Vinny Curry, CB Patrick Robinson, LB Mychal Kendricks, WR Torrey Smith, DT Beau Allen, TE Brent Celek, P Donnie Jones.

CAMP NEEDS: Wentz will be closely monitored but there’s no urgency to rush him with Foles still on team. His rehab will be biggest story this summer. Other key players returning from injury include Peters, Hicks, Sproles, special teams ace Chris Maragos and DT Tim Jernigan. Defense needs LB to emerge as replacement for Kendricks and CB to replace Robinson at nickel spot. Both QBs need to build chemistry with new Nos. 2-3 TEs.

EXPECTATIONS: Trying to become first Super Bowl champs to repeat since 2003-04 Patriots, and anything less will be considered disappointment. Wentz, Peters and other star players who missed playoffs last year are determined to win it all and won’t let teammates get complacent. Overall, team improved on paper but it’ll be difficult to match unique bond last year’s group had.

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DALLAS COWBOYS (9-7)

OPEN CAMP: July 26, Oxnard Walter Payton Jersey , California

LAST YEAR: Cowboys missed playoffs year after dynamic rookie tandem of QB Dak Prescott and RB Ezekiel Elliott fueled Dallas to NFC-best 13 wins. Elliott’s six-game suspension during season over domestic violence allegations was big reason. Prescott’s performance dipped after winning NFL Offensive Rookie of Year in 2016. Offensive line was less consistent than usual. Defense was solid but not spectacular.

IMPORTANT ADDITIONS: LB Leighton Vander Esch, WR Allen Hurns, G Connor Williams, WR Tavon Austin, WR Michael Gallup, TE Dalton Schultz, T Cameron Fleming, secondary coach/passing game coordinator Kris Richard.

IMPORTANT LOSSES: TE Jason Witten, WR Dez Bryant, LB Anthony Hitchens, CB Orlando Scandrick.

CAMP NEEDS: Cowboys need to sort out jumbled picture at receiver and tight end after dumping Bryant in cost-cutting move and somewhat surprising retirement of Witten, who went into broadcasting. WR Terrance Williams broke foot and was arrested during tumultuous offseason when Cowboys needed to know if he could take Bryant’s place atop receiving depth chart. Barring unexpected resurgence from six-year veteran, replacing Bryant will fall to Hurns and collection of rookies, other young players. Geoff Swaim likely to get first crack at replacing Witten, but Dallas likes Blake Jarwin. LB Jaylon Smith needs to show explosiveness in second season since recovery from major knee injury in college. Sean Lee needs to stay healthy. Without those developments Dick Butkus Jersey , heavy responsibility could fall on Vander Esch as rookie.

EXPECTATIONS: Coach Jason Garrett has two playoff appearances and one postseason win in seven full seasons. Elliott saga and untimely injuries, particularly to offensive line, gave him pass last season. Hard to imagine owner Jerry Jones sticking with him if Cowboys miss playoffs again, particularly after offseason overhaul of coaching staff. Healthy and eligible Elliott figures to be factor in NFL rushing race after leading league as rookie two years ago. Elliott still led league in yards rushing per game during suspension-marred season. Prescott wasn’t as good at protecting ball year after rookie record for passer rating. Cowboys want him to feed off Elliott-powered running game. Dallas believes young talent in secondary can help defense make difference. Cowboys could use repeat from DeMarcus Lawrence, who finished second in NFL with 14 sacks last season and will play on franchise tag. Lawrence needs help, and prime candidate would be Taco Charlton, last year’s first-round pick.

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WASHINGTON REDSKINS (7-9)

OPEN CAMP: July 26, Richmond, Virginia

LAST YEAR: Injuries, ineffective running game and porous run defense derailed playoff hopes. Nine starters were on injured reserve by end of season, including left tackle Trent Williams, tight end Jordan Reed, and linebacker Mason Foster. Quarterback Kirk Cousins surpassed 4,000 yards for third straight year, threw for 27 touchdowns and ran for four Eric Dickerson Jersey , but had three interceptions in season finale that turned out to be final game with team. Blowing 31-16 lead at New Orleans in November ended realistic postseason hopes before Thanksgiving. Receiver Josh Doctson showed hope for future with 35 catches for 502 yards and team-high six TDs. First-round pick Jonathan Allen flashed elite ability on defensive line before foot injury halted season five games in. Defense allowed 348 yards and 24 points per game. Offense couldn’t keep up while down several key weapons.

IMPORTANT ADDITIONS: QB Alex Smith, WR Paul Richardson, LB Pernell McPhee, CB Orlando Scandrick, rookie RB Derrius Guice, rookie DL Daron Payne.

IMPORTANT LOSSES: Cousins, WR Terrelle Pryor, WR Ryan Grant, TE Niles Paul

Aaron Rodgers said earlier this week he is unlikely to play in the final two preseason games. If Thursday is all we see of the Packers quarterback in the preseason, we didn’t see much.

But the Packers saw enough.

Rodgers played one series — five plays — and departed after throwing a touchdown pass to his new tight end.

He completed only 2-of-4 passes but for 35 yards and a touchdown to Jimmy Graham. The 8-yard score to Graham excited Lambeau Field, where Rodgers played a game for the first time since September 28.

It’s a connection Packers fans hope to see all season.

The Packers also played Brett Hundley and DeShone Kizer in the first half, with Hundley completing 6 of 9 passes for 77 yards before giving way to Kizer. Hundley also had a 10-yard touchdown run.

With two outs George Iloka Jersey , Enrique Hernandez singled to right and Kemp tried score from second Wednesday night. Chirinos caught a pinpoint throw by Nomar Mazara and had his glove out to tag Kemp. Kemp barreled into Chirinos with his arms up, leading with his shoulder. Chirinos’ helmet flew off as he got knocked over and Kemp fell, too.

Chirinos and Kemp jostled as they got up. That led to both benches and bullpens clearing and forming a scrum at the plate. Kemp was restrained by Rangers starter Cole Hamels.

No punches were thrown. The umpires convened during the half inning and ejected both Kemp and Chirinos.

Rules have been put in place to outlaw runners from plowing into catchers, and catchers have to give runners a lane to the plate in most cases. In this play, the throw home took Chirinos directly into Kemp’s path home.

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The Minnesota Wild were hit with a major setback in their first-round playoff matchup with Winnipeg, a broken sternum for left wing Zach Parise suffered in the last game that will keep him out for at least the remainder of the series and likely longer if they advance.

The Wild revealed the injury about three hours before Game 4 against the Jets Stephen Hauschka Jersey , with a vague announcement on Tuesday by general manager Chuck Fletcher that declared Parise’s status as ”week to week.”

Parise took a hard hit to the chest area with about four minutes remaining in Game 3 and the Wild leading 6-2, when he was sandwiched by Jets center Mark Scheifele and defenseman Ben Chiarot. Parise didn’t appear shaken up, and he spoke to reporters afterward without any sign of discomfort.

Tyler Ennis took Parise’s place in the lineup, and coach Bruce Boudreau shuffled his top three lines to adjust to the absence. Asked following the team’s morning skate if Ennis would play, Boudreau quipped, ”Why would we change the lineup? We won. That’s my answer to that.”

The Wild are already missing standout defenseman Ryan Suter because of a broken right ankle Josh Shaw Jersey , leaving the two friends who changed the course of the franchise by signing identical 13-year, $98 million contracts in free agency in 2012 on the shelf for the most important time of the season.

Parise scored in each of the first three games of the series. He is the Wild’s all-time playoffs leader with 14 goals and 31 points, and including his time with New Jersey he’s the most accomplished postseason skater on the roster with 74 career points in the playoffs.

After recovering from microdiskectomy surgery on his back that kept him out of the first 39 games, Parise found his stride down the stretch and tallied 12 goals and four assists in the last 19 games of the regular season. The Wild went 24-10-8 with him in the lineup and 10-2-1 when he scored a goal.

”He did great. Even when he came back, I said that it would be 20 games before he got his game together,” Boudreau said. ”But if anybody knows Zach Kareem Jackson Jersey , he’s one of the hardest workers around, and he worked himself into getting ready to play. And when his back wasn’t hurting, that was tremendous, and then once he started getting back to normal, he became the player that everybody thought he was.”

The Wild, who’ve become well-accustomed to key players missing this season Sherrick McManis Jersey , were more concerned about Parise for the moment. Boudreau said he saw the ”sadness on his face” after learning of the diagnosis on Monday.

”Here’s a guy that’s worked so hard to get back to where he was and so hard to want to play for his hometown and bring glory,” Boudreau said, ”and he finally gets to that spot and this happens, you know?”

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 Kevin Knox Jersey

Running back David Johnson returned to the fold this week after sitting out mandatory minicamp in a contract dispute.

"It means a lot" to have Johnson back Jim Brown Jersey , Wilks said after players reported Friday. "We talked about from day one that he is a major part of what we're doing. I'm glad to see him back. He came back last Sunday on the 22nd very focused, very committed. He's in shape and looking good and I'm expecting some great things out of him this year."

The team added three players the past two days, despite the absence of general manager Steve Keim, who was suspended for five weeks and fined $200,000 by the team following his July 4 DUI arrest.

Cardinals President Michael Bidwill doesn't often speak to the media but he took the opportunity to do so after the players reported and went through their conditioning test.

Bidwill said that, as far as he knew, it was the largest penalty ever for a driving under the influence incident by someone connected to the NFL.

"I came down hard on him and he knew that was going to be the case in the early conversations (after the arrest)," Bidwill said. "I think it's important for everybody now in this day and age there's no excuse to drink and drive. We have Lyft, we have Uber, and there are consequences for the person to be arrested. People can be hurt or killed."

Bidwill has stepped in to take a more active role and said that Keim and his team have been together so long that it's easy to determine what the general manager's position would be if he were there, although no contact with the GM is allowed.

The team signed safety Tre Boston to a one-year deal Friday and added defensive ends Arthur Moats and Jacquies Smith on one-year contracts on Thursday.

"We have taken the philosophy that in his absence we are going to try to make the kind of decisions Steve Keim would make Brandon Marshall Jersey ," Bidwill said.

Quarterback Sam Bradford was excused from Friday's run test but is expected to be a full participant, as the No. 1 quarterback, when workouts begin Saturday. Bradford was brought along slowly in offseason workouts as he works his way back from a knee injury that wiped out nearly all of his season a year ago.

Rookie Josh Rosen has been praised for his offseason work and will be competing with Mike Glennon for the backup job.

Johnson led the NFL in yards from scrimmage two seasons ago but fractured his left wrist in last year's opener and missed the rest of the season. As his representatives and the Cardinals talk about a contract, Johnson decided to come to camp rather than continue the holdout that began in minicamp.

"I wanted to be with the team at the start of camp," Johnson said. "I wanted to bounce back from last year, the injury."

Johnson said he doesn't know how close the parties are to a contract agreement and is leaving it to his agents to deal with. Bidwill said it is possible for the Cardinals and Johnson to reach an agreement despite Keim's absence.

Los Angeles Rams star running back Todd Gurley just signed a four-year extension that guarantees him $45 million.

"My biggest thing is I was proud for him," Johnson said. "I trained with Gurley coming out of college and it was cool to see him get what he deserves. Not only him, but to see Saquon (Barkley) get his deal. It's just good to see running backs get deals."

Boston came back to the Cardinals after criticizing the team's initial offer following a visit earlier in the free agent period. He agreed to a $1.5 million contract that can reach $3 million with incentives, far less than he expected to get when he entered free agency after a strong season last year with the LA Chargers.

Boston set career highs last year with 79 tackles, five interceptions and seven passes defensed. He figures another year like that will get him the money he already believes he deserves.

"I can't get paid on the sidelines. I can't get paid at home," he said Kenny Golladay Jersey ,. "This year you've just got to get back to the roots, get back to who I was last year. Two times in a row, they can't deny it."

Boston played four years for Carolina with Wilks as the defensive backs coach and joked that the players called the coach Denzel Washington because of the way he resembles the actor.

"A great coach, one of my favorite coaches," Boston said. "It reminds me of Denzel Washington, the way he coaches. That was our joke back in Carolina, man. But he's a great coach. He has a vision, a laser-like focus, somebody who motivates you to be better. You don't want to let him down."

NEW YORK — The New York Islanders know Thursday night will be their final home game of the season as well as the last time they call Barclays Center their sole home.

But the most important bit of information remains unknown, and will likely remain a mystery for almost three more months: Will Thursday night also be the final time John Tavares suits up at home for the Islanders?

An uncertain future will overshadow the waning days of a disappointing season Thursday night when the Islanders host the New York Rangers in a battle of teams playing out the string.

Both teams were off Wednesday after playing Tuesday. The host Islanders edged the Philadelphia Flyers 5-4 while the visiting Rangers fell to the New Jersey Devils 5-2.

The local rivals will be playing for nothing more than pride and the opportunity to avoid finishing in last place Thursday, when the Rangers (34-37-9) will take the ice one point ahead of the Islanders. This is only the sixth time since the Islanders (33-37-10) joined the NHL in 1972-73 that both teams will miss the playoffs.

Soon Tremaine Edmunds Jersey , the Islanders will find out if failing to reach the postseason for the second straight season and the short-term uncertainty of their arena situation are enough to drive Tavares away from the only team for which he’s played.

Tavares, whom the Islanders selected with the first overall pick of the 2009 draft, is scheduled to reach free agency July 1. And while his attendance at press conferences earlier this season announcing the Islanders’ plans to build a new arena on Long Island and to split the next three seasons between Barclays Center and Nassau Coliseum (the team’s old home) could be construed as good signs for his future in New York, he has offered no hints one way or the other as the season has spiraled downward.

The Islanders are just 8-17-5 since the All-Star break and have just one winning streak of longer than two games since November.

“Obviously, the season will end on Saturday,” Tavares told reporters following practice Wednesday. “I want to go about it the right way and be the best captain I can be. When the time is right, it will all come to fruition and it will all be over at the same time. It’s gotten to this point now. I can’t say how it’s going to go going forward.”

The Rangers, who are winless in five games (0-4-1) at Barclays Center, will not be sad to see the Islanders exit Brooklyn. Lately, the Islanders have thrived against the Rangers regardless of locale, going 8-1-2 against their closest rival since the start of the 2015-16 season.

“Obviously Carson Tinker Jersey , we haven’t had a lot of success against the Islanders,” head coach Alain Vigneault told Newsday following practice Wednesday. “It’d be good for us to change that, and we’re getting an opportunity tomorrow to do that.”

Islanders goalie Jaroslav Halak will likely get a chance to continue his mastery against the Rangers, who will start backup netminder Ondrej Pavelec.

Halak has sat the last three games — his most recent action was March 27, when he recorded 33 saves and earned the win in a 4-3 victory over the Ottawa Senators — but is 17-7-0 in 25 career games against the Rangers, including 3-0-0 this year and 10-3-0 since joining the Islanders prior to the 2014-15 season.

Pavelec hasn’t played since last Friday, when he took the defeat after recording 43 saves in the Rangers’ 7-3 loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning. He is 4-8-3 in 15 career games against the Islanders.

While Dickson isn't intended to be a replacement for Jimmy Graham Jaelen Strong Jersey , he is the kind of tight end Seattle needs if it's going to return to an offense that controls the game with the run. Dickson is an excellent blocker who also was a serviceable pass-catching option during his time in Baltimore and Carolina.

Dickson had 30 receptions and one touchdown last season with the Panthers. He spent four seasons with the Panthers after four seasons in Baltimore.

It's also a return home for Dickson, who played collegiately at Oregon. Dickson's contract, which was announced Friday, is worth up to $14 million and includes a $2.6 million signing bonus.

Seattle also formally announced the signing of linebacker Barkevious Mingo.

Shazier opened up to teammate Roosevelt Nix on Nix's podcast Taylor Decker Jersey , Shazier's first public comments since injuring his spine in a victory over the Cincinnati Bengals on Dec. 4.

Shazier told Nix, who released the podcast on Tuesday night , that he plans to walk again on his own and return to a career that was on the verge of stardom before the injury, one that required spinal stabilization surgery and left him in the hospital for two months.

"I'm really trying to come back and still be a Pro Bowler A.J. Green Jersey ," Shazier told Nix. "I'm sorry, because I feel I got snubbed this year for All-Pro even though I got hurt. But I feel like my stats are as good as those who made it."

The 25-year-old is undergoing outpatient therapy and has documented a portion of his recovery on social media. General manager Kevin Colbert said last week Shazier has been a fixture at the team's headquarters watching film. Shazier said it's necessary to keep him mentally sharp while aggressively attacking his rehab.

"I've got to get back," said Shazier, who has not released the exact nature of the injury. "Right now I'm reading a book and it's basically saying trust the process. I'm really trusting the process. I know the end goal. So I'm taking every step of the way Boomer Esiason Jersey , I'm giving everything I got. The therapists are like, 'Man this is crazy; I've never seen anyone work this hard.' They almost see progression every day."

Shazier has been vague about specific aspects of his recovery, though he is quick to point out that he can stand on his own, as he did when the cameras cut to him recently while attending a Pittsburgh Penguins game. Either way J.J. Jansen Jersey , Shazier insists he'll one day run back through the tunnel at Heinz Field with his No. 50 jersey on ready to get back at it.

"I'm still reaching for that Hall of Fame because I really feel I'm the best linebacker ever," Shazier said. "I just got to be back out there so everybody can see it. You know what I'm saying?"

The 60-year-old Millen told the Morning Call in Allentown John Sullivan Jersey , Pennsylvania, he has been diagnosed with amyloidosis Christian Covington Jersey , a life-threatening illness that may force Millen to seek a heart transplant. Millen has been receiving chemotherapy once a week to treat a condition that his left his heart functioning at just 30 percent.

Millen played 12 seasons as a linebacker in the NFL for the Raiders, 49ers and Redskins – and won four Super Bowl rings.

He later served as Detroit’s general manager and has also spent three decades as a broadcaster. Millen told the Morning Call that he plans to return to the booth in the fall.

Marshal Yanda has taken a big step back toward the starting lineup.

Yanda passed his physical and has been activated from the physically unable to perform list by the Ravens. The guard broke his ankle last September and also had shoulder surgery early in the offseason Shawn Williams Jersey , which means that the team will still take their time breaking him back into football mode.

Coach John Harbaugh said that Yanda isn’t expected to play against the Rams in this week’s preseason game, but is happy that it might not be too much longer before he’s ready to go.

“He’s starting to work his way in AJ McCarron Jersey ,” Harbaugh said, via the Baltimore Sun. “That’s a huge plus for us. We’re excited about that.”

Yanda’s return will likely shift James Hurst from left guard to right tackle. Rookie Orlando Brown Jr. started at right tackle in the Hall of Fame Game and is set to compete with Hurst for the job.