Ricardo Allen
Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt (99) is seen during pregame warmups before an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans, Sunday, Jan. 3, 2021, in Houston. It's too early to know where the NFL salary cap will end up in the range of $180 million to $198 million coming off a pandemic-dominated season that was completed on time but still cost the league billions of dollars in revenue. Although Houston and star defensive end J.J. Watt said his release was a mutual decision, it might have happened regardless with the 32-year-old set to make $15.5 million while the guaranteed money had already been paid in the $100 million, six-year extension he signed in 2014. (AP Photo/Matt Patterson)
NFL teams brace for tight budgets with likely salary cap cut

By Schuyler Dixon Feb. 19, 2021 03:28 PM EST

FILE - In this Nov. 1, 2020, file photo, Cleveland Browns wide receiver Jarvis Landry plays against the Las Vegas Raiders during the second half of an NFL football game, in Cleveland. The Browns will try to earn a playoff spot without four wide receivers, including star Landry, their starting middle linebacker and his replacement due to COVID-19 protocols. But despite the six players being out, an NFL spokesman said Cleveland's game at the New York Jets will be played as scheduled on Sunday, Dec. 27. (AP Photo/Ron Schwane, File)
Browns short-handed as they face Jets

By The Associated Press Dec. 27, 2020 12:09 PM EST

Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) walks off the field during the second half of an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers, Sunday, Dec. 13, 2020, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
Eagles missing 3 starters in secondary against Cardinals

By The Associated Press Dec. 20, 2020 03:58 PM EST

FILE - In this May 22, 2018, file photo, the Atlanta Falcons defensive unit runs an agility drill at the NFL football teams practice facility in Flowery Branch, Ga. The Atlanta Falcons shut their facility Thursday, Oct. 15, 2020, following one new positive test for COVID-19. The team remains scheduled to play at Minnesota on Sunday. (Curtis Compton/Atlanta Journal-Constitution via AP, File)
NFL will be cautious with players, coaches who have symptoms

By Rob Maaddi Oct. 15, 2020 10:40 AM EDT

Seattle Seahawks free safety Quandre Diggs, left, consoles Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones in the end zone after intercepting a Falcons pass during an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 13, 2020, in Atlanta. (Curtis Compton/Atlanta Journal-Constitution via AP)
Falcons won't have star WR Julio Jones for Bears game

By The Associated Press Sep. 27, 2020 12:44 PM EDT

FILE - This Saturday, Nov. 19, 2016, file photo, shows the interior of the Carrier Dome before of an NCAA college football game between Syracuse and Florida State in Syracuse, N.Y. The Carrier Dome at Syracuse University hosted its first football game 40 years ago this week, and it's undergoing a major upgrade as the football season opener looms. (AP Photo/Nick Lisi, File)
The Latest: Some Bucs fans to attend Oct. 4 Chargers game

By The Associated Press Sep. 26, 2020 04:37 PM EDT

New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) is carted to the locker room after being injured during the first half of an NFL football game against the Chicago Bears in Chicago, Sunday, Sept. 20, 2020. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)
Barkley, 49ers hit with potentially season-ending injuries

By Dave Skretta Sep. 20, 2020 07:50 PM EDT

Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones (11) prepares to make a catch against Seattle Seahawks safety Lano Hill (42) during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 13, 2020, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)
Wilson throws 4 TD passes, Seahawks beat Falcons 38-25

By Paul Newberry Sep. 13, 2020 06:18 PM EDT

An Atlanta Hawks security guard opens a door before a media tour of the State Farm Arena, home of the NBA's Atlanta Hawks basketball team, Friday, July 17, 2020, in Atlanta. The 16,888-seat facility will be used as a poll location for the upcoming election. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
Column: Beyond kneeling, T-shirts, sports push major changes

By Paul Newberry Aug. 07, 2020 06:11 PM EDT

FILE - In this Sept. 29, 2019, file photo, Atlanta Falcons offensive tackle Jake Matthews (70) looks to block during an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans in Atlanta. With sports still largely on hold because of the coronavirus pandemic, athletes and coaches have been looking for ways to pass all that unexpected free time. For Atlanta Falcons lineman Jake Matthews, it's brushing up on his grilling skills. (AP Photo/Michael Zarrilli, File)
Falcons' Allen says idea of practice is 'nerve-racking'

By Charles Odum May. 09, 2020 10:51 AM EDT