Manziel slowed by sore elbow, Thomas dodges knee injury

BEREA, Ohio (AP) Browns backup quarterback Johnny Manziel was limited in practice by a sore right elbow but is expected to play Thursday night in Cleveland's exhibition opener against Washington.

Manziel did not throw any passes with his right arm - he made a couple tosses left-handed - on Tuesday. Manziel wore a long sleeve on his right arm and only handed off during the drills he participated in.

''We just wanted to rest him for the day,'' Browns coach Mike Pettine said. ''It was just an accumulation of reps and it started getting a little sore. We would do that with any of the guys, but he was the one who was experiencing some stiffness.''

Manziel had his arm heavily wrapped following Friday's scrimmage in Columbus, but Pettine said that is ''standard'' treatment with all the team's QBs.

The 2012 Heisman Trophy winner, Manziel has had an impressive training camp as he tries to shake off a rotten rookie season, which was followed by a 10-week rehab stay. Manziel is listed as Cleveland's No. 2 quarterback behind Josh McCown.

Manziel has shown improvement the past two weeks and completed 9 of 11 passes for 93 yards and two touchdowns in the Browns' intrasquad scrimmage at Ohio State.

The Browns got good news on Pro Bowl left tackle Joe Thomas, who did not sustain any significant damage when he was hit on the right knee toward the end of Monday's practice.

Thomas did not practice Tuesday, but that was a planned rest day for the veteran. Thomas had his knee struck from behind by rookie defensive tackle Danny Shelton, who inadvertently fell into the eight-time Pro Bowler while being blocked on a running play on Monday.

Pettine said Thomas may still play against the Redskins.

Injuries have been a major issue for the Browns since camp opened. Starting wide receiver Dwayne Bowe remains sidelined with a hamstring injury and Terrelle Pryor, trying to switch from quarterback to receiver, is also out with a hamstring issue that has lingered longer than expected. Also, rookie running back Duke Johnson is still out with a hamstring problem.

The Browns have major plans in their offense for Johnson, a third-round pick and Miami's career rushing leader.

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AP NFL websites: http://www.pro32.ap.org and http://www.twitter.com/AP-NFL

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Browns Pro Bowl tackle Thomas avoids knee injury; Manziel rests elbow

BEREA, Ohio -- Browns Pro Bowl left tackle Joe Thomas did not sustain any significant damage when he was hit on the right knee during practice.

Thomas did not practice Tuesday, but that was a planned rest day for the veteran. Thomas had his knee struck from behind by rookie defensive tackle Danny Shelton, who inadvertently fell into the eight-time Pro Bowler while being blocked on a running play on Monday.

Browns coach Mike Pettine said Thomas may still play in Thursday's exhibition opener against Washington.

Also, Browns backup quarterback Johnny Manziel did not throw any passes with his right arm in practice because he's dealing with a sore elbow. Manziel is expected to get some time against the Redskins.

Manziel has shown major improvement in his second training camp. He's currently listed as the No. 2 quarterback behind Josh McCown.

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Indianapolis brewery is using 'Tom Brady sux' as expiration date for beer

Sep 21, 2014; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) reacts to a failed pass attempt during the fourth quarter against Oakland Raiders at Gillette Stadium. The New England Patriots won 16-9. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports

It's becoming more evident every day that the Indianapolis Colts are bigger rivals to the New England Patriots than any team in the AFC East.

First, it was an Indianapolis bakery making "Deflatecakes" to celebrate Tom Brady's suspension. Then, Bill Belichick and Robert Kraft took turns taking shots at the Colts during Willie McGinest's Hall of Fame induction ceremony.

And now, Indy-based brewery, Sun King Brewing Co., is using Brady's name as an expiration date. How? By simply printing "Tom Brady sux" on the bottom of every beer can.

After all of this back-and-forth between the Colts and Patriots, the Week 6 matchup in Indianapolis is sure to be must-watch. It marks the return of Brady from his suspension, which means he's going to come out firing and probably throw for 500-plus yards and set all sorts of records.

The Colts and Patriots will battle for the top spot in the AFC for years to come, as they have in the past when Peyton Manning was in Indianapolis.

(h/t Twitter)

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Few real surprises in Titans first depth chart

Tennessee Titans wide receivers Dorial Green-Beckham (17) and Rico Richardson (81) watch teammates run a drill during an organized team activity at the team's NFL football training facility Monday, June 8, 2015, in Nashville, Tenn. An aggravated hamstring has limited Green-Beckham, who is working to reform his image after off-field issues dropped him into the second round of the draft. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)

The Tennessee Titans released their first unofficial depth chart Monday, in preparation for Friday's preseason opener against the Atlanta Falcons.

Among the items of note, Byron Bell is listed as the starting right tackle. Bell, who joined the team as a free agent in the offseason has been competing for the job with 2014 third-round pick Jeremiah Poutasi.

At wide receiver, newcomer Harry Douglas is the starter opposite Kendall Wright, with Hakeem Nicks and Justin Hunter listed as second-team. Rookie Dorial Green-Beckham, Tennessee's second-round pick this year, is currently third string, along with veteran Jacoby Ford.

Perrish Cox, who joined the team as a free agent from the San Francisco 49ers is listed as the starter at cornerback, opposite Jason McCourty. Coty Sensabaugh and Marqueston Huff are the second-string corners.

The Titans face the Falcons Friday night in Atlanta.

(h/t Tennessee Titans)

Photo credit: Mark Humphrey/AP

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France or Firestone? EuropeanTour won't sanction WGC event in crowded Olympic year

SHEBOYGAN, Wis. –  The European Tour has chosen France over Firestone.

A crowded 2016 schedule because of golf's return to the Olympics means the Bridgestone Invitational at Firestone has moved up from early August to late June. Next year it will be the same week as the French Open on the European Tour.

New European Tour chief Keith Pelley says Europe will not co-sanction the World Golf Championship event next year. That means a European Tour player will not get Ryder Cup points or official money from the Bridgestone Invitational next year.

That is sure to water down the field at Firestone next year. Graeme McDowell is a two-time winner in France and indicated he will not be at Firestone if eligible. It also will affect players who compete on both tours.

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BC-AP Sports Preview Digest

Some of the sports stories The Associated Press is covering Tuesday. A full Sports Digest will be sent about 3 p.m. All times EDT:

- SHEBOYGAN, Wis. - Unlike two of the other majors he played this year, Tiger Woods can't rely on good memories at Whistling Straits. He awaits the PGA Championship in what's been a most troublesome season.

- Two U.S. swimmers who became sick after competing off Copacabana Beach at the 2007 Pan Am Games now have further reason to be suspicious about their illness following an AP analysis of those waters.

- SCHAUMBURG, Ill. - NFL owners meet in suburban Chicago to hear more about the league's options for a return to the Los Angeles market for the first time in 20 years.

- CHICAGO - Michael Jordan arrives at court for the start of a trial that concerns the value of his identity. The NBA great is suing a grocery chain for the unauthorized use his name and persona in an ad.

- TORONTO - Winners of eight straight, the Blue Jays start Drew Hutchison (10-2) against last-place Oakland. Toronto is coming off a weekend sweep of the first-place Yankees. Game starts 7:07 p.m.

- LOS ANGELES - Zack Greinke (11-2, 1.71 ERA) is on the mound for the NL-West leading Dodgers against a Washington Nationals team that is 1 1/2 games out in the NL East. Game starts 10:10 p.m.

- PHILADELPHIA - DeMarco Murray traded the blue star on his Cowboys helmet for the Eagles' silver Eagles, swinging the power in the NFC East from Dallas to Philadelphia.

- HOUSTON - Alfred Blue had a solid rookie season in 2014 backing up Arian Foster. Now that Foster is out with a groin injury, Blue will be counted on to carry Houston's running game.

- RENTON, Wash. - Seahawks left tackle Russell Okung will be negotiating his next contract without an agent. It's entirely in keeping with his interest in business and finance.

- The Big Ten East is one formidable group. Defending champion Ohio State is a popular pick to return to the College Football Playoff, with Michigan State poised to challenge. The West is playing catch-up.

- GREENSBORO, N.C. - The standout items of late on the ACC's resume belong to one school - Florida State. The conference wants to show it's more than the Seminoles and everybody else.

- ZURICH - Francois Carrard, who helped oversee the IOC cleanup after the Salt Lake City bidding scandal, will chair the group aimed at reforming FIFA.

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Jets release first depth chart with Jace Amaro listed as No. 3 TE

Sep 7, 2014; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets tight end Jace Amaro (88) runs with the ball against the Oakland Raiders during a game at MetLife Stadium. The Jets defeated the Raiders 19-14. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Like several other teams in the NFL, the New York Jets released their first unofficial depth chart of training camp. The first spot where fans will look is quarterback, where they'll see Geno Smith as the No. 1 signal caller.

Aside from quarterback, which doesn't feature any surprises, the tight end position could throw some for a loop. Surprisingly, second-year tight end Jace Amaro is listed as the No. 3 tight end on the roster, behind starter Jeff Cumberland and backup Kellen Davis.

What makes this so surprising is the fact that Amaro outperformed Cumberland in just about every statistical category last season while starting far fewer games. Amaro was seen as the future tight end for the Jets, but it's clear the coaching staff has other plans.

Other than Amaro's placement on the depth chart, there aren't any other jump-off-the-page surprises for the Jets. They're relatively deep at most positions, specifically on defense. One name that may shock some is Sheldon Richardson at No. 1 defensive end, ahead of Leonard Williams.

Of course, it's unclear what Richardson's fate with the team is, but as of now, he's slated to be a contributor following his four-game suspension.

For the full depth chart, click here.

(h/t New York Jets)

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Browns' Josh Gordon not happy about accidental DUI report

Cleveland Browns wide receiver Josh Gordon takes a break during practice at the NFL football team's training camp Monday, Aug. 4, 2014, in Berea, Ohio. Gordon returned to practice while his appeal hearing with the NFL enters a second day in New York. Gordon missed two days of practice last week and Saturday's scrimmage in Akron. Gordon and his legal team met with an arbitrator for nearly 10 hours on Friday as he fights a potential one-year suspension for violating the league's substance abuse policy.(AP Photo/Tony Dejak)

For a few moments Monday, a mistaken tweet from an Atlanta television station had Browns fans in a frenzy over what they thought was another Josh Gordon arrest.

WXIA in Atlanta blamed technical difficulties for an accidental retweet of their 2014 post concerning Gordon's DUI arrest. That didn't stop the news from quickly trending in Cleveland, but things calmed once people figured out it was old news, and thankfully not another off-field incident for Gordon.

Gordon responded with a tweet of his own, seemingly taking it in stride with a little irk in between.

h/t: Waiting For Next Year

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Talib: Broncos' secondary 'definitely' best in the NFL

Aug 6, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos cornerback Aqib Talib (21) during training camp at the UCHealth Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports

Denver's uber-talented secondary has a chance tobe the NFL's best this season.

Ask Aqib Talib, though, and you'll hear the unit has already arrived two weeks into training camp.

"We want to grade out as the top secondary in the league this year as far as interceptions, yards, all that," Talib told ESPN. "With this defense, we definitely have a chance to do that.''

Don't confuse Talib's confidence for cockiness. The Broncos were third in total defense last year and return Talib and standout Chris Harris Jr. at cornerback. Two of its members (Harris Jr. and safety T.J. Ward) earned Pro Bowl nods in 2014.

The group could be even better this fall. Last year's top pick, Bradley Roby, has a season under his belt. Youngsters Kayvon Webster, Lorenzo Doss, and Tony Carter are promising, too.

Head coach Gary Kubiak will coach against another star secondary when the Broncos open their preseason in Seattle. He's confident that his defense will hold its own.

Said Kubiak: "They're (the Broncos secondary) not going to let you dink and dunk the ball around.''

(h/t ESPN)

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When it comes to snaps, Peppers may sacrifice quantity for quality

Green Bay Packers Julius Peppers reaches for the ball during NFL football minicamp Tuesday, June 17, 2014, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Mike Roemer)

Green Bay Packers outside linebacker Julius Peppers has chased NFL quarterbacks for 13 seasons. At 35 years old, he may start tapping the brakes in order to preserve quality reps as he nears retirement.

"It's a tough call," Peppers said, via Tom Silverstein of the Journal Sentinel. "As a player, I don't want to come off the field. But obviously, when I'm out there and if I'm playing less and I could save a little energy certain times of the game, maybe I could be more productive and more efficient in those situations.

"We just have to figure it out. We'll figure something out and hopefully it will work."

Peppers played 900 snaps last season (73.9 percent of defensive plays), according to the Journal Sentinel. He totaled seven sacks, two interceptions (both returned for touchdowns), 11 pass breakups, six forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries. He kept that production up in the postseason, helping the Packers reach the NFC Championship.

As Peppers enters the 2015 season, the team must find a proper balance between limiting his snap count and unleashing his playmaking potential.

"There's a lot of games played, a lot of snaps played over the long haul," Peppers said, per the Journal Sentinel. "I think those things could pile up and have a toll at the end of the season.

"It's a tough call for the coaches, it's a tough spot for me as a player because they want me out there and I want to be out there. At the same time, we all know if I'm out there a little bit less maybe that's a better situation at times."

With Peppers' playing time monitored, the Packers need players such as Clay Matthews, Mike Neal, Mike Daniels and Datone Jones to pick up the slack pass-rushing slack when he's not on the field.

(h/t Journal Sentinel)

Photo Credit: AP Photo/Mike Roemer

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Jordy Nelson still works 12-hour days on family farm during offseason

Nov 28, 2013; Detroit, MI, USA; Green Bay Packers wide receiver Jordy Nelson (87) against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

No one can question Jordy Nelson's work ethic. The Green Bay Packers wide receiver, who signed a $39 million contract extension last year, revealed in a recent interview with ESPN the Magazine that he still returns to Riley, Kansas, every offseason and works up to 12 hours a day on his family farm.

"Working cattle is my favorite farm duty," Nelson told ESPN, via Business Insider. The Pro Bowl pass-catcher also said he identifies "more as a farmer" than as a football player.

The Packers picked Jordy Nelson in the second-round of the 2008 NFL Draft. After a slow start to his professional career, the Kansas State product has been an explosive playmaker over the past four seasons. He has accumulated 400 catches for 6,109 yards and 49 touchdowns since entering the league.

Earlier this year, Nelson explained to The 700 Club how life on a farm prepared him for a career in the NFL.

(h/t Business Insider)

Photo Credit: Andrew Weber/USA TODAY Sports

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Deflategate judge pressures Brady, league, union to settle

NEW YORK -- A judge is urging last-minute settlement talks between the NFL, the players' union and Tom Brady before a Wednesday hearing in the legal dispute over the superstar quarterback's suspension for using underinflated footballs.

Judge Richard Berman on Tuesday ordered the sides to have "further good faith settlement efforts" prior to the first meeting since the sides took the scandal known as "Deflategate" to federal court.

Berman directed NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady to join lawyers in his robing room to discuss negotiations prior to a public hearing.

The league has asked Berman to find that it acted legally when it suspended Brady for four games after finding underinflated footballs when New England topped the Indianapolis Colts 45-7 in the AFC championship game in January. The union has countersued to block the suspension.

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Jags looking for special teams contributors with final WR spots

May 28, 2015; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Bryan Walters (81) catches a pass during OTAs at the Florida Blue Health and Wellness Practice Fields. Mandatory Credit: Phil Sears-USA TODAY Sports

The Jacksonville Jaguars have a solid young trio of wide receivers in second-year players Allen Hurns, Allen Robinson and Marqise Lee.

While those three are locks to make the final 53-man roster, the other receiver spots are still up for grabs. Jaguars head coach Gus Bradley said the ability to contribute on special teams will go a long way towards determining the two or three other receivers the team takes into the regular season.

"Your fourth and fifth spot you're looking for guys that can play and are very important to special teams," Bradley said, via ESPN. "I would say you'd like to get it when it's all said and done that the fourth and fifth spot can take care of six core special teams. When you're looking at those spots I think there's a pretty heavy emphasis on what they can do as far as special teams."

Among the players competing for those final spots are a pair of 2014 draft picks in Rashad Greene and Neal Sterling, along with Tandon Doss, Arrelious Benn, Bryan Walters, Kasey Closs and Greg Jenkins.

Doss led the NFL in punt return average with the Baltimore Ravens in 2013, while Greene has experience returning punts from his days at Florida State. Walters has special teams experience from his time with the Seattle Seahawks as well.

Bradley also wants to see more of the 6-foot-2, 220 Benn, who hasn't played since 2013 due to injuries.

"(Benn) can tackle, and he can run down on kickoff, knows multiple positions and is intriguing," Bradley said. "We need to take a hard look at him.

"Tandon Doss is another bigger, stronger, physical guy. Let's see what he can do. How many core (special teams) can he be? Especially if Rashad Greene is a returner and that's it and that's what he does then the next guy, however it works out, would have to do four core (special teams)."

(h/t ESPN)

Photo credit: Phil Sears/USA TODAY Sports

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'Deflategate' judge pressures NFL, union, Brady to settle

NEW YORK (AP) A judge is urging last-minute settlement talks between the NFL, the players' union and Tom Brady before a Wednesday hearing in the legal dispute over the superstar quarterback's suspension for using underinflated footballs.

Judge Richard Berman on Tuesday ordered the sides to have ''further good faith settlement efforts'' prior to the first meeting since the sides took the scandal known as ''Deflategate'' to federal court.

Berman directed NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady to join lawyers in his robing room to discuss negotiations prior to a public hearing.

The league has asked Berman to find that it acted legally when it suspended Brady for four games after finding underinflated footballs when New England topped the Indianapolis Colts 45-7 in the AFC championship game in January. The union has countersued to block the suspension.

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AP NFL websites: http://www.pro32.ap.org and http://www.twitter.com/AP-NFL

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Chad 'Ochocinco' Johnson: 'Geno Smith will flourish'

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - SEPTEMBER 28: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) Geno Smith #7 of the New York Jets in action against the Detroit Lions on September 28, 2014 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Lions defeated the Jets 24-17. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)

Chad "Ochocinco" has never been shy about voicing his opinions on hot topics. He was one of the most outspoken players during his playing days, and now he's one of the most outspoken on Twitter.

Late Monday night, Johnson went on a bit of a Twitter rant about different players and teams in the NFL, sharing his thoughts to his 3.59 million followers.

One of those tweets from Johnson was about the highly-criticized Geno Smith. Johnson didn't knock Smith, though. He praised him. According to the former Pro Bowl wide receiver, "Smith will flourish."

Johnson always had a flair for standing out, and he may be alone on this one -- at least, outside of New York. Smith has struggled mightily in his career, to say the least. He's thrown more interceptions (34) than touchdowns (25) and hasn't won over Jets fans just yet. He's got a long way to go, but having new weapons on the outside should help.

The Jets brought in Brandon Marshall and drafted Devin Smith to play alongside Eric Decker on the outside. With those three receivers on Smith's side, he's in a good position to succeed.

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