La Crosse Tribune Sports News

OWINGS MILLS, Md. (AP) — In his first regular season game since last November, Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco will wear a brace on his surgically repaired left knee.

The New Orleans Saints have reportedly agreed to a deal with franchise quarterback Drew Brees before his self-imposed deadline of Week 1. This is now Brees' third contract with the Saints after he originally signed with the team a decade…

DENVER (AP) — The 2016 NFL season starts the same way the last one ended, with Von Miller staring down Cam Newton.

The Panthers not only disappointed folks in the Carolinas with their Super Bowl performance in February, they also let down Pro Picks. With a chance for a winning record for the 2015 season, we went with Cam Newton and Co.…

The anticipation's been building and it's finally time — Week 1 of the 2016 fantasy football season is here. Our first tip: Relax and don't let the hype of the NFL opener Thursday between the Panthers and the Broncos get…

EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. (AP) — Minnesota Vikings coach Mike Zimmer says he will not announce a starting quarterback until just before Sunday's season opener at Tennessee.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Washington Nationals reinstated right-hander Stephen Strasburg from the disabled list in advance of his scheduled start against the Atlanta Braves on Wednesday night.

The University of Wisconsin men's hockey program already was well represented in the upcoming World Cup of Hockey with four former players on the 23-player U.S. roster.

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — The Carolina Hurricanes are bringing back veteran goalie Michael Leighton.

OTTAWA (AP) — Carey Price will play his first game in nearly 10 months on Friday, starting in goal for Canada's first World Cup of Hockey exhibition game against the United States in Columbus, Ohio.

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. (AP) — New York Jets owner Woody Johnson says the team's goal is to reach the playoffs every year, but declined to say that this season would be a failure without a postseason appearance.

SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) — Colin Kaepernick says he will donate all the money he receives from his jersey sales to charity to thank fans for their support during his national anthem protest.

CLEVELAND (AP) — LeBron James has serenaded teammate Kevin Love on his birthday.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Thomas Davis knows his window to win a Super Bowl is closing fast.

LAKE FOREST, Ill. (AP) — The Chicago Bears have signed three-time Pro Bowl offensive lineman Kyle Long to a four-year contract extension through the 2021 season.

U.S. hockey coach John Tortorella says he'd bench any player who stays seated during the national anthem, while New York Jets receiver Brandon Marshall is defending Colin Kaepernick for his protest against racial injustice and minority oppression.

CAROLINA (17-2) at DENVER (15-4)

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — The United States has named Joe Pavelski of the San Jose Sharks as its captain for the World Cup of Hockey.

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — The Utah Jazz have signed free agent wing Quincy Ford, who played for the team in the summer league.

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) — Baltimore Orioles first baseman Chris Davis is out of Wednesday's starting lineup against Tampa Bay because of a sore left hand.