La Crosse Tribune Sports News

With Jimmy Garoppolo starting for the Patriots, Carson Wentz behind center for the Eagles and Shaun Hill or Sam Bradford — who really knows? — throwing passes for Minnesota, the first week of the NFL season will play out Sunday…

The NFL on Friday released a statement indicating all necessary steps were taken Thursday night in regard to evaluating Cam Newton for a potential concussion after the MVP absorbed numerous helmet-to-helmet blows, seemingly withhout being tested for a brain injury.

NEW YORK (AP) — The NFL will review how the Panthers' medical team handled a hit to Cam Newton's head during Carolina's loss to Denver in the season opener.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) — The Jacksonville Jaguars say running back Chris Ivory has been hospitalized with a "general medical issue" and won't play in the team's season opener against Green Bay.

Stay with Pro Football Weekly for news, updates and scores from across the NFL in Week 1.

Whether you’re a hard-core fan, a more casual observer but with a very clear allegiance, a bettor, a “Fantasy Fanatic" or a member of the media we all share one favorite pastime, predicting the future of our favorite game.

Plus notes on Corey Clement, T.J. Edwards and more.

Jim Polzin hands out a game ball, thumbs up and thumbs down, and shares three stats to know.

ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) — Daniel Wright was surprised when Texas' Carlos Gomez hit homered on his first pitch of the game.

VISALIA, Calif. (AP) -- Victor Reyes, Trevor Mitsui, Marty Herum and Robelys Reyes recorded three hits each, as Visalia beat the Bakersfield Blaze 11-9 on Saturday.

ADELANTO, Calif. (AP) -- Osvaldo Duarte hit a two-run homer in the sixth inning, leading the Lancaster JetHawks to a 6-4 win over the High Desert Mavericks on Saturday.

TACOMA, Wash. (AP) -- Hunter Renfroe hit a two-run homer in the eighth inning, leading the El Paso Chihuahuas to a 5-4 win over the Tacoma Rainiers on Saturday.

PHOENIX (AP) — Archie Bradley had a simple explanation for his shortest start of the season. He was just hit hard by a good team.

ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) — Jonathan Lucroy capped a late see-saw game with the Angels with a two-run homer in the eighth to lead the Texas Rangers to an 8-5 victory Saturday night.

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — After nearly 10 years and 1,070 minor-league games, Paul Molitor figured the least he could do for Minnesota rookie James Beresford was give him a game ball on Saturday night.

MIAMI (AP) — Almost having a perfect game pitched against them was stinging enough for the Miami Marlins. Squandering another opportunity to remain in wild-card contention hurt even more.

PITTSBURGH (AP) — A rainy Saturday night was dreary for the Pittsburgh Pirates as they lost another game as well as more ground in the standings and possibly leadoff hitter Josh Harrison for an extended period.

ST. LOUIS (AP) — Jake Elmore felt helpless in the top of the eighth. It just got worse for the Milwaukee Brewers in the bottom of the frame.

SAN DIEGO (AP) — Jon Gray didn't have his good slider Saturday night, which led to a short night for the right-hander against the San Diego Padres.

ATLANTA (AP) — Bartolo Colon tried not to put too much blame on himself for two mistake pitches that resulted in solo homers for Matt Kemp and Nick Markakis.