Seahawks cut Avril, career may be over
Defensive end Cliff Avril was released yesterday by the Seattle Seahawks with a failed physical designation due to a neck injury that cost him most of the 2017 season.
Avril’s release was expected and could mean the end of a 10-year career during which he was a standout player for the Seahawks and the Detroit Lions.
Avril was injured in Week 4 against Indianapolis while trying to chase down quarterback Jacoby Brissett. The back of Brissett’s foot caught Avril in the chin as he lunged to make the tackle. Avril’s head snapped back violently. He never revealed the specific diagnosis for his injury and then had neck surgery following the season . . . .
The Oakland Raiders agreed to a one-year deal with veteran linebacker Derrick Johnson to bolster the middle of their defense. The 35-year-old Johnson spent his first 13 seasons with the rival Kansas City Chiefs and will likely fill a role at middle linebacker. Johnson is a four-time Pro Bowler and the career tackles leader for the Chiefs . . . .
The Miami Dolphins claimed quarterback Bryce Petty a day after he was waived by the New York Jets. Petty joins veterans Brock Osweiler and David Fales in the competition for the backup job behind Ryan Tannehill. Petty spent three seasons with New York. He played in 10 games, throwing for 1,353 yards and four touchdowns with 10 interceptions . . . .
The Buffalo Bills hired Dan Morgan as their player personnel director. Morgan most recently served as the pro personnel director for Seattle . . . .
The Panthers announced that defensive backs coach Curtis Fuller resigned following an investigation into complaints of inappropriate conduct.
NASCAR: Larson wins pole at dover
Kyle Larson has given Chevrolet a needed boost, turning a lap of 158.103 mph to win the pole for the AAA 400 Drive For Autism at Dover International Speedway in Dover, Del.
Larson won his fifth career pole and will try tomorrow to win his first race of the season. Larson also won Chevy’s first pole since Alex Bowman took the top spot at the Daytona 500.
Kevin Harvick joins Larson on the front row. Martin Truex Jr., Kyle Busch and Ricky Stenhouse Jr. completed the top five in the qualifying.
Jimmie Johnson starts 19th as he tries to extend his Dover track record win total of 11 . . . .
Brazilian driver Pietro Fittipaldi was taken to hospital with suspected broken legs after crashing during a World Endurance Championship event in Belgium. The 21-year-old Fittipaldi is the grandson of two-time Formula One champion Emerson Fittipaldi.
hockey: u.S. knocks off canada
Cam Atkinson scored the winner for the United States in a 5-4 shootout victory over Canada in the opening game at the world ice hockey championship in Herning, Denmark.
Dylan Larkin scored twice for the U.S. to hand Canada a bitter start to its quest for a third world title in four years. Down 4-3, Canada captain Connor McDavid found defenseman Colton Parayko with a pass to tie it with 9:12 remaining in regulation.
Keith Kinkaid made 40 saves for the Americans as Canada outshot the U.S. 44-25.