Manning heads Hall candidates
Peyton Manning and former Green Bay Packers cornerback Charles Woodson are among 14 firstyear eligible candidates for the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Joining the two-time Super Bowl champion quarterback and the star cornerback/safety on the ballot are receivers Calvin Johnson, Wes Welker and Roddy White; running back Steven Jackson; tight end Heath Miller; offensive linemen D’Brickashaw Ferguson and Logan Mankins; defensive linemen Jared Allen, Justin Tuck and Kevin Williams; linebacker Jerod Mayo; and defensive back Charles Tillman.
In all, there are 130 nominees for five modern-era spots. The list will be reduced to 25 semifinalists in November and to 15 finalists in January. A maximum of five modern-era players will be chosen when the selection committee meets the Saturday before the Super Bowl in Tampa, Florida.
Returning finalists from last year include former Packers defensive back LeRoy Butler.
49ers place Sherman on IR: The San Francisco 49ers placed star cornerback Richard Sherman on the injured reserve list Wednesday and also could be without All-Pro tight end George Kittle this week.
Sherman strained his calf late in Sunday’s 24-20 loss to Arizona and was placed on IR when the injury didn’t get better right way. He will have to miss at least three games but the Niners are hopeful it won’t be a longer-term injury.
Kittle sprained his knee in the same game and won’t take part in a full practice this week.
Broncos lose Miller: The Denver Broncos placed injured linebacker Von Miller on injured reserve while he recovers from surgery to repair a dislodged tendon in his left ankle.
Miller got hurt on a freak play last week during an indoor practice. He’s expected to miss the season.
The Broncos also promoted cornerback De’Vante Bausby.