Rodgers cuts up mistake-prone Bears
Goodell calls owners, players together to discuss recent demonstrations
Aaron Rodgers threw four touchdown passes, and the injury-riddled Green Bay Packers converted three turnovers into scores in an eventful 35-14 victory over the mistake-prone Chicago Bears on Thursday night.
Rodgers connected with Davante Adams and Randall Cobb on short touchdown passes to help build a 21- 0 lead in the second quarter of a game delayed 45 minutes between the first two quarters because of lightning in Green Bay, Wisconsin.
The Packers lost two more key players to injuries. Adams left the field on a stretcher after getting hit in the head during a tackle by Danny Trevathan in the third quarter. Running back Ty Montgomery was knocked out in the first quarter with a chest injury.
But the Packers capitalized on an awful start by Bears quarterback Mike Glennon, who accounted for four turnovers.
GOODELL CALLS OWNERS, PLAYERS TOGETHER »
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell held a round-table meeting with roughly 25 owners, league executives and players on Tuesday night to discuss the national anthem demonstrations. The summit at the league’s headquarters in New York lasted roughly two hours andwas attended by several of the NFL’s most prominent owners, including John Mara of the Giants, Robert Kraft of the Patriots and Art Rooney II of the Steelers.
NFL executive vice president Troy Vincent also attended along with eight players from five teams.
Patriots safety Devin McCourty and special teams captain Matt Slater both joined Kraft for the meeting with Goodell.
“From both sides,” McCourty said. “I think that players saw that when owners came out with different statements on Sunday. I think the biggest thing is as players we have to keep in the forefront what we want to get (awareness for) the inequality, the injustice. I think that’s what’s important.”
TROUBLE FOR WALKER »
Titans tight end Delanie Walker says he and his family have received death threats since he told fans not to come to games if they felt disrespected by players’ protests. The Pro Bowl tight end, who toured the Middle East this year on the NFL’s USO Tour, called the threats “heartbreaking.” He says the racist and violent words both he and his son have heard are a reminder of how the country is divided and “full of hateful rhetoric.”
TRUMP CALLS OUT OWNERS »
President Donald Trump said owners fear their players, and he renewed calls for action against those who kneel during the anthem. “I think they are afraid of their players, if youwant to know the truth, and I think it’s disgraceful,” he said in an interview that aired on “Fox and Friends.” He says “most people agree” with him. “Spoke to Jerry Jones of the Dallas Cowboys yesterday. Jerry is a winner who knows how to get things done. Players will stand for Country!” Trump tweeted.
TOP CHOICE READY TO GO »
Browns rookie defensive end Myles Garrett is back practicing. The top overall pick in this year’s draft returned after being sidelined with a high right ankle sprain. Garrett has missed Cleveland’s first three games but now that he’s been cleared to practice, there’s a strong chance he’ll make his debut Sunday against the Bengals.
REED EXPECTS TO PLAY »
Washington tight end Jordan Reed (chest-rib) is confident he’ll be able to play against the unbeaten Kansas City Chiefs.
BRADFORD TO MISS THIRD GAME »
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Bradford has been ruled out of Sunday’s game with Detroit because of lingering soreness in his left knee. Case Keenum will make his third straight start.
ROAD- WEARY DOLPHINS TESTED AGAIN »
Fatigue might be a problem for the Dolphins, who have yet to play in Miami. They spent a week in California before their hurricane- delayed opener and won 19-17 in L. A. over the Chargers. They lost to the Jets in New York. Now they have to face the Saints in London. Dolphins owner Stephen Ross asked the NFL to move this week’s game to Miami. The league declined.