Rudolph to miss Sunday's game against Chargers

The Pittsburgh Steelers ruled quarter back Mason Rudolph out for Sunday's visit to the Los Angeles Chargers while he continues to recover from a concussion, meaning undrafted rookie free agent Devlin “Duck” Hodges will get the start when Pittsburgh (1-4) faces the Chargers (2-3) in prime time.

The former Oklahoma State quarterback was limited in practice all week after getting knocked unconscious by Baltimore' s Earl Thomas in the third quarter of an overtime loss to the Ravens.

Hodges, a champion duck caller in his downtime, completed 7 of 9 passes f or 68 yards and scrambled once for 21 yards after coming in for Rudolph. Paxton Lynch, signed to the practice squad after Ben Roe th li sb er ger was lost for the season with an elbow injury last month, will serve as Hodges' backup against Los Angeles.

Thomas fined $21,000 for hit against Rudolph

Baltimore Ravens safety Earl Thomas III told ESPN on Friday he was fined $21,000 for his hit on Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph that left him unconscious.

According to ESPN, Thomas plans to appeal the fine.

The hit came in the third quarter of the Ravens' overtime win over the Pittsburgh Steelers. As Rudolph escaped pressure and threw a pass, Thomas leaped into Rudolph. Thomas' helmet appeared to make contact with Rudolph's chin, who was left motionless on the ground.

Rudolph, after being helped off the field, was sent to the hospital and diagnosed with a concussion. Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph (2) is helped from the field during last Sunday's game against the Baltimore Ravens. Rudolph, who was concussed after being hit by Ravens' safety Earl Thomas, will miss Sunday's game against the Chargers. Thomas was fined $21,000 by the NFL on Friday for the hit. [AP PHOTO/GENE J. PUSKAR]

Broncos sign fullback to three-year extension

Fullback Andy Janovich has signed a three- year extension with the Denver Broncos worth $5.7 million.

The fourth-year pro from Nebraska is making $720,000 this season in the final year of his rookie contract as a sixthround draft pick. He's the first member of the Broncos' 2016 draft class to sign a second contract.

J anovich missed t he f i rst three games this season after tearing a pectoral muscle in August.

Dolphins' receiver to return to play after concussion

It's been nearly three weeks since Miami Dolphins receiver Allen Hurns suffered a concussion against the Dallas Cowboys on Sept. 22.

And while Hurns is excited to return to action following his recovery and clearance from the NFL's concussion protocol, he said he does not have a recollection of the game or the hit that sidelined him.

“I still don't remember the game, but it's nothing scary. I've had concussions before,” said Hurns, who said he suffered the fourth concussion of his career .“You have aheadac he, but besides that, it' s nothing crazy.”

Hurns said Friday he does not have any concerns about his concussion history. He is expected to return to action Sunday against the Washington Redskins after being sidelined for the last two weeks.