Brown defends Bell in ‘family feud’
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Antonio Brown isn’t worried about hard feelings lingering whenever running back Le’Veon Bell decides to show up.
Brown defended Bell yesterday after several teammates expressed frustration that the All-Pro has yet to sign his franchise tender and rejoin the club, meaning he will be out of the lineup tomorrow when the defending AFC North champions open the season in Cleveland.
“No one wins when the family feuds,” Brown said. “At the end of the day, we’re a family. If he’s here or he’s not, we want the best for him. That’s what it’s all about. It’s not about pointing fingers and fighting amongst each other. We’re a core group that should respect and love each other regardless of the situation.”
Brown posted a picture on Instagram on Thursday of him and Bell celebrating a touchdown. The All-Pro receiver added the caption “we all we got, we all we need, ready to roll whenever you get back with us.”
Brown insisted he’s ready to roll too after skipping all four preseason games in part because of a quadriceps injury. He is 90 yards away from becoming the fifth active player with 10,000 career yards receiving and is coming off his NFL-record fifth straight season of at least 100 receptions.
“Obviously, it’s been a rough preseason for me but I’m excited to get out there and show the world what I’m capable of,” Brown said.
The Steelers will start second-year back James Conner in Bell’s place.
Falcons lose safety
Atlanta Falcons safety Keanu Neal will miss the remainder of the season after hurting his left knee in Thursday night’s 18-12 opening loss at Philadelphia.
The loss of Neal, a leader on the defense who was selected to his first Pro Bowl in 2017, is a major blow to the Atlanta defense.
Falcons coach Dan Quinn said after the game the injury wasn’t believed to be serious. The team announced the severity of the injury yesterday. He suffered the injury in the first half, returned in the second half and then left the game for good.
Bosa out for opener
Los Angeles Chargers defensive end Joey Bosa will miss the opener against Kansas City after reinjuring his left foot.
Coach Anthony Lynn said Bosa’s first foot injury had healed but that he suffered a new injury during Wednesday’s practice. Bosa first injured the foot on Aug. 7 during training camp and missed the preseason.
This will be the first time Bosa has missed a game because of injury since being selected with the third overall pick in the 2016 draft. He has 23 career sacks in two seasons, including an NFL-record 19 in his first 20 games.
KC’s Berry doubtful
Chiefs safety Eric Berry is doubtful for tomorrow’s game against the Chargers in Los Angeles after missing most of training camp and all four preseason games with a heel injury.
Chiefs trainer Rick Burkholder and coach Andy Reid said this week that Berry was “literally day to day,” but he did not take part in any practices. That makes it unlikely Berry, who missed most of last season with a ruptured Achilles tendon, will play in the regular-season opener . . . .
Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback Jalen Ramsey practiced without any limitation, clearing the way for him to play against Giants receiver Odell Beckham Jr. in the opener.
No word on Thomas
The Seattle Seahawks have not yet decided whether safety Earl Thomas will be added to the active roster ahead of their season opener in Denver.
Coach Pete Carroll said a decision would come today. He wanted to see how Thomas came out of the final day of practice . . . .
Nose tackle Eddie Goldman and the Chicago Bears have agreed to a four-year contract extension through the 2022 season.
A second-round pick out of Florida State in 2015, Goldman has started 32 of the 36 games played and has 8.5 sacks.