Concussion claims hit $500 million

More than $500 million in claims were approved as of Monday under the NFL’s concussion settlement, nearly a decade earlier than league officials estimated they would reach that amount.

Claims administrators in the settlement released an updated report saying about $502 million had been approved in less than two years of the settlement. The NFL originally estimated a little more than $400 million would be paid out in the first decade. Attorneys for retired players adjusted their estimates on the total payout of expected claims this month, saying the settlement would likely reach $1.4 billion, almost a half billion more than the NFL originally estimated.

“The fact that $500 million in claims have been approved in less than two years proves that this settlement is fulfilling its promise to former NFL players and their families,” said Christopher Seeger, co-lead class counsel for the former NFL players.

The settlement, which took effect January 2017, resolved thousands of lawsuits that accused the NFL of hiding what it knew about the risks of repeated concussions.

Hall of Fame: Despite his decision to skip Saturday’s Pro Football Hall of Fame induction ceremonies, Terrell Owens will be honored by the hall for his NFL career. Owens will be part of the 2018 class exhibit that includes a glass locker for each new member; their pictures on the light standards of Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium; and mention in any reference to the 2018 class. NFL Network and ESPN will show a video of Owens’ career to the audience at home.

Jets: Signed Sam Darnold to a four-year, $30.25 million deal, ending the rookie QB’s holdout.DarnoldwastheNo.3 overall pick in the draft. He’s expected to compete for the starting job.

Lions: RB LeGarrette Blount returned to camp and declined interview requests a day after walking off the field during practice.

Panthers: Suffered their second potentially significant training camp injury in three days as CB Ross Cockrell was carted off the field with a lower left leg injury. Carolina lost starting RT Daryl Williams to a knee injury Saturday.