Two-game suspensions reduced

The fight between Aqib Talib and

Michael Crabtree won’t prove as costly to the players as the initial fallout indicated. The Broncos cornerback and Raiders wide receiver had their suspensions reduced from two games to one Tuesday after their appeals, the league announced. Talib and Crabtree were ejected in the first quarter of the Raiders’ 21-14 win after they became entangled and later threw punches. Before the appeal decisions were handed down, NFL vice president of communications

Joe Lockhart said the punishments were delivered to send a message.

❚ Two days after being waived by the Cowboys, RB Darren McFadden, 30, announced his retirement. With Eze

kiel Elliott serving his six-game suspension, Dallas turned to Alfred Morris and Rod Smith. McFadden, runner-up for the Heisman Trophy in 2006 and 2007, took to Twitter to say he is calling it a career. Over 10 seasons, he rushed for 5,423 yards and 28 touchdowns.

❚ The Jimmy Garoppolo era is underway in San Francisco. The 49ers said Tuesday that the quarterback, acquired in a midseason trade with the Patriots, will make his first start Sunday. He takes over for C.J. Beathard, who suffered a knee contusion and hip strain late in a 24-13 loss to the Seahawks. Garoppolo came in and completed two passes for 18 yards and a TD in his 49ers debut.