BRONCOS / STEELERS UPDATE
PITTSBURGH (AP) – Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger threw in practice on Friday but remains questionable for Sunday’s AFC divisional playoff game against Denver. Roethlisberger is dealing with a sprained right shoulder sustained in last weekend’s wild-card win over Cincinnati. Roethlisberger was limited in practice on Wednesday and Thursday but was a full participant in the final major workout before the Steelers face the Broncos. Coach Mike Tomlin says Roethlisberger did everything he was asked on Friday. While the team remains optimistic Roethlisberger will play, wide receiver Antonio Brown and running back DeAngelo Williams are officially out. Brown is still going through the NFL’s concussion protocol after getting hurt in the final moments against the Bengals. Williams will miss a second straight week with an injured right foot.
PITTSBURGH (AP) – The Pittsburgh Steelers have ruled out All-Pro wide receiver Antonio Brown from Sunday’s AFC divisional playoff game against Denver while he recovers from a concussion. Brown left last weekend’s wild-card win over Cincinnati after taking a shot to the head from Bengals linebacker Vontaze Burfict. Brown has not practiced all week while following the NFL’s concussion protocol. The four-time Pro Bowler tied for the league lead with 136 receptions and was second in yards receiving with 1,834 this season.
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TAMPA, Fla. (AP) – Tampa Bay has a new head coach. The Bucs didn’t look very far to find their new man as they simply elevated offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter (KUT’-ur). He is the Buccaneers’ fifth head coach since 2008.
UNDATED (AP) – Three NFL teams filled their head coaching vacancy yesterday. The Giants chose Ben McAdoo (MAK’-uh-doo), who was the club’s offensive coordinator, while the 49ers nabbed former Eagles coach Chip Kelly. Philadelphia in turn has chosen Kansas City offensive coordinator Doug Pederson, according to a person with knowledge of the deal.
SAN ANTONIO (AP) – One winning streak came to an end last night in San Antonio while another continued. The last team to beat the Spurs in San Antonio is Cleveland and last night the Spurs edged the Cavaliers by four points for their 10th straight win. The defeat put an end to Cleveland’s eight-game winning streak.
HONOLULU (AP) – Second-round play is on tap today in Honolulu in the PGA’s Sony Open. The four men tied for the lead are Vijay Singh (VEE’-jay sing), Ricky Barnes, Morgan Hoffman, Kevin Kisner and Brandt Snedeker. Each shot a first-round 7-under 63.
ATLANTA (AP) – Baseball great Hank Aaron has been honored by Japan. He has been given the Order of the Rising Sun with Rosette, symbolic of the close relationship between the U.S. and Japan. The 81-year-old Aaron was singled out for his long relationship with Japan’s home run leader, Sadaharu (sah-dah-HAH’-roo) Oh.
