VONN OPTIMISTIC ABOUT RETURN TO SLOPES
VAIL (AP) – Lindsey Vonn is on the mend and says she might even race in Canada next week.She says her rehab is “going well” and she’s “encouraged.” She adds that her knee is “a lot better than everyone expected” and that leaves her optimistic for next week’s races in Lake Louise, Alberta. Asked about her readiness for Lake Louise, Vonn said: “I’m not sure yet. As it looks right now, yeah.” Vonn isn’t planning to attend a downhill race at Beaver Creek on Friday because “it’s too hard on me.”
BUFFS AND UTES TO WRAP UP SEASON TOMORROW
SALT LAKE CITY (AP) – Missing a bowl seemed almost impossible for Utah a month ago. The Utes had upset then-No. 5 Stanford at home and appeared poised to finally be a contender in the Pac-12 South. Everything quickly unraveled, however, amid mounting injuries and one of the nation’s toughest schedules. With a five-game losing streak, Utah (4-7, 1-7 Pac-12) will host Colorado (4-7, 1-7) on Saturday in the season finale for both teams. Colorado can relate to Utah’s struggles. The Buffaloes have lost seven Pac-12 contests by an average of 32 points. During conference play, Colorado has ranked at or near the bottom in every major offensive category in the league.
COACH FOX IS BACK, PLANS TO COACH TEAM NEXT WEEK
ENGLEWOOD (AP) – John Fox is returning to work on Monday, less than a month after undergoing open-heart surgery, and he plans to coach the Denver Broncos in their game against the Tennessee Titans on Dec. 8. What hasn’t been determined is whether Fox will coach from the sideline or the booth. Fox Sports first reported Fox’s impending return.
Team owner Pat Bowlen sent his private jet to Charlotte, N.C., on Wednesday to bring Fox and his wife, Robin, back to Denver. Fox had been recuperating at his offseason home following aortic valve replacement surgery on Nov. 4. Defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio has coached the team in Fox’s absence. The Broncos visit the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday in an AFC West showdown of 9-2 teams.
