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National Football
League roundup

[November 19, 2016] Nov 18 (The Sports Xchange) - Carolina Panthers head coach Ron Rivera said linebacker Luke Kuechly is under the NFL's head injury protocol after being carted to the locker room in the fourth quarter of the win over the New Orleans Saints on Thursday.

Kuechly was taken from the field on a cart, appearing to be crying as the Bank of America crowd cheered for him. It was an emotional scene before the Panthers held on for Thursday night's 23-20 victory against the New Orleans Saints.

Teammate Thomas Davis posted a memo via Instragram with a picture of Davis one step in front of Kuechly near their lockers that read "Luke wanted me to let you guys know that he's doing fine and thanks for your prayers."

Kuechly is to be evaluated for a concussion. He missed games last year because of a concussion in the 2015 opener.

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The New England Patriots ruled out tight end Rob Gronkowski for Sunday's game against the San Francisco 49ers due to a chest injury.

Gronkowski missed his third straight practice on Friday and the team later listed him as out on the official injury report.

Gronkowski sustained the injury in last Sunday night's 31-24 loss to the Seattle Seahawks on a hard hit from Seahawks safety Earl Thomas.

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Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Dez Bryant was added to the injury list with a back issue after he was limited in practice.

Bryant was moving around following the workout, leaving little doubt he will play in Sunday's game against the Baltimore Ravens, according to ESPN.com.

Cowboys veteran quarterback Tony Romo (back) is listed as questionable but is expected to be active for the first time this season as rookie Dak Prescott's backup.

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The Baltimore Ravens could be without cornerback Jimmy Smith (back) and linebacker Elvis Dumervil (foot) as both were listed as doubtful.

Smith did not practice Wednesday or Thursday but participated in Friday's walkthrough on a limited basis.

Dumervil missed the last four games. He had full participation in practice Wednesday and Thursday but was limited Friday.

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Injured Cleveland Browns quarterback Robert Griffin III is slated to return to practice next week, coach Hue Jackson said.

Griffin has been sidelined since injuring his shoulder in the opening week of the season.

Jackson said Griffin has to pass one more medical test before he can be cleared to play in a game. That exam is expected to occur next week.

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The Arizona Cardinals promoted linebacker Zaviar Gooden from the practice squad and placed linebacker Gabe Martin (knee) on injured reserve.

Martin, 24, has not played in the last three games.

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The Philadelphia Eagles agreed to a three-year contract extension with long snapper Jon Dorenbos.

The 36-year-old Dorenbos is a two-time Pro Bowl long snapper.

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The Hall of Fame Village in the works at Canton, Ohio, has landed a corporate sponsor.

Johnson Controls reached an 18-year deal for the naming rights, the Pro Football Hall of Fame announced. When it opens 2019, the $600 million sports and entertainment site will be known as Johnson Controls Hall of Fame Village.

(Editing by Larry Fine)

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