|
Ben Volin of the Boston Globe reported Sunday that the
Patriots will "almost certainly" play the Kansas City Chiefs in
the "Thursday Night Football" season opener at Gillette Stadium.
The Atlanta Falcons are on New England's home schedule this
season and could have been an option for a Super Bowl rematch in
Week One. But the Falcons are likely to open the season at home
on "Sunday Night Football" to debut their new stadium, according
to the report.
The Patriots' other home opponents in 2017 include the Houston
Texans, Carolina Panthers, Los Angeles Chargers, Buffalo Bills,
Miami Dolphins and New York Jets.
The Falcons' possible home opponent could be the Green Bay
Packers, Minnesota Vikings, Bills, Dolphins, Dallas Cowboys,
Panthers, New Orleans Saints and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
- - -
The head of NFL referees wants to see penalties eliminated for
touchdown celebrations.
Players and fans have been calling for these rules to either be
tweaked or eliminated, but the league does not appear to be on
board with making any changes.
Scott Green of the NFL Referees Association said on-field
officials think the league office is putting them in a difficult
situation and would prefer the celebration issues be handled
with fines.
- - -
Minnesota Vikings defensive end Brian Robison said he expects to
retire after the 2018 season to complete a dozen years with the
team.
Robison agreed to restructure his contract last month, giving
him two more years before retiring following his 12th NFL
season, all with Minnesota.
Robison, who turns 34 on April 27, originally had one year left
on his contract, a nonguaranteed $5.6 million for 2017. He
agreed to drop his base salary to a guaranteed $3.9 million
while also getting a $100,000 workout bonus, according to the
Pioneer Press. Robison also got 2018 added to his new deal for a
base salary of $3.2 million.
- - -
The Chicago Bears re-signed linebacker Sam Acho to a one-year
contract.
Acho recorded 40 tackles, one sack and one forced fumble in 16
games last season.
(Editing by Gene Cherry)
[© 2017 Thomson Reuters. All rights
reserved.] Copyright 2017 Reuters. All rights reserved. This material may not be published,
broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
 |
|
