Goodell: Let's go places
Commissioner would like NFL to have as many as 16 international games each season
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said Friday he would like the league to have as many as 16 international games in a season.
“The ownership's approved eight games already,” Goodell said before the NFL'S first game in Brazil. “I hope to get that to 16 at some point in the future. Let's see how that goes.”
Goodell was interviewed on Peacock ahead of the streaming service's telecast of Friday night's matchup between the Green Bay Packers and Philadelphia Eagles, the first NFL game in South America and one of five international matchups on the 2024 schedule.
That includes three games in London. Tottenham Hotspur Stadium will host a New York Jets-minnesota Vikings game on Oct. 6 and a Jacksonville Jaguars-chicago Bears matchup on Oct. 13. The Jaguars will face the New England Patriots at Wembley Stadium on Oct. 20.
The other international game has the New York Giants playing the Carolina Panthers in Munich's Allianz Arena on Nov. 10.
The NFL is planning a game in Madrid in 2025, though the date and teams haven't been announced.
Owners voted in December to authorize the league to host eight games internationally each season.
STEELERS' WILSON QUESTIONABLE
The Pittsburgh Steelers thought they settled their quarterback competition when coach Mike Tomlin anointed Russell Wilson the starter for Sunday's opener in Atlanta. Turns out, maybe not.
The Steelers listed Wilson as “questionable” for Week 1 after the 35-year-old aggravated a calf injury in practice on Thursday, potentially opening the door for Justin Fields to get the nod against the Falcons.
Neither player offered any hints at the plan, with both saying they are preparing as if they will play.
“I'm trying to get my body ready to go and rock and roll,” said Wilson, who declined to specify which calf is hurt. “So we're doing everything we can.”
The Steelers also announced the signing of tight end Pat Freiermuth to a five-year contract that runs through the 2028 season.
TITANS' HOPKINS IFFY
Five-time Pro Bowl wide receiver Deandre Hopkins will be a gametime decision Sunday for the Tennessee Titans' season opener in Chicago after returning to practice this week while recovering from a left knee injury he suffered July 31.
Hopkins, who turned 32 in June, says missing essentially the entire pre-season is not a problem for him.
“I played a lot of football, so it's not a challenge,” Hopkins said.
He also dismissed reports he won't play against the Bears as he recovers from the injury that didn't require surgery.
“I don't watch reports,” Hopkins said. “I just go out and practice. So, I guess we'll see Sunday.”
RAIDERS' KOONCE WON'T PLAY
Raiders defensive end Malcolm Koonce will not play Sunday at the Los Angeles Chargers because of a knee injury, costing Las Vegas one of its top pass rushers in the season opener.
Koonce's absence will mean more opportunities for Janarius Robinson and Tyree Wilson.
Raiders coach Antonio Pierce said Koonce was hurt in practice Thursday.
CASH FOR RAMSEY
Jalen Ramsey's value was already known among his Miami Dolphins teammates and coaches shortly after he arrived last off-season.
Now the Dolphins have rewarded him for it.
Entering his second season in Miami, Ramsey earned a three-year, $72.3 million contract extension, a person with knowledge of the deal told The Associated Press on Friday, speaking on condition of anonymity.
“Ever since I've gotten here,
I feel like it's been a great relationship, it's been a growing relationship,” Ramsey said. “They've learned a lot about me, who I am not only as the player but the person. And same, I've learned a lot about them and how real they are.”
Coach Mike Mcdaniel, confirming Ramsey's extension Friday, said the seven-time Pro Bowler immediately embraced a leadership role when he arrived in Miami, which has been beneficial for both him and the team — even when he isn't on the field.
“The real leaders and real influencers on a football team don't have to play to positively affect their teammates,” Mcdaniel said.
Ramsey was listed as questionable for Sunday's opener against Jacksonville. With another game four days later against Buffalo, he and the team want to be smart with his return.
CHASE CLOSE TO EXTENSION
Ja'marr Chase said he and the Cincinnati Bengals are close to an agreement on a contract extension, with the star wide receiver adding Friday that it's his decision whether he plays Sunday.
Chase held out most of the preseason and returned to workouts two weeks ago. He said the process of negotiating a new deal has been stressful.
“Overall, it's a learning process for me,” Chase told reporters. “Seeing how to go about the situation and keep my feelings uninvolved in it, that's all.”
Chase was listed as questionable for Sunday's season opener.
He said if he plays, he would likely be limited.
Chase has been one of the
NFL'S most productive receivers since the Bengals drafted him No. 5 overall out of LSU in 2021.
He has 268 receptions for for 3,717 yards and 29 touchdowns the past three seasons.