Top Sports Briefs
Top Sports Headlines from STATS
As of 3 p.m. ET:
PRO FOOTBALL=
Week 1 of the NFL season closes with a doubleheader. The Eagles and their new-look offense featuring Sam Bradford and DeMarco Murray will open the twinbill in Atlanta against a revamped Falcons defense led by new coach Dan Quinn. The Vikings and a returning Adrian Peterson will finish the opening week slate at San Francisco against the 49ers and their new coach, Jim Tomsula.
The NFL won't take action against Dolphins defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh after he knocked off the helmet of Redskins running back Alfred Morris following a tackle in Sunday's opener. Suh's leg made contact with Morris' helmet and dislodged it, but the league determined it was not a kicking motion. Suh, in his Dolphins debut, lost $420,669 in fines and suspensions for on-field incidents while with the Lions.
Jets cornerback Antonio Cromartie could play in next week's game against the Colts after an MRI revealed only a sprained left knee and not a potential season-ending ligament tear as initially feared. Cromartie was hurt in the second quarter of Sunday's game against the Browns after his knee buckled on a non-contact play. Jets rookie linebacker Lorenzo Mauldin was released from the hospital with a concussion and no neck injury after being carted off the field Sunday with his body strapped to a board.
BASKETBALL=
A Virginia medical examiner said Hall of Fame center Moses Malone died of natural causes. The three-time NBA MVP was found dead in a Norfolk hotel Sunday at the age of 60. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner listed Malone's cause of death as hypertensive and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.
BASEBALL=
The Astros and Rangers open a critical three-game series in Arlington with first place in the AL West on the line. The Rangers trailed the Astros by eight games before a three-game sweep in early August and now sit just 1 1/2 games behind. A pair of midseason trade acquisitions will be on the mound, as Cole Hamels makes the start for the Rangers against Houston's Scott Kazmir.
AUTO RACING=
Jimmie Johnson will remain with Hendrick Motorsports after agreeing to a two-year contract extension. Johnson has been with Hendrick and sponsor Lowe's since 2001 but was in the final year of his contract. He will start a run toward a record-tying seventh Sprint Cup series title this week at Chicagoland Speedway tied for the top seed in the 16-car playoff field.
