nte Clut, who cleverly drew an opponent and sent a pinpoint

NFL Nation reporters assess the top storylines to watch for every team on Wednesday.AFC East | AFC North| AFC South | AFC West NFC East | NFC North | NFC South | NFC WestNFC EASTDallas CowboysAfter performing decently in the first two preseason games, the Cowboys defense faces its most difficult test with the Seahawks on Thursday night. Russell Wilsons development at quarterback and the continued success of the running game without Marshawn Lynch make Seattle a good barometer for Dallas. Safety Barry Church believes the Cowboys will be able to gauge where they are with the regular-season opener approaching because of how well-rounded Seattles offense is. -- Todd ArcherNew York GiantsTuesday was a big day for wide receiver Victor Cruz. The Giants threw him right into the fire as he returned from a groin injury and handed him his biggest workload of the summer. It also turned out to be Cruzs most productive day with a team-high seven catches on 18 snaps. Now lets see how Cruz rebounds, and if his legs are willing to cooperate when the Giants get back on the field for another substantial workout on Wednesday. -- Jordan RaananPhiladelphia EaglesSo far, so good for the Eagles defense, which has generated a league-leading seven interceptions over the first two preseason games. They faced Jameis Winston for only one quarter in the opener against the Bucs and didnt see Ben Roethlisberger at all last week in their tilt at the Steelers, though. Some players are hoping for a healthy dose of Andrew Luck this Saturday in the dress rehearsal at the Colts. We dont know how long Luck will be in there but hopefully hes in there while were in there, defensive end Connor Barwin said. You obviously want to go against the best, and he is one of the best in the league and that will give us a good idea of where were at. -- Tim McManusWashington RedskinsTuesday represented a good day for rookie receiver Josh Doctson, who ran routes for the first time since May 25, when he started having issues with his left Achilles. Doctson ran only half-speed, but it provided him a chance to plant and cut -- and it gives the Redskins hope that hell return sooner than later. Coach Jay Gruden said he didnt think Doctson would need to open the season on the physically unable to perform list. Instead, Gruden said Doctson might return for the fourth preseason game, but the confidence level remains high that hell be back for the season opener. The progress we see is a very, very good sign for us, Gruden said. -- John KeimNFC NORTHChicago BearsCoach John Foxs policy is to reveal next to nothing when it pertains to injuries, but the Bears will keep close tabs on guard?Kyle Longs shoulder problem in the coming days. Long, who hurt the shoulder in last weeks preseason game in New England, has sat out three consecutive practices. Fox was non-committal when pressed on Longs status for Week 1 of the regular season. In more encouraging news, tight end Zach Miller and receiver Eddie Royal both seem close to returning from concussions. Miller and Royal practiced on Tuesday, but each wore the red no contact jersey as they attempt to pass the NFLs concussion protocol. -- Jeff DickersonDetroit LionsThe Lions appear to be headed back toward full strength -- at least in terms of their skill position players. Running back?Ameer Abdullah continues to be in his normal jersey, while tight end?Eric Ebron and wide receiver?Golden Tate both returned to practice Tuesday. Its unclear if any of the three will play against Baltimore on Saturday, but it should be an encouraging sign for the Lions that theyll have all three when games start to matter on Sept. 11 against Indianapolis. Abdullah, who has yet to play in a preseason game this season, said Tuesday he wants to play in a game setting, to get back used to playing in a game, since I havent played in a preseason game yet, thatd be cool. -- Michael RothsteinGreen Bay PackersThe most important thing that happens in Green Bay on Wednesday wont occur on the football field. Clay Matthews and Julius Peppers are expected to meet with the NFL as part of the leagues investigation into the performance-enhancing drug allegations in the December Al-Jazeera report. Said Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers: Itll be nice for those guys to get it behind them and move forward without this hanging over their heads. -- Rob DemovskyMinnesota VikingsTeddy Bridgewater did some light throwing on Tuesday, and it bears watching how the Vikings handle the quarterback as he recovers from a sore shoulder. Coach Mike Zimmer said he didnt think Bridgewater necessarily needed to play in the Vikings third preseason game, but considering Bridgewater wanted to play Thursday night in Seattle, the former first-round pick could be hoping to get some work in the teams first game at U.S. Bank Stadium on Sunday. -- Ben GoesslingNFC SOUTHAtlanta FalconsFalcons coach Dan Quinn emphasized the focus for the third preseason game against the Dolphins on Thursday night is improvement in the red zone on both sides of the ball. So far in the preseason, offensively weve had six red zone trips and scored on half of them, so I want that number to be up, Quinn said. And defensively, weve let them down there three times, and theyve scored twice. Thats an area of emphasis for us heading into the game: Can we play better red zone ball? -- Vaughn McClureCarolina PanthersWhile much of the focus has been on the back spasms of Pro Bowl tight end Greg Olsen, not much has been said about backup Ed Dickson missing the past week of practice with a groin injury. Dickson has been a valuable part of Carolinas two-tight-end set. With Olsen back in full pads on Tuesday after sitting out a week, Dickson continued to work on the side. He?likely will miss?Fridays preseason game against New England. The positive of this is Scott Simonson, Braxton Deaver and Beau Sandland have gotten a lot of much-needed work. -- David NewtonNew Orleans SaintsTwo guys who have been coming on strong in the last week or two are safety Jairus Byrd and running back C.J. Spiller?-- two veterans who havent found success yet in New Orleans because of injuries. Its hard to expect either to return to peak form at this stage of their careers. But anything close would be a huge bonus for New Orleans. -- Mike TriplettTampa Bay BuccaneersThe Bucs had their first of two joint practices with the Browns, and once again coach Dirk Koetter said the offense had no juice. There were definitely some kinks to iron out lining up against a 3-4 defense. Meanwhile, the kicking woes continue for Roberto Aguayo, who missed three of six field goal attempts in Tuesdays?practice. Hes struggling a little bit right now, Koetter admitted. Aguayo has?missed two field goals and an extra point so far this preseason. -- Jenna LaineNFC WESTArizona CardinalsThe Cardinals are using this week to simulate a game week, as their third preseason game is Sunday. After two subpar performances by the offense, this weekends game will be critical to see if the offense can progress while playing more than a quarter. Coach Bruce Arians pointed out this week that Arizona has won games in the second half before, trying to prove that the Cardinals two first-quarter performances werent enough to be an indication of things to come. But general manager Steve Keim said the Cardinals need to step it up sooner rather than later. We cant just go out there when the season starts and turn the switch on. We have to continue improve in practice every day, continue to use our urgency and play at a high tempo. -- Josh WeinfussLos Angeles RamsIts the Rams last full week of training camp in Irvine, California, and it is a big week for players on the bubble. By Tuesday at 1 p.m. PT, rosters will be cut from 90 to 75, so those on-the-bubble players really have to show something this week. Rams coach Jeff Fisher, when asked if he had a message for that group, said: Theres really no need for a message. If they dont realize that theres a cut-down after the third preseason game, theyre probably not smart enough to play and help us play. ... Some of them maybe get an opportunity with other clubs. And then some of them will come to the realization that their childhood goal is over, and I need to go on with my life. -- Alden GonzalezSan Francisco 49ersWhile the primary focus on the 49ers has centered on who will start at quarterback, the team hasnt shied away from having open competition to identify its five best offensive linemen. On Tuesday, the Niners opened practice with Anthony Davis at right guard with the starters in place of Andrew Tiller. Two plays in, rookie Joshua Garnett checked in to get some work at left guard. It remains to be seen if either will get a shot with the starters on Friday night against Green Bay, but its another reminder that this group could look very different come the start of the regular season than it did at the start of camp. -- Nick WagonerSeattle SeahawksOne player who could see his first preseason action Thursday night is running back C.J. Prosise. The third-round pick has been slowed by a hamstring injury, but he has been practicing and has a chance to suit up against the Cowboys. If he continues to progress the way he is, then well have a chance to see him in the game, yes, offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell said. The Seahawks would love for Prosise to emerge as their third-down back going into the regular season. -- Sheil KapadiaAFC EASTBuffalo BillsThe Bills trend of one-step forward, two-step backward continues. The team is expected to give wide receiver Sammy Watkins (foot) and linebacker Manny Lawson (pectoral) their first action of the preseason Friday at Washington, but Buffalo lost three players to injury at Tuesdays practice: starting right tackle Jordan Mills (knee), top slot cornerback Nickell Robey (quad contusion) and No. 3 wide receiver Marquise Goodwin (concussion protocol). With running back Mike Gillislee also out this week with a concussion, the Bills are struggling with injuries and would be thrilled to get through Fridays game without another injury. -- Mike RodakMiami DolphinsThe Dolphins have an interesting decision to make with four-time Pro Bowl defensive end Cameron Wake, who is returning from an Achilles injury. Thursdays third preseason game may be the last chance for Miami to debut Wake in the preseason because many veteran starters sit in the fourth preseason game. Coach Adam Gase said Wake will go through pregame warmups and be a game-time decision against the Falcons. -- James WalkerNew England PatriotsThe Patriots are high on third-round draft choice Joe Thuney of NC State, who has been the starting left guard from the first day of spring practice. Said coach Bill Belichick, I think hes certainly moving toward being able to lock something down [in terms of a starting job]. I dont think were there yet, but I think he is certainly gaining on it. He has had a good preseason; had a good spring. -- Mike ReissNew York JetsIf the Jets arent satisfied with their current personnel at outside linebacker, they have the option of re-signing Calvin Pace, a longtime starter for them. Pace, 35, has been working out with the hope of resuming his career. He wont help the team speed -- a priority in the offseason -- but hes smart and can play 20-30 snaps a game. They probably wouldnt consider Pace unless rookie Jordan Jenkins (calf) is out for an extended period. -- Rich CiminiAFC NORTHBaltimore RavensWide receiver Breshad Perriman said he expects to be ready for the regular-season?opener against the Bills. He participated in his first practice Tuesday after being activated off the physically unable to perform list. Perriman indicated that hes just as fast as he was before partially tearing his ACL in June. He has yet to play in a preseason or regular-season game since the Ravens used the No. 26 overall pick on him 16 months ago. I know that it will be worth the wait, in my eyes, Perriman said. -- Jamison HensleyCincinnati BengalsAs the Bengals return to practice Wednesday, tight end Tyler Eifert, who has been rehabbing all offseason, will see how his injured ankle responded to jogging, which he did for the first time on Monday. Eifert said his goal is working through the daily stiffness and soreness that has accompanied the injury. Its just working through that soreness and trying to push it without having a setback, he said. You just have to trust the process and do what you can to get ready. -- Katherine TerrellCleveland BrownsTrade chatter about wide receiver?Josh Gordon is persistent. Several teams have called the Browns about acquiring him, but the Browns have not said yes. Gordon? He wants to play for the Browns. This is where I want to be and Im happy to be with Cleveland, he said. -- Pat McManamonPittsburgh SteelersCornerback continues to be an evolving position for the Steelers. Veteran Keenan Lewis, cut by New Orleans last week, was scheduled to visit the Steelers, his former team, on Tuesday night. The Steelers could use an established third cornerback to complement William Gay and Ross Cockrell, but Lewis has been rehabbing for nearly a year from hip and knee surgeries. Pittsburghs medical evaluation of Lewis will be crucial. Meanwhile, cornerback Senquez Golson (Lisfranc) said he expects to be fully healthy by November. Thats good news for the Steelers, who drafted Golson in the second round of the 2015 draft and gave Golson some first-team nickel corner snaps before the injury. -- Jeremy FowlerAFC SOUTHHouston TexansThe Texans have one of the best front sevens in football, but their secondary is strong too. One of the players who has stood out in practice and the first two preseason games is cornerback Kevin Johnson. ?An injury kept the 2015 first-round pick?out of the teams offseason program, but he has returned to the field stronger than last season. Keep an eye on him this week against the Cardinals. -- Sarah BarshopIndianapolis ColtsNew Colts cornerback Antonio Cromartie isnt sure hell play in Saturdays preseason game against the Eagles. He completed his first practice with the Colts on Tuesday. Cromartie said he plans to be ready for the regular-season opener against the Lions on Sept. 11. Thats about 19 or 20 days away, he said. I will be ready for that, theres no question about that. -- Mike WellsJacksonville JaguarsWith nose tackle?Roy Miller (quad) likely sidelined for the remainder of the preseason and backup Abry Jones (quad) banged up, the Jaguars will give defensive end?Tyson Alualu some reps inside during practice and against Cincinnati on Sunday night. Alualus versatility and ability to play inside and outside -- and be consistent at both spots -- is one of the things that makes him such a valuable player along the defensive front. -- Mike DiRoccoTennessee TitansThe unexpected retirement of tight end Craig Stevens leaves the Titans in a bind. He was by far the teams best blocking tight end, a starter in a two-tight-end base set for a run-heavy offense. Now the Titans will sort through lesser options, or be left to ask Delanie Walker and Anthony Fasano to do more dirty work. -- Paul KuharskyAFC WESTDenver BroncosJust one day after coach Gary Kubiak said Trevor Siemian would start at quarterback in Saturdays preseason game against the Rams, Siemian did not throw in practice Tuesday because of a right shoulder injury. Siemian, however, was in uniform and took part in run-game drills. He also showed some range of motion in the shoulder as well, raising his arms several times to signal audibles in drills. He still looks on track to play against the Rams so that means, more importantly for him, hes still on track to start the regular-season opener Sept. 8 against the Panthers. With quality work against the Rams, Siemian should hold serve and keep the job. -- Jeff LegwoldKansas City ChiefsThe sense in the organization is that the return of safety Eric Berry, the unsigned franchise player, isnt far off. The Chiefs remain hopefully Berry can play when the regular season begins on Sept. 11. I think its important to see what kind of shape he is in and then gradually bring him back into the football speed of things, coach Andy Reid said. I dont think its the end of the world if he doesnt play in the last preseason game. The most important thing is to put eyes on him and see what kind of shape he is in so we dont put him at risk out there. -- Adam TeicherOakland RaidersThe late Al Davis loved speed. So imagine what the current incarnation of the Raiders would do with Usain Bolt if the worlds fastest human decided to try his hand at football. Usain, said Oakland quarterback?Derek Carr, if you want to run a go-route, were all good with that. -- Paul GutierrezSan Diego ChargersWith guard D.J. Fluker suffering from a sprained right foot and unavailable for Sundays contest against the Vikings, undrafted rookie Spencer Pulley could get the start at right guard. The Vanderbilt product began offseason work playing center, but he has worked at all three interior offensive line positions for during training camp. I really focus on knowing the playbook and understanding the offense, so that when youre out there I just play fast, Pulley said. -- Eric D. Williams Custom Jerseys Nike . According to a report from the Vancouver Province, the Lions are expected to replace former DC Rich Stubler with defensive backs coach Mark Washington. Custom Jerseys Adidas .C. -- Al Jefferson joked that he feels he can score from anywhere on the court. https://www.cheapcustomjerseysonline.com/ . PAUL, Minn. Custom Jerseys . The (11-11-4) Jets are seventh in the Central Division with 26 points. Fifth place Dallas and sixth-seeded Nashville also have 26 points, but the Stars have three games in hand on Winnipeg while Nashville has two. Wholesale Custom Jerseys . 1, meaning problems for the doping controls at both major international sports events next year. 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Danish attacker Morten Nordstrand has spared Jack Duncans blushes after his disastrous own goal, scoring in the dying seconds to defeat Adelaide 2-1 and thrust Newcastle into the A-Leagues top six.Substitute Nordstrand, in his first game back from injury, scored a 94th-minute winner to add to Andrew Nabbouts first-half opener and cancel out Duncans goalkeeping howler, which appeared certain to throw away victory on Friday night.The calamity went down in the 68th minute when, with Newcastle well in control, Isaias curled a free-kick into the box.Attempting a two-fisted clearance on the slippery surface at McDonald Jones Stadium, Duncan instead punched the ball into the ground and then his own net.It was the 23-year-olds second match-changing mistake against the Reds this season after he clattered into teammate Daniel Mullen in the opening round to hand them a 1-1 equaliser.Nevertheless, the result marks the Jets first triumph over Adelaide in two years and caps a two-week revival thats lifted them from ninth place into, at least temporarily, finals contention.Meanwhile, Guillermo Amors last-placed defending champions sink further into the quagmire of a sorry season in which they have six points from 11 games.It wasnt for a lack of chances, and the Reds could have scored twice in quick succession when Henriques deflected shot trickled wide just before Iacopo La Roccas header hit the post in the first half.Sergio Cirio would have had one before his teammates had Duncan not put a glove on his stirring third-minute effort.ddddddddddddBut Mark Jones men were in an enterprising mood after last weeks morale-boosting 2-1 upset of PerthAnd in the end they drew first blood via one of the leagues most-improved players in Nabbout.The in-form Wayne Brown fed Devante Clut, who cleverly drew an opponent and sent a pinpoint pass to Nabbout.The livewire wingers reaction was just as precise, taking a touch before calmly drilling low past Eugene Galekovic.Though United fought for an equaliser they left their resolve in the dressing room at halftime.The Jets stayed in the hunt and Andrew Hoole found dangerous areas but misplaced his decision-making skills at the final touch.He hit the post in the dying minutes and Brown was also denied, leaving Nordstrand to seal the match with his second goal of the campaign.Magnificent result, Jones said.I got a heart attack but we played again for 90 minutes and hung in there, and no better reward than to score late and get a result.Jones described Duncans error as irrelevant.It wasnt his greatest moment this year, but hes saved more than hes let in, he said.We move on. Im not too fussed about that at all.Adelaide coach Guillermo Amor praised his team for fighting for three points instead of trying to hold onto a draw.I like one thing: the mentality of the team. Its 1-1 and the team thinks, Well go for a win, he said.We go with risk. I like this. ' ' '