11:51 AM ET TAMPA, Fla. — Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady will be away from the team for a period of time to “deal with some personal things,” coach Todd Bowles said Thursday. Bowles said Brady’s absence was discussed in advance and that he will return after next week’s preseason game against the Tennessee Titans on

4:00 PM ET EAGAN, Minn. — The Minnesota Vikings sent quarterback Kirk Cousins home from training camp Thursday because of an undisclosed illness, according to coach Kevin O’Connell. Speaking after the team’s early-afternoon walk-through, O’Connell said the team was not yet ready to say whether Cousins has COVID-19. The team will have a full practice

1:34 PM ET FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — With right tackle Mekhi Becton likely sidelined the entire season with a knee injury, the New York Jets finalized a two-year, $22 million contract with offensive tackle Duane Brown, a five-time Pro Bowler, sources told ESPN. The veteran free agent visited with the Jets over the weekend, attending

10:50 PM ET DJ Bien-AimeESPN Houston Texans quarterback Kyle Allen tested positive for COVID-19 and will miss their preseason opener against the New Orleans Saints on Saturday, a source confirmed to ESPN on Thursday. Allen is battling Jeff Driskel for the No. 2 quarterback spot. Both are on one-year deals with the Texans. Allen signed

6:43 PM ET Associated Press LAS VEGAS — Former NFL running back Marshawn Lynch was asleep and smelled of alcohol when Las Vegas police found him in his damaged sports car and arrested him on suspicion of driving while intoxicated, according to an arrest report made public Thursday. Lynch’s attorneys, David Chesnoff and Richard Schonfeld,

3:15 PM ET LAKE FOREST, Ill. — Chicago Bears wide receiver N’Keal Harry underwent surgery on his left ankle Thursday and will be sidelined for an unspecified amount of time, according to coach Matt Eberflus. Harry sustained the injury on the first play of team drills Saturday when the ankle got wrapped up underneath linebacker

11:16 AM ET FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — New England Patriots running back James White, a three-time Super Bowl champion, announced his retirement from the NFL on Thursday after eight seasons. White, who re-signed with the Patriots on a two-year deal in the offseason, is on the team’s physically unable to perform list. He suffered a hip

4:00 PM ET DJ Bien-AimeESPN Adam Shaheen is headed back to the Miami Dolphins after the team’s trade with the Houston Texans was voided Thursday because the tight end failed his physical due to a pre-existing knee injury. The Dolphins on Tuesday had acquired a 2023 sixth-round pick from the Texans in exchange for Shaheen

7:00 AM ET Fantasy Staff A new fantasy football season is upon us, and we are excited to share some new features you will be able to take advantage of in your ESPN leagues this year. These additions provide new scoring options, improved keepers management and a more personalized experience with regard to your team’s

4:46 PM ET BEREA, Ohio — Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson is expected to start Friday’s preseason opener against the Jaguars. The team made the announcement Wednesday just before boarding a flight to Jacksonville, Florida. Watson and the Browns are waiting to see whether he will be suspended longer than the six-game suspension he was