Bucs RB Martin suspended, entering drug treatment facility (Yahoo Sports)

This Dec. 18, 2016 photo shows Tampa Bay Buccaneers' Doug Martin (22) carrying the ball in the first half of an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys in Arlington, Texas. Martin has been suspended four games for violating the NFL's policy on performance enhancing substances and said Wednesday, Dec. 28, 2016 he's entering a treatment facility rather than appeal the ban. (AP Photo/Ron Jenkins)

Tampa Bay running back Doug Martin has been suspended four games for violating the NFL’s policy on performance enhancing substances and said Wednesday he’s entering a treatment facility rather than appeal the ban. The fifth-year pro said he decided to enter a treatment facility ”and receive the help I truly need” after discussing the matter with people close to him, including Bucs coach Dirk Koetter. ”On the field, I must be strong and determined to push through both pain and injuries to become an elite NFL running back.


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Ravens WR Smith likely to retire after Sunday's game (Yahoo Sports)

FILE - In this Oct. 18, 2015, file photo, Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Steve Smith (89) catches a 34-yard touchdown pass in front of San Francisco 49ers strong safety Antoine Bethea (41) and cornerback Kenneth Acker during the second half of an NFL football game in Santa Clara, Calif. Smith intended to retire at the end of the 2015 season, but ultimately decided to come back for one more season. It's unclear if his final game will be Sunday, Jan 1, 2017 in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Ben Margot,File)

Steve Smith talks like a man ready to play his final game, though the Baltimore Ravens receiver has not completely closed the door on returning for a 17th NFL season. The 37-year-old Smith will play in his 219th regular-season game Sunday at Cincinnati. Smith broke into the league in 2001 with Carolina and played with the Panthers for 13 seasons before coming to Baltimore in 2014.


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Browns QB Griffin still in concussion protocol (Yahoo Sports)

FILE - In a Saturday, Dec. 24, 2016 file photo, Cleveland Browns quarterback Robert Griffin III (10) throws a pass to Isaiah Crowell in the second half of an NFL football game against the San Diego Chargers, in Cleveland. Griffin III remains in concussion protocol and could miss Sundays season finale in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Aaron Josefczyk, File)

Browns starting quarterback Robert Griffin III remains in concussion protocol and could miss Sunday’s season finale in Pittsburgh. Griffin was not on the practice field Wednesday as the Browns (1-14) prepared to face the Steelers. Kessler, who made eight starts but sustained two concussions earlier this season, will start if Griffin can’t play.


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Bills have interim coach and interim starting QB: EJ Manuel (Yahoo Sports)

Buffalo Bills offensive coordinator Anthony Lynn addresses the media after he was named interim head coach following the firing of head coach Rex Ryan, Wednesday, Dec. 28, 2016, in Orchard Park, N.Y. (AP Photo/Jeffrey T. Barnes)

Aside from having an interim head coach in Anthony Lynn, the Buffalo Bills also have an interim starting quarterback: EJ Manuel. Without going into detail, Lynn called it ”a business decision” to start Manuel in place of Tyrod Taylor in Buffalo’s season finale against the New York Jets on Sunday.


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