NFL news & notes

STEELERS

Bryant cleared for preseason practices

LATROBE, PA.

The long wait for Martavis Bryant and the Steelers ended Wednesday evening when the NFL finally cleared him to join his teammates in preseason practice and games, 16 months after he was suspended for one year.

The league, however, stopped short of fully reinstating him.

Steelers general manager Kevin Colbert said in a statement that Bryant was “informed by the NFL that he is now permitted to participate in preseason activities, including practices and games. He will continue to be evaluated as to his readiness to participate in regular-season activities under the terms of his conditional reinstatement.”

Bryant also was conditionally reinstated to participate in spring practices but was halted by the NFL from doing so once training camp started. It would appear he must still pass some kind of muster with the league in order to be fully reinstated for the regular season.

The Steelers were surprised when the NFL did not allow Bryant to practice this summer after permitting him to do so in the spring. He has been running, working out and catching passes on a side field as the Steelers practice in training camp at Saint Vincent College.

FALCONS

Freeman gets five-year contract extension

ATLANTA

On the eve of their first preseason game, the Atlanta Falcons addressed their biggest issue coming into training camp.

Devonta Freeman has a new contract.

The defending NFC champions agreed to terms Wednesday on a five-year, $41.25 million extension with Freeman, making him the highest-paid running back in the league in terms of the overall package. It includes a $15 million signing bonus and $22 million in guaranteed money.

Buffalo’s LeSean McCoy had been the highest-paid back with a five-year, $40 million deal signed in 2015. Pittsburgh’s Le’veon Bell’s rejected an even bigger deal and will play for $12.12 million franchise tag this season.

During his three seasons with the Falcons, Freeman has racked up 2,383 rushing yards, including back-to-back 1,000-yard rushing seasons in 2015 and 2016. His 3,175 total yards over the past two seasons ranks second in the NFL, behind teammate Julio Jones.

BEngals

Lewis returns to practice

CINCINNATi

Coach Marvin Lewis was back with the Bengals on Wednesday after missing a practice to have a knee problem checked.

Lewis had scans on a swollen knee Tuesday at the hospital. He plans to coach the Bengals’ preseason opener at Paul Brown Stadium on Friday against Tampa Bay.

Doctors told him that walking would help reduce the swelling, so he won’t be limited on the sideline.

Lewis, 58, is entering his 15th season with the Bengals and the final year on his contract. He led the Bengals to five straight playoff appearances from 2011-15, but has failed to win a playoff game, going 0-7 during his tenure. No other NFL coach has lost his first seven playoff games.

49ers

Newsom’s hospital release expected soon

SANTA CLARA, Calif.

San Francisco 49ers rookie linebacker Donavin Newsom is expected to be released from the hospital a day after being taken off the practice field by ambulance with a concussion.

The 49ers say Newsom is doing well and is expected to leave Stanford Medical Center on Wednesday afternoon.

Newson was hurt in practice Tuesday after taking a hit to the head and neck. He suffered a concussion but didn’t sustain any cervical spinal fractures.

Newsom lay motionless on the field for nearly five minutes after colliding with safety Chanceller James while trying to break up a pass during a two-minute drill.

Newsom joined the 49ers in May as an undrafted free agent from Missouri.

The 49ers also signed linebacker Sean Porter to a one-year deal and released center Jeremy Zuttah,

Associated Press