Defending Champion Seahawks Open Up Against Packers

(Seattle, WA) -- The defending Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks start the defense of their title against the Green Bay Packers at CenturyLink Field in the NFL's Thursday night opener. The 'Hawks won the NFC West last season with a 13-3 record before beating the Saints and 49ers in the playoffs.

Seattle capped it off with a 43-8 drubbing of the Broncos in Super Bowl 48 from MetLife Stadium. Quarterback Russell Wilson and a top-rated defense will look to become the first team since the Patriots in 2004 and 2005 to repeat as champions.

Green Bay won the NFC North last season with an 8-7-1 record before falling to the 49ers in the first round of the playoffs. Aaron Rodgers, second-year running back Eddie Lacy and a talented receiving corps will look to become just the second team to win in Seattle in the last two seasons.  

Cowboys Sign Michael Sam To Practice Squad

(Arlington, TX) -- Defensive end Michael Sam is now a member of the Dallas practice squad. Sam recorded eleven tackles and 2 1/2 sacks in the preseason for the Rams, but he was unable to earn a spot on a deep defensive line. Sam was picked by the Rams in the seventh round of this year's NFL Draft, making him the first openly gay player in NFL history.

Rams To Start Saffold At LG

(St. Louis, MO) -- The Rams are going with experience at left guard to start the regular season. Head coach Jeff Fisher says Rodger Saffold will start over this year's second overall pick, Greg Robinson. St. Louis opens the season Sunday against the Vikings.

Bears Injury Update

(Lake Forest, IL) -- The Bears continue to prepare for their season opener on Sunday against the Bills at Soldier Field. Safety Chris Conte, center Brian de la Puente and full back Tony Fiammetta were limited in practice on Wednesday. Backup quarterback David Fales is out for the game.  Bills rookie wideout Sammy Watkins was a full participant.