he second wild-card spot -- by 4 1/2 games.Cincinnati has lost four in a row and eight of 10 and is playing out the season

EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. -- The Minnesota Vikings have ruled two starters out against Green Bay due to knee injuries, defensive tackle Sharrif Floyd and cornerback Xavier Rhodes.Theyre still trying to be secretive about their starting quarterback for Sunday, even though all signs have been pointing toward Sam Bradford making his debut. Coach Mike Zimmer declined again on Friday to confirm his decision, after Shaun Hill took the snaps in the season opener.It is ... Zimmer said after practice with mock suspense, well find out Sunday.The coach said he believes Bradford is ready to start.He could, Zimmer said, before flashing a sly smile. Shauns ready, too.The Vikings acquired Bradford nearly two weeks ago in a trade with Philadelphia for two premium draft picks, including their first-round selection in 2017, but Hill started the opener at Tennessee. The 15-year veteran fared relatively well in the 25-16 victory, completing 18 of 33 passes for 236 yards without a sack or a turnover, but Bradford was obviously not brought in to be a backup.He comes in pretty early in the morning and stays late, Zimmer said. Hes worked enough to get ready.Coaches and players have raved about Bradfords ability to be a quick study in the offense.I think it gets better every day, Bradford said earlier this week.Packers coach Mike McCarthy even said hes expecting Bradford to start in what will be the first regular season game at U.S. Bank Stadium.Hes getting a chemistry with the receivers, the tight ends, the backs, offensive coordinator Norv Turner said. Thats the hardest thing.The Vikings also ruled out backup tight end MyCole Pruitt (knee), who missed the opener, too. Left tackle Matt Kalil (hip) returned to practice on a limited basis on Friday and was listed as questionable to face Green Bays star pass-rusher Clay Matthews.Neither Floyd nor Rhodes practiced at all this week in preparation for the Packers. Rhodes didnt play in the first game, after feeling a popping sensation in his knee while stretching during warmups. Trae Waynes replaced him in the starting lineup.I think hes come a long way with his confidence, with his technique, Zimmer said of Waynes, who was drafted in the first round last year.Floyd saw limited action, taking 25 of 67 snaps. Defensive linemen never play the whole game because of the physical demands of the position, and the Vikings have a deep group. Still, Floyd played less than backup Tom Johnson (29 snaps) as second-string nose tackle Shamar Stephen (22 snaps) also rotated in.Floyd has been unable to put together a full season since he was drafted in the first round in 2013 and served as a backup to Kevin Williams. Floyd missed three games last season with the knee injury and two games two years ago. He was dogged by it again during training camp, and now theres this latest setback.Im kind of used to it, Zimmer said.---Online:AP NFL website: http://www.pro32.ap.org and AP NFL coverage on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/AP-NFL Fake Nike Air Max . The team also announced Tuesday that the Braves will wear a commemorative patch on the right sleeve during the season. The patch, shaped like home plate, carries the number 715, Aarons autograph and a "40th Anniversary" banner. Wholesale Nike Air Max . Defencemen Drew Doughty, Shea Weber and forward Ryan Getzlaf also scored for the Canadians, who started their gold-medal defence 2-0. Goalie Roberto Luongo, getting the call in place of Game 1 starter Carey Price, was solid when needed in making 23 saves for the shutout. https://www.fakeairmaxwholesale.com/ .ca looks back at the stories and moments that made the year memorable. Nike Air Max From China . Irving scored 23 points, Tristan Thompson had 20 points and 10 rebounds and the Cavaliers beat the Denver Nuggets 117-109 on Friday night. Fake Nike Air Max China . Capitals head coach Adam Oates said Ovechkin was injured in the first period against the Vancouver Canucks on Monday and clarified it was not a head injury. PITTSBURGH -- Music was blaring in the Pittsburgh Pirates clubhouse late Wednesday night.Thats not all that unusual, but it seemed just a little louder than normal, and the players seemed more upbeat.Thats because they not only avoided a sweep by St. Louis, but also ended an eight-game losing streak with a 4-3 victory against the Cardinals.That will allow the Pirates to go into a four-game home series against the Cincinnati Reds starting Thursday without that skid hanging over them.Pittsburgh manager Clint Hurdle preaches the day-at-a-time approach as much as anyone, but seemed as relieved as anyone.Absolutely, he said, smiling. You play to win. You want to play well, and you have a process we follow (but) winnings better than losing. Ive figured that much out.Hurdle is one win shy of becoming the sixth Pirates manager in history to reach 500 wins with the club.For the first time in several days, the Pirates are in a better spot then their opponent. Pittsburgh (68-69) can get back to .500 with a strong weekend and still has a shot at the postseason, trailing St. Louis -- which holds the second wild-card spot -- by 4 1/2 games.Cincinnati has lost four in a row and eight of 10 and is playing out the season.The Reds on Wednesday lost at home 6-3 to New York, giving the Mets a three-game sweep. Cincinnati is 57-81 but has played Pittsburgh close. The Pirates hold a 6-5 edge in 11 meetings and outscored the Reds by only 40-39.Cincinnati made three outs on the bases early and missed a lot of opportunities Wednesday against the Mets. Mannager Bryan Price describes that as atypical, even for his underachieving club.ddddddddddddn fact, Price guaranteed better performances at PNC Park.When youre (this) far under .500, to have regular games like this as a regular part of what were doing would make it a way more challenging season than it already is, Price told MLB.com. Guys, for the most part, have really played hard and played relatively to their ability and sometimes beyond. (Wednesday) will be something we dont see for a long time. Im confident in that. This isnt our typical game by any means. We will certainly play better in Pittsburgh.The Reds had runners on base in every inning Wednesday but stranded 12, going 3-for-13 with runners in scoring position.Its a tough series, but hopefully we get back on track against Pittsburgh and try to finish the season strong, Anthony DeSclafani, who took the loss Wednesday, told MLB.com.Right-hander Dan Straily (11-7, 3.83 ERA) is scheduled to start Thursday for Cincinnati. Hes already made a career-high 29 appearances and makes his career-high 28th start. He is 2-1 with a 3.23 ERA in seven appearances (four starts) against Pittsburgh.The Pirates counter with right-hander Ivan Nova (11-6, 4.34).Nova is 4-0 with a 2.89 ERA in his first six starts since Pittsburgh acquired him from the Yankees on Aug. 1. He allowed two runs in six innings in a no-decision Saturday against Milwaukee in his last start. ' ' '