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NEW YORK (AP) DJ LeMahieu and Aaron Hicks stunned Justin Verlander with first-inning home runs, James Paxton made the early lead stand up and the New York Yankees beat Houston 4-1 Friday night, cutting the Astros' lead in the AL Championship Series to 3-2.

After the Astros scored on a wild pitch, LeMahieu homered on Verlander's second pitch and Hicks homered off the right-field foul pole, his first long ball since July after a lengthy injury layoff.

Paxton pitched six innings, and the Yankees' bullpen followed with shutdown relief.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes escaped significant ligament damage when he dislocated his right kneecap and there is optimism the reigning NFL MVP could be back on the field in about a month.

Mahomes had an MRI exam Friday that showed the ligaments were intact, a person familiar with the situation told The Associated Press. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the team was still sorting through the results and putting together a timetable for his return. (MORE)

Saints RB Kamara, TE Cook out vs. Bears

METAIRIE, La. (AP) The New Orleans Saints have ruled out top running back Alvin Kamara and top receiving tight end Jared Cook for Sunday's game in Chicago.

The Saints also have listed receiver Tre'Quan Smith as out for the fourth time in five weeks. Defensive end Trey Hendrickson, who has three sacks, will miss his third straight game with a neck injury despite practicing on a limited basis this week. (MORE)

Bears QB Trubisky to be game-time call

LAKE FOREST, Ill. (AP) Chicago Bears quarterback Mitchell Trubisky, who has been out since Sept. 29 with a left shoulder injury, will be a game-time decision Sunday against the New Orleans Saints, even after he practiced all week without limitations.

The Bears listed Trubisky as questionable on Friday's injury report. Also questionable are defensive end Bilal Nichols (hand) and guard Ted Larsen (knee). (MORE)

RB Barkley cleared to return vs. Cards
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) Saquon Barkley has been cleared to return to the New York Giants' lineup for Sunday's game against the Arizona Cardinals. Barkley practiced Friday and was not listed on coach Pat Shurmur's final injury report. (MORE)

CC dislocated shoulder, career over
NEW YORK (AP) CC Sabathia walked into Yankee Stadium's interview room with his left arm in a sling Friday, 16 hours after shuffling off the mound in pain following the 58,692nd and final pitch of his major league career. That powerful left shoulder - which earned six All-Star appearances, the 2007 AL Cy Young Award and possibly a spot in the Hall of Fame - finally had given out. (MORE)

Devils extend Hischier for $50M, 7 years

Ramsey to make Rams debut vs. Falcons
THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. (AP) The Los Angeles Rams expect cornerback Jalen Ramsey to play on Sunday in Atlanta. Ramsey went through a second full practice with the Rams on Friday, three days after Los Angeles acquired the former All-Pro cornerback in a trade with Jacksonville. (MORE)

China denies asking for Morey's firing

Eagles' Peters, Bradham out vs. Cowboys
PHILADELPHIA (AP) The Philadelphia Eagles will be without nine-time Pro Bowl left tackle Jason Peters and several other key players when they visit the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday night. Peters has a knee injury that forced him from last week's 38-20 loss at Minnesota. Rookie first-round pick Andre Dillard will make his first start in Peters' place. (MORE)