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Steelers' Roethlisberger done for season

(AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)

PITTSBURGH (AP) Ben Roethlisberger likes to point out that he's played through the end of every contract he's ever signed. It's tangible proof of the longtime Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback's commitment both to the game itself and the franchise he's led to a pair of Super Bowl titles.

That commitment will be tested over the coming months.

The 37-year-old's aching right elbow needs surgery. His 16th season is over just two weeks in. His future is uncertain. And the keys to the offense Roethlisberger operated so deftly for so long are now in the hands of backup Mason Rudolph, who was in elementary school when the player known universally as Big Ben became a full-fledged NFL starter in the fall of 2004.

Brees has torn ligament, out 6 weeks

NEW ORLEANS (AP) Saints quarterback Drew Brees has been diagnosed with a torn ligament near the thumb of his throwing hand that is expected to sideline him at least six weeks, said a person familiar with the situation.

Brees has elected to have surgery, but it is not yet clear when the operation will take place or who will perform it, the person said. The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity Monday because the diagnosis has not been announced. (MORE)

OBJ stars in MetLife return, Browns roll
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) Odell Beckham Jr. felt right at home again - in the end zone and on the highlight reels. With an 89-yard touchdown catch and a spectacular one-handed grab in his return to MetLife Stadium, the Browns wide receiver helped lift Cleveland past the short-handed and banged-up New York Jets 23-3 on Monday night. (MORE)

Miami DB Fitzpatrick traded to Steelers
DAVIE, Fla. (AP) Miami Dolphins defensive back Minkah Fitzpatrick got his wish and was traded Monday night to the Pittsburgh Steelers for a first-round draft pick in 2020, two people familiar with the negotiations said. The people confirmed the deal to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the teams hadn't announced it. The teams will also swap late-round picks. (MORE)

Jaguars star CB Ramsey requests trade
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) Two-time Pro Bowl cornerback Jalen Ramsey has requested a trade following a sideline argument with Jacksonville Jaguars coach Doug Marrone. The Jags are willing to entertain offers. (MORE)

Brown's status again in limbo this week

Rizzo in walking boot with ankle sprain
CHICAGO (AP) When Anthony Rizzo went down in the infield grass at Wrigley Field, it looked bad for the big first baseman and the Chicago Cubs. The result was somewhere in the middle. (MORE)

Schwarber leads Cubs to 5th straight win
CHICAGO (AP) Playing without Anthony Rizzo, the Chicago Cubs turned to Kyle Schwarber. And Nicholas Castellanos. And Alec Mills. It seemed like everyone helped out. (MORE)

Brewers down Padres for 10th win in 11
MILWAUKEE (AP) Corey Spangenberg helped the Milwaukee Brewers keep pace in their playoff push and ensured another losing season for his old team Spangenberg drove in three runs, including a tiebreaking, two-run triple in the fourth inning, and the Brewers beat the San Diego Padres 5-1 Monday night. (MORE)

Ozuna does it all in Cardinals' victory
ST. LOUIS (AP) Dakota Hudson is a big fan of Marcell Ozuna's arm. Ozuna drove in four runs and threw out a runner at home plate from left field, leading the St. Louis Cardinals over the Washington Nationals 4-2 on Monday night. (MORE)