NFL roundup: Bruschi to retire

BOSTON (AP) — Tedy Bruschi is retiring after a 13-year career marked by an inspiring return to the New England Patriots as a starting linebacker eight months after a stroke.

A person familiar with his decision tells The Associated Press that the 36-year-old Bruschi will announce his retirement at a news conference Monday morning.

Bruschi played on all three Super Bowl-winning Patriots teams. The last championship game was on Feb. 6, 2005, against the Philadelphia Eagles. Ten days later he was hospitalized after experiencing numbness in his left arm and left leg and blurry vision and was diagnosed with a mild stroke.

Bengals sign top pick Smith

CINCINNATI — Offensive tackle Andre Smith signed a contract Sunday with the Cincinnati Bengals, ending an impasse that dragged on a month into the preseason.

The Bengals originally planned to have Smith start at right tackle, but he has missed all three preseason games. He was in Cincinnati and agreed to the deal shortly before the start of a late afternoon practice.

Eagles replace LB Mays

PHILADELPHIA — The Philadelphia Eagles are changing their starting middle linebacker two weeks before the start of the regular season.

Omar Gaither is taking over for former NDSU standout Joe Mays. Mays had replaced Stewart Bradley, who is out for the season with a torn ACL.

Tags: sports, foootball, nfl, bruschi