National Football League

The Latest: Browns' Erving, Cowboys' Irving fight; ejected

Published Nov. 6, 2016 1:25 p.m. ET

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The Latest on Week 9 of the NFL season (all times Eastern):

1:20 p.m.

It was Erving vs. Irving.

Cleveland Browns center Cam Erving and Dallas Cowboys defensive end David Irving have been ejected following a fight in the first quarter. Following an incomplete pass by Cleveland's Cody Kessler, Erving and Irving scuffled behind the line of scrimmage, far from the play. Irving was on top of Erving and threw punches before having his helmet ripped off.

Erving will likely be replaced by right John Greco.

The Browns have been forced to shuffle centers all season because of injuries. Erving missed time with a bruised lung.

- Tom Withers reporting from Cleveland.

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1:10 p.m.

Miami Dolphins receiver Kenny Stills and safety Michael Thomas took a knee during the national anthem just like they've done at every game this year.

The protests were inspired by San Francisco backup quarterback Colin Kaepernick , the first NFL player who chose to sit and take a knee during the anthem in preseason games to call attention to what he termed the oppression of blacks and other minorities.

The Dolphins have support from one very important person - their boss, team owner Stephen Ross.

- Steve Wine reporting from Miami.

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12:50 p.m.

Ready or not, Ben Roethlisberger is poised to start at quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Three weeks removed from surgery on his right knee, Roethlisberger was in uniform for an AFC North showdown against the Baltimore Ravens.

After throwing without any apparent discomfort during pregame drills, the 13-year veteran had a quick discussion with coach Mike Tomlin before running into the tunnel with the rest of the team.

Although Roethlisberger practiced for much of the week, the decision by Tomlin to start him appeared to go down to the final hour.

Roethlisberger missed only one game, two weeks ago against New England. He was replaced by Landry Jones, who is serving as the backup Sunday.

- David Ginsburg reporting from Baltimore.

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11:50 a.m.

Cowboys wide receiver Dez Bryant is active and looks ready to play against the winless Browns.

Bryant was listed as questionable on Friday despite practicing. He only returned to the lineup last week after missing a month with a hairline fracture in his right knee. Bryant made several one-handed grabs while warming up before Sunday's game, delighting a huge throng of Dallas fans who may outnumber Browns backers at FirstEnergy Stadium.

Bryant has 15 catches for 263 yards and two touchdowns. A healthy Bryant gives Cowboys rookie quarterback another down-field weapon, which could open things up for the NFL's top rushing game.

Dallas is looking for its seventh straight win after losing the opener.

- Tom Withers reporting from Cleveland.

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11:30 a.m.

The Raiders and Broncos are a fitting Week 9 headliner, playing in prime time with first place in the AFC West on the line.

And matchups between the Steelers and Ravens as well as the Eagles against the Giants are giving this week a rivalry feel.

The Lions also visit Minnesota, where the Vikings have enjoyed one of the league's more lopsided rivalries. The teams haven't played in Minnesota's new stadium, though.

Detroit-Minnesota, Pittsburgh-Baltimore and Philadelphia-Giants are among the games scheduled for the early start at 1 p.m. Eastern time, along with the Jets visiting Miami, the Jaguars playing the Chiefs and the Cowboys facing the Browns.

The late afternoon games include: New Orleans at San Francisco, Carolina at Los Angeles, Indianapolis at Green Bay and Tennessee at San Diego.

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For more NFL coverage: http://www.pro32.ap.org and http://www.twitter.com/AP-NFL

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