Hashmarks: More NFL in Europe, and Maybe LA as Well

NEW YORK (AP) — You are going to see more NFL games played overseas. The owners have approved more international games through 2025, including ones in places other than England. An agreement to stage games in the United Kingdom through 2016 not only was extended at the Fall meetings, but other nations, such as Mexico, Germany and Canada, will be considered for international games.

The league also is looking at moving the Pro Bowl to international sites. Brazil has expressed interest in the all-star game, and Mark Waller, a vice president with the league, says Australia and Asia also were potential sites.

Also, Commissioner Roger Goodell expects league owners to vote on franchise relocation to Los Angeles in a few months. The current timetable calls for submission of applications to relocate in January, when the owners could vote. Steelers president Art Rooney said he doesn't envision that timetable being changed, noting that St. Louis, Oakland and San Diego are "still are putting together their proposals" to keep their teams.

Also in the NFL:

Josh Johnson is back with the Colts. The quarterback was signed last Friday by the team and then released on Monday, but because Andrew Luck is still recovering from an injury and backup Matt Hasselbeck has been sick, Johnson has been brought back. To make room on the roster, Indy put cornerback Jalil Brown on season-ending injured reserve with a groin injury.
The Buffalo Bills have signed veteran kicker Billy Cundiff to replace the Jordan Gay, who was released after handling kickoff duties. Cundiff's arrival poses a threat to veteran kicker Dan Carpenter, who has been erratic since the start of the preseason while nursing assorted injuries. He has missed two of seven field-goal attempts, including a 30-yarder in a 24-10 loss to the New York Giants on Sunday.
Prosecutors in Northern California say San Francisco 49ers linebacker Aldon Smith has pleaded not guilty to hit and run, drunken driving and vandalism. The 25-year-old Smith was arrested in August in Santa Clara on drunken driving charges.

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