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NFL

Broncos' Wolfe on injury: I 'dodged a bullet'

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — Denver Broncos defensive end Derek Wolfe took to social media on Saturday to say he “dodged a bullet” with a right ankle injury after he had been carted off the field during practice.

Wolfe found himself in a pile during a running play during a team drill early in practice — tackle Menelik Watson limped, flexing his own right leg following the play — and stayed down. Trainers helped Wolfe onto a cart, and he was taken to the locker room.

Derek Wolfe suffered a stinger to his right shoulder earlier in training camp. AP Photo/Paul Jasienski

Wolfe later expressed his relief on Twitter that the injury wasn’t as serious as it initially appeared when trainers helped him into the Broncos’ complex, as he couldn’t put weight on his right leg.

Wolfe also posted a picture of his swollen ankle after he had an MRI. In a text to ESPN’s Josina Anderson Wolfe, he said the injury was a sprain and that he would be ready for the Sept. 11 regular-season opener against the San Diego Chargers.

Broncos coach Vance Joseph said following the team’s practice that the preliminary exam by the medical staff showed “the first look, it wasn’t serious.”

Wolfe suffered a stinger early in training camp and was removed from drills for the remainder of that practice, but he returned to practice quickly in the days that followed.

Like the rest of the Broncos’ starting defense, Wolfe didn’t get much work in Thursday night’s preseason opener in Chicago. Wolfe played just three plays in the Broncos’ 24-17 victory at Soldier Field.

The starting defense played the opening three plays but were taken out of the game after cornerback Chris Harris Jr. returned an interception 50 yards for a touchdown on the third play of the game.

The Broncos have wrestled with some high-profile injuries so far in camp; running back Devontae Booker (left wrist) and linebacker Shane Ray (left wrist) will miss the entire preseason. Defensive end Billy Winn suffered a season-ending knee injury in the win over the Bears as he tore his right ACL.

The Broncos signed defensive lineman Nelson Adams, who had recently been waived by the Pittsburgh Steelers, when Winn was formally moved to injured reserve.

Soccer

Zidane 'happy' to sign contract extension with Real Madrid

Zinedine Zidane indicated on Saturday that he’s signed a new contract with Real Madrid, but played down the importance of the paperwork’s duration.

Various reports preceding Zidane’s media address – including one from Joaquin Maroto of AS – stated that the French manager was set to ink terms to tie him to the club until the summer of 2020, and he subsequently offered that he was “happy” to extend his stay, according to AFP.

“My story with Real Madrid is deeper than contracts and signatures,” Zidane told reporters, as translated by Sporting News.

“I’m happy to be linked with the club. But the contract doesn’t mean anything. You can sign for 10-20 years. I know where I am and what to do. In one year, maybe I won’t be here. Real Madrid and I are not going to argue, never.”

Zidane was probably due a show of trust from Los Blancos’ hierarchy. Since taking the reins from Rafa Benitez in January 2016, the former midfielder’s influence has been huge. He’s won back-to-back Champions League triumphs (the first manager to do so since AC Milan legend Arrigo Sacchi), a La Liga title, and other coveted silverware. He’s also overseen the successful reinvention of Cristiano Ronaldo as a relentless No. 9, and Isco’s rejuvenation when spearheading a midfield diamond – a position harking back to Zidane’s own in the Galacticos era.

His appointment to the Real Madrid helm was initially disparagingly viewed by some as a temporary fix; a promotion from the Castilla contingent to help smooth things over after the discord left by the Benitez regime. Now, one of the most influential players in history has firmly established himself among the managerial elite.

“I’m very happy to have the confidence Real Madrid shows in me,” Zidane added. “I’m happy to be working so well with my staff. And the objectives are always the same: trying to win every single game and every single title. We are enjoying our job a lot.”

Zidane was speaking ahead of Sunday’s first-leg bout with Clasico rival Barcelona at the Camp Nou in the Supercopa de Espana.