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Aaron Rodgers insists there's nothing uncertain about his status for the New York Jets' game Sunday at Buffalo. “There's no way I'm not playing,” the quarterback said during a video call Tuesday. Rodgers acknowledged he has “a little MCL” issue in a knee, but added: “I've had a lot worse. I lucked out. I avoided major stretchage of the MCL.” Rodgers was hurt in the Jets’ 19-9 loss to the Los Angeles Rams last Sunday but remained in the game. “I’m gonna play,” Rodgers said of the game against the Bills. “It feels pretty good.” Rookie left tackle Olu Fashanu’s promising first season is over, though, as the first-round pick was placed on injured reserve with an injury to the plantar fascia in his left foot. Interim coach Jeff Ulbrich said earlier Tuesday that it was “just too early to tell” what Rodgers' availability might be, but he was optimistic about the 41-year-old quarterback's chances. “If I’m a betting man," Ulbrich said, “I’m betting on Aaron Rodgers to play.” Rodgers said he didn't need an MRI on the knee, the latest ailment in what has been an injury-filled season. He earlier dealt with knee, hamstring and ankle issues that hindered his play at times. One of the four-time MVP's goals entering the season was playing in all 17 games after being limited to four snaps in his debut last year because of a torn Achilles tendon. “I definitely felt like at midseason that was going to be difficult,” Rodgers said of playing in every game. “But right now, it looks like, for sure, 16. And hopefully get through this one and get to 17.” The Jets held a walkthrough Tuesday and their next full practice is Thursday, giving Rodgers some extra time to recover. Rodgers has 24 touchdown passes and eight interceptions this season, and he's one TD throw from becoming the fifth player in NFL history with 500 for his career in the regular season. While his plans for the final two games appear clear, his playing future beyond this season is uncertain. Rodgers has another year left on his deal with the Jets, but the team is looking for a new general manager and head coach. Whether the quarterback will be part of the new regime's plans will be a major storyline this offseason. During an appearance Monday on “The Pat McAfee Show,” Rodgers suggested he could be released the day after the regular season ends. He said there's also a chance he could be retained but acknowledged he's going to take some time to decide if he even wants to play in a 21st NFL season. “I think anything is truly possible,” Rodgers said Tuesday of potentially being released. "Whether it happens or not, I’m sure that there will be decisions that, I don’t think there will be surprises where there’s like, ‘Oh, I don’t know what we want to do with certain people.’ I think there’s going to be some decisions that want to be made the day after the season or a couple days after the season, so I don’t know. I’m just not naive. “There’s not zero percent in my mind. I don’t think it’s a high percentage. I think there’s probably a conversation to be had, but I’m just not naive to that being a zero percent chance. I think it’s more than a zero percent chance and less than a certainty, so somewhere in the middle.” Rodgers said he hasn't spoken recently to owner Woody Johnson and doesn't necessarily think the lack of any indication of whether he's wanted back means he won't be. “I would be surprised if there was a conversation now because there’s so many uncertainties,” he said. “There’s a GM that has to get hired, I would assume first, and then he’s going to be part of hiring the head coach, so I have to be in the plans of multiple people, starting with the ownership and then the GM and then the head coach." Rodgers added that if he's told the Jets want him back, it would mean they see him as an important part of trying to change the culture of a team that hasn't made the postseason in 14 years. “That’d be special to hear that,” he said, “but if they don’t, again, no offense at all will be taken.” Olu Fashanu’s season is over Fashanu had a solid first NFL season after being the 11th overall draft pick in April out of Penn State. He began the year as veteran Tyron Smith's backup before filling in at right tackle for two games when Morgan Moses was injured. Fashanu, who played only left tackle in college, also stepped in at right guard for an injured Alijah Vera-Tucker against Houston. When Smith was lost for the season with a neck injury last month, Fashanu took over as the starter and excelled in five starts. He was hurt midway through the fourth quarter against the Rams and was seen on crutches in the locker room after the game. Ulbrich said he believed Fashanu would need surgery, but the team later clarified that a procedure won't be required. “It's unfortunate,” Ulbrich said. “He's having a great rookie season. But at the same time, these injuries sometimes give you an opportunity to step back and really start absorbing some of the information as you were kind of thrown into the fire. He'll use it as an opportunity to grow, I know that.” Kicking carousel The Jets signed veteran kicker Greg Joseph to the practice squad and he'll compete with Anders Carlson for the job this week. Ulbrich said Greg Zuerlein, on IR since late October with a knee injury, also could be in the mix. Carlson, the fourth kicker used by the Jets this season, missed an extra point and a 49-yard field goal try late in the fourth quarter against the Rams. He is 8 of 10 on field goal tries and 9 for 11 on extra points in five games with New York. “We'll see how it goes and we'll put the best guy out there,” Ulbrich said. ___ AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl Dennis Waszak Jr., The Associated Press
SeniorsPlus President and CEO Betsy Sawyer-Manter addresses a crowd Tuesday at the agency’s headquarters at 8 Falcon Road in Lewiston. SeniorsPlus has launched a $5.5 million campaign for a new building to provide more programming space. Russ Dillingham/Sun Journal LEWISTON — With more than half of the funds already raised, SeniorsPlus launched its $5.5 million capital campaign to construct a building off Mollison Way for its programs. The Area Agency on Aging for Androscoggin, Franklin and Oxford counties operates programs to help older adults age in their homes. It is outgrowing its current spaces, according to CEO Betsy Sawyer-Manter. With $1.5 million in federal funds, thanks to U.S. Sens. Susan Collins and Angus King, a $900,000 grant from Maine Connectivity Authority, funds from Androscoggin and Franklin counties, funds from Lewiston and other corporate and individual donations, the organization has just $2.1 million more to raise to meet its goal, according to Sawyer-Manter. “We think there’s a very generous community here in our area and we’re hoping that people will step up and help us make our goal,” she said. “I’d like to get this building built debt free, because I want all the services going forward to be, all the money to be used on the services and not have to be paying a mortgage, so the goal is to build it and have it be debt free.” With an ambitious goal to break ground this spring, the organization will continue to fundraise and reach its goal, even during construction, she said. Its Meals on Wheels program provides prepared meals to older adults; Its education program helps teach older adults about internet safety, how to use electronic devices, Medicare counseling, financial education and other topics. Now, volunteers struggle to work in the kitchen to prepare the meals at its current rented location, she said. A wall runs down the middle of the kitchen, making communication difficult, the freezers and coolers require a lot of bending and lifting, and the space is small. Meals on Wheels serves about 650 clients total and the organization has started to form a waitlist for the program because there is so much demand, she said. Holly Zielinski, SeniorsPlus board of directors chairperson, addresses people Tuesday at the agency’s headquarters at 8 Falcon Road in Lewiston. The agency has launched a $5.5 million campaign for a new building to provide more programming space. Russ Dillingham/Sun Journal In the new building, the kitchen will be bigger, open and have walk-in freezers and coolers so volunteers can use rolling carts to move food, she said. Currently, there is only one space for education programs at its headquarters, making it impossible to schedule multiple classes at a time, she said. The new building will have a large education room that can be partitioned so more than one class at a time can be hosted. Upgraded technology will be one of the biggest additions in the new building, allowing older adults to use the internet, computers and other technology to conduct telehealth appointments, meet with lawyers and anyone they might need to communicate with but cannot do so from home, she said. Staying connected with people is a big part of aging well at home, she said. The stress caused by isolation can have negative health impacts on older adults, so the organization aims to help facilitate connections, friendships and social interaction. “What we’re very concerned about is social isolation and a lot of people are certainly very at risk of social isolation, if not, really in the midst of social isolation,” she said. “So all of the things that we do, whether it’s the meals being delivered to the home, the social dining aspect, people coming and attending a class that’s all protective factors against social isolation, which can help people have better health.” One of the capital campaign’s largest donors, Maine Connectivity Authority, supports organizations providing services to close the digital divide to populations who face large barriers getting connected to the internet or digital devices – older adults being one of those populations, according to Maine Connectivity Authority Digital Equity Manager Jessica Perez. The organization likes the efforts SeniorsPlus is making to educate older adults about digital matters, she said. “We’re really excited about the work that SeniorsPlus is doing and we are excited to support them in having services for older adults in Lewiston and beyond,” she said. “And we’re excited that we can collaborate with them on the elements related to digital equity, is what we call it, along with elements to bring older adults into the workforce, to ensure that they can manage their health successfully and to have educational opportunities for their enrichment and beyond.” The new building will also have a patio for Tai Chi, a space for volunteers to grab coffee and a snack, computers for clients and volunteers to use, a congregate dining room, along with other spaces in the building meant to connect people and provide better storage and organization for its programs, Sawyer-Manter said. Though nursing homes and assisted living facilities serve an important role, most older adults do not want to live in one of those facilities and having a place where they can socialize, learn and get help can increase their longevity and happiness, she said. “If we can keep people at home as long as possible, that’s what we want to do,” she said. “As independently as they can be and not everyone is independent, a lot of our Meals on Wheels folks are very disabled, they can’t make a meal for themselves, but they’re happy because they’re home, they’re with their pets.” Though many operations of its programs will be moved into the new building, its Wilton and Norway satellite offices will stay open. Some operations will still remain at its primary location on Falcon Road in Lewiston – the new building will be constructed adjacent to its primary office. To make a donation visit the Seniors Plus website . Comments are not available on this story. 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BEN DOAK is the name on every Scotland supporter's lips at the moment. And the Liverpool wonderkid is also quickly becoming a fan favourite at the Riverside since joining Middlesbrough . 2 Conway and Doak celebrate during their win over Hull City Credit: Getty 2 The pair are linking up for club and country Credit: Kenny Ramsay Doak , 19, isn't the only Scotland ace who is impressing for Boro though. The electric winger has been setting the Championship alight this season and put in another standout display today against Hull City. The teenager added another two assists to his tally - by setting up Scotland pal Tommy Conway twice in the 3-1 home win . Conway, 22, fired Boro 2-0 in front in the first half after heading home from a dinked cross from Doak. read more football stories FAB FINISH Rangers loan flop scores stunner as he and unsung Scotland star take down Barca FAB £50 Celtic vs Ross County: Get £50 in free bets for the Premiership with Betfred The forward then restored his side's two-goal lead late on after Mason Burstow pulled one back from the visitors in the second half. Conway, who joined Middlesbrough from Bristol City in August, now has eight goals for the season following his latest double. And Doak now has five assists in the Championship in his breakthrough season in senior football . It isn't the first time the pair have linked up for Boro as the teenager set up the striker in the 3-3 draw with Norwich. Most read in Football CELTIC 5 ROSS COUNTY 0 Liam Scales nods early opener before McGregor and Idah stunners SPEAKING UP Nice police break silence on Rangers fan chaos as they say Uefa must act FOOTIE 'SHAME' Bayern Munich footballer 'is caught drink-driving after partying at club' PEP TALK 'Even Pep Guardiola couldn't outperform Clement at Rangers,' insists Souness They started alongside each other under Steve Clarke for 1-0 win over Croatia earlier this month. And Tartan Army fans believe it's a partnership for the national team for years to come. One fan posted on social media: "The future 's bright." Another wrote: "Conway and Doak duo is insane." A third said: "Conway and Doak are turning into some partnership." Keep up to date with ALL t h e latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football pageArkansas receiver Andrew Armstrong said Tuesday that he is entering the NFL Draft. Later in the day, a school spokesman told reporters that Armstrong will skip the Razorbacks' bowl game. The destination isn't yet known. Armstrong led the Southeastern Conference in both receptions (78) and receiving yards (1,140) but caught just one touchdown in 11 games this season. His catches and yardage were both second-most in Arkansas history behind Cobi Hamilton, who had 90 receptions for 1,335 yards in 2012. "It's been a journey for the books and I wouldn't trade it for anything because it has made me into the man I am today," Armstrong said of his Razorbacks tenure in a social media post. "... I will never forget all the moments that were shared here in Fayetteville." Armstrong played two seasons at Texas A&M-Commerce before transferring to Arkansas ahead of the 2023 season. In two seasons with the Razorbacks, he caught 134 passes for 1,904 yards and six scores. --Field Level MediaMorgan Rogers looked to have given Unai Emery’s side another famous win when he slammed a loose ball home at the death, but referee Jesus Gil Manzano ruled Diego Carlos to have fouled Juve goalkeeper Michele Di Gregorio and the goal was chalked off. It was a disappointment for Villa, who remain unbeaten at home in their debut Champions League campaign and are still in contention to qualify automatically for the last 16. A very controversial finish at Villa Park 😲 Morgan Rogers' late goal is ruled out for a foul on Juventus goalkeeper Michele Di Gregorio and the match ends 0-0 ❌ 📺 @tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/MyYL5Vdy3r — Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) November 27, 2024 Emiliano Martinez had earlier displayed why he was named the best goalkeeper in the world as his wonder save kept his side level in the second half. The Argentina international paraded his two Yashin Trophies on the pitch before kick-off at Villa Park and then showed why he won back-to-back FIFA awards when he denied Francisco Conceicao. Before Rogers’ moment of drama in the fourth minute of added time, the closest Villa came to scoring was in the first half when Lucas Digne’s free-kick hit the crossbar. But a draw was a fair result which leaves Villa out of the top eight on goal difference and Juventus down in 19th. Before the game Emery called Juventus one of the “best teams in the world, historically and now”, but this was an Italian side down to the bare bones. Only 14 outfield players made the trip from Turin, with striker Dusan Vlahovic among those who stayed behind. The opening 30 minutes were forgettable before the game opened up. Ollie Watkins, still chasing his first Champions League goal, had Villa’s first presentable chance as he lashed an effort straight at Di Gregorio. Matty Cash then had a vicious effort from the resulting corner which was blocked by Federico Gatti and started a counter-attack which ended in Juventus striker Timothy Weah. Villa came closest to breaking the deadlock at the end of the first half when Digne’s 20-yard free-kick clipped the top of the crossbar and went over. Martinez then produced his brilliant save just after the hour. A corner made its way through to the far post where Conceicao was primed to head in at the far post, but Martinez sprawled himself across goal to scoop the ball away. How has he kept that one out?! 🤯 Emi Martinez with an INCREDIBLE save to keep it goalless at Villa Park ⛔️ 📺 @tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/OkcWHB7YIk — Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) November 27, 2024 Replays showed most of the ball went over the line, but the Argentinian got there with millimetres to spare. At the other end another fine goal-line block denied John McGinn as Manuel Locatelli got his foot in the way with Di Gregorio beaten. The game looked to be petering out until a last-gasp free-kick saw Rogers slam home, but whistle-happy official Gil Manzano halted the celebrations by ruling the goal out.