Thursday Quickies: The mystery of Denzil Ware Edition

Good morning BBN.

What the heck is up with Denzil Ware?

One day after it was announced that Ware was suspended, the stud linebacker was back practicing with the team on Wednesday.

But while that looked like good news, teammate Benny Snell made some comments that make it appear Ware’s days in Lexington are numbered.

“For Denzil Ware, a lot of negativity is coming and I would like to say there’s no Benny Snell mentality without Denzil Ware,” said Snell. “He’s done a lot of great things for me. I’ve learned too many things from him. Negativity and all that, that’s just not needed. That man’s a great man and I hope to see him go to the next level one day.”

UK already may lose Josh Allen and Mike Edwards to the NFL Draft, so losing Ware on top of that would be brutal for a defense that already was struggling mightily down the stretch of this season.

Tweet of the Day:

Your Quickies

Kentucky-Louisville basketball statistical comparisons | Lexington Herald Leader
Kentucky and Louisville play in a college basketball game Friday in Rupp Arena. On paper, Kentucky is better shooting, Louisville better defending.

With drama as the backdrop, Kentucky and Louisville renew basketball rivalry on Saturday - 247
The Kentucky-Louisville series has been filled with drama and intrigue throughout the years. But never has the stage been so bizarre as when the old rivals meet Saturday.

Ex-Kentucky star Bud Dupree holds nothing back in ripping former Steelers teammate | Lexington Herald Leader
The former University of Kentucky football standout leveled harsh criticism at former Pittsburgh Steelers teammate James Harrison on Wednesday.

Could Lynn Bowden help Kentucky Football defense? - LCJ
Some have wondered if star freshman Lynn Bowden could play quarterback for UK, but his first chance at a new position might come on defense.

Kentucky football: Concern about bowl tickets well-placed | Lexington Herald Leader
Kentucky still has tickets from its allotment for the Music City Bowl on Friday. No wonder Mitch Barnhart asked fans to support the team in Nashville.

UK Basketball | What the UofL rivalry will miss without Rick Pitino - LCJ
For just the fifth time in 31 games, the Kentucky-Louisville basketball rivalry will be played without Rick Pitino this season.

2017 Music City Bowl Preview: Kentucky vs. Northwestern | Lexington Herald Leader
Coming off a dismal 44-17 loss to archrival Louisville in which some Kentucky players lost their composure and comported themselves in a less than classy manner, Mark Stoops and the Wildcats seek to end their season on a more positive note by earning UK’s first bowl victory since Rich Brooks’ 2008 Cats won the Liberty Bowl.

Music City Bowl: Kentucky-Northwestern preview podcast | Lexington Herald Leader
Kentucky meets Northwestern in the Music City Bowl on Friday, Dec. 29, 2017 in Nashville. Beat writers who cover both teams give scouting reports.

Antonio Brown will miss Week 17, no update on his status
The Steelers have been without star wide receiver Antonio Brown since he injured his lower leg in the first half against the Patriots in Week 15. Mike Tomlin, as usual, refused to put a timeline on when Brown might return to the lineup.

John Harbaugh criticizes NFL after game time change
Ravens coach John Harbaugh isn't pleased with the NFL's decision to move kickoff for Sunday's pivotal game against the Cincinnati Bengals to 4:25 p.m. ET, especially if it affects the size of the crowd at M&T Bank Stadium. "I don't think the NFL did us any favors by moving it back," Harbaugh said Tuesday.

DeMarco Murray Knee Injury Diagnosed as MCL Tear; Expected to Play
Titans running back DeMarco Murray reportedly suffered a third-degree MCL tear in Sunday's 27-23 loss to the Rams at Nissan Stadium, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. Citing a source, Schefter added Murray "believes he can play through it" when the Titans square off against the Jaguars in Week 17.

Landon Collins Calls Giants Teammate Eli Apple a Cancer During Interview
New York Giants cornerback Eli Apple has struggled through an up-and-down 2017 season, which hasn't gone unnoticed by teammate Landon Collins. Collins called the 2016 first-round pick a cancer during a radio interview Tuesday with Bob Wischusen of ESPN.

Myles Garrett Tells No. 1 Pick in 2018 NFL Draft 'Don't Be Fearful, Be Grateful'
The Cleveland Browns locked up the No. 1 pick in the 2018 NFL draft by virtue of their loss to the Chicago Bears on Sunday, and defensive end Myles Garrett had some words of wisdom for whichever player winds up with the club in April.

Jerry Jones Says He Feels Good About Jason Garrett After Cowboys Miss Playoffs
Cowboys head coach Jason Garrett received a vote of confidence from team owner Jerry Jones following Sunday's 21-12 loss to the Seattle Seahawks.

Cancer survivor David Quessenberry completes 'very emotional' comeback
When Texans offensive lineman David Quessenberry lined up as an extra blocker with the offense against the Pittsburgh Steelers, it completed an emotional, successful victory over cancer. Quessenberry made his inspirational NFL regular-season debut Monday following a three-year battle with non-Hodgkin T-lymphoblastic lymphoma.