49ers lose a game, relase Rueben Foster

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: It's a no-good, very bad day for the 49ers. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Its-a-Bad-Sunday-in-Every-Way-for-the-49ers-501207191.html

Lamar Jackson will be a dual threat vs. Raiders

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Lamar Jackson's ability to run as a quarterback will test a shaky Raiders run defense. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Ravens-Jackson-Could-Test-Raiders-Run-Defense-501136221.html

Mullens taking his act on the road

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: QB Nick Mullens gets his first road start Sunday in Tampa, Fla. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Niners-Mullens-Takes-His-Act-on-the-Road-501134111.html

Witherspoon critiqued in Year 2

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Some analysts see second-year cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon as a weak link right now. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Some-See-Witherspoon-as-a-Weak-Link-in-Secondary-501083172.html

Carr wants to spoil draft forecasts

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Oakland QB Derek Carr wants nothing to do with getting the No. 1 pick next year. He wants wins, now. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Carr-Wants-Wins-Not-the-No-1-Pick-in-Next-Years-Draft-501084452.html

Raiders' Carlson shining with second chance

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Cut by the Vikings in Week 2 for missing all three field goals in a game, kicker Daniel Carlson is rebounding nicely with the Raiders. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Kicker-Carlson-Making-Most-of-Raiders-Opportunity-500931601.html

49ers' Garnett sidelined by broken thumb

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Yet another injury hurdle faces former first-round pick Joshua Garnett. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Yet-Another-Injury-Will-Sideline-Joshua-Garnett-500928331.html

49ers tied in race to the bottom of the NFL

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: At 2-8, the 49ers are tied with two others in the race for the No. 1 draft pick in 2019. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Niners-Still-in-Running-for-No-1-Draft-Pick-500837331.html

Marcell Ateman catches on fast for Raiders

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: WR Marcell Ateman helps Oakland win in his NFL debut. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Marcell-Ateman-Catches-on-Fast-for-Raiders--500834391.html

Raiders drive for late FG to beat Cardinals

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Raiders drive for game-winning field goal at end of game to beat Cardinals. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Raiders-Late-Drive-Produces-a-Rare-Victory-500788991.html

Former West Virginia soccer standout continues to play, juggling optometry studies and Army commitment for a team in national semipro league

When Kailey Utley graduated from West Virginia, she wasn't sure if she'd ever play soccer again. But the optometry student at Missouri-St. Louis -- who will go into the Army as an officer when she graduates -- has found a way to keep playing as a standout on the semipro Fire and Ice in the Women's Premier Soccer League. My story on Utley for ESPNW.com's Women Going Places series: http://www.espn.com/espnw/life-style/article/25285073/semipro-soccer-player-kailey-utley-balances-sport-optometry-school

49ers' Warner is a good linebacker and leader

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Rookie Fred Warner has been durable, productive and smart this season, exceeding all expectations. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Warner-Showing-49ers-He-Has-the-Right-Stuff-500694261.html

Conley coming on fast after benching, injuries

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Cornerback Gareon Conley has started to play the way the Raiders thought he would when they took him in the first round in 2017. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Gareon-Conley-is-Coming-on-Strong-in-Second-Season-500690161.html

Injuries to Raiders WRs open door for Ateman

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Seventh-round draft pick Marcel Ateman will play for the first time this week after injuries to front-line wide receivers. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Injuries-Open-Door-for-Raiders-Rookie-Ateman-500600351.html

In a dark season, Breida is shining

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: In his second year, running back Matt Breida has shown he has a durable, versatile difference-maker. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Breida-Has-Been-a-Bright-Light-in-a-Dark-Season-500602851.html

Shanahan issues warning to players

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Kyle Shanahan tells his players he'll be watching them closely over the final half of the season to see if they fit into plans for 2019. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Shanahan-Tells-Players-Theyre-Auditioning-for-2019-Roles-500492962.html

Why can't 49ers hold on to leads?

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: San Francisco has now lost four times when it's held a fourth-quarter lead. What's going on? https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Niners-Keep-Letting-Late-Leads-Slip-Away-500386672.html

Raiders' Miller fighting through two injuries

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Kolton Miller can't play up to his standards because of injuries, but Jon Gruden admires his grit. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Raiders-Miller-is-Struggling-but-Gruden-Admires-His-Grit-500390252.html

49ers surrender late lead in loss to Giants

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: The 49ers defense can't hold a fourth-quarter lead in 27-23 loss to the Giants on MNF. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Niners-Give-Away-Late-Lead-Lose-to-Giants-500337981.html

There's more to a healthy, happy retirement than just having time and money

There's more to retirement that stopping work and having enough money. What will you do? How can you be healthy, both mentally and physically? Some tips for a healthy retirement. My story for the San Diego Union-Tribune: https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/lifestyle/sd-he-retirement-preparation-20181112-story.html