Stars on receiving end as league continues to reel

An embattled NFL, reeling from off-field brutality issues, received more bad news with numerous injuries to key players in the second week of an already tumultuous campaign.

Carolina coach Ron Rivera benched star defender Greg Hardy, who is appealing an assault conviction to a jury trial, only hours before a 24-7 victory over Detroit.

“This was in the best interest of the Carolina Panthers. We had to do this. I did this and that’s it,” Rivera said.