Denver Broncos lose center Dan Koppen for season

Denver Broncos center Dan Koppen is out for the season after tearing the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee Sunday during nine-on-seven drills, less than six weeks after rejoining Denver following J.D. Walton’s setback in his comeback from ankle surgery.

Koppen, an 11-year veteran who played his first nine seasons with the New England Patriots, was caught in a pile early in the workout and was carted off the field and taken for an MRI exam, which revealed the season-ending injury.

Manny Ramirez, who took most of the snaps at center during Denver’s off-season practices, stepped in for Koppen.

Pitta out for year

The Baltimore Ravens said tight end Dennis Pitta is lost for the season following surgery for a dislocated hip, a blow to the team in its bid to repeat as Super Bowl champion.

Pitta was hurt Saturday, the third day of training camp, when he collided with safety James Ihedigbo in the back of the end zone while going for a pass from Joe Flacco. The surgery was Saturday night. Pitt, 28, had 61 catches last year, second on the team, and seven touchdowns, second among Baltimore receivers

The Ravens moved quickly to fill the void, signing tight end Visanthe Shiancoe to a one-year contract Sunday.

Hill offers explanation

New York Giants safety Will Hill said the suspension he received last week was for using marijuana and stemmed from a positive drug test last season. In his first comments since the NFL announced the four-game suspension, the second in two seasons, Smith said the stress of coping with life led him to use marijuana. He was suspended last year for violating the league’s performance-enhancing-drug policy after testing positive for Adderall.

Etc.

The Philadelphia Eagles confirmed that wide receiver Jeremy Maclin tore the ACL in his right knee during Saturday’s practice, likely ending his season. . . . The San Diego Chargers signed cornerback William Middleton to a one-year contract. He takes the roster spot of inside linebacker Jonas Mouton, who cleared waivers and was placed on season-ending injured reserve after tearing the ACL in his right knee last week. . . . Cleveland Browns offensive lineman Ryan Miller returned to the team’s training facility and began the NFL’s concussion protocol after being knocked unconscious during practice. . . . The Arizona Cardinals reached a contract agreement with first-round draft pick Jonathan Cooper, a 311-pound guard, for four years and about $14.5 million. . . . Six-time Pro Bowl quarterback Donovan McNabb will officially retire a member of the Philadelphia Eagles on Monday after signing a one-day contract. McNabb, 36, played 11 of his 13 seasons with the Eagles, leading them to eight playoff appearances, five NFC East titles, five conference championship games and one Super Bowl loss. He hasn’t played in the NFL since 2011. . . . Jacksonville Jaguars guard Drew Nowak returned to practice, a day after totaling his car while driving to the team hotel.