National Sports

BALTIMORE — Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco has been placed in concussion protocol after being struck in the helmet at the end of a run against the Miami Dolphins. Flacco had slid onto the turf when he has hit by Miami linebacker Kiko Alonso.

HOUSTON — As a couple of Astros loosened up in the outfield, the retractable roof at Minute Maid Park made its slow crawl Thursday, turning the bright sun into shade.

Joe Girardi was fired as New York Yankees manager Thursday after a decade that produced just one World Series title for a team that expects to win every year.

REGINA — Patrick Chan finally arrived at Skate Canada International. His costumes didn't. The three-time world figure skating champion missed Thursday morning's practice after his flight out of Detroit on Wednesday was delayed.

TORONTO — The Toronto Wolfpack have cut five players, including two Canadian internationals, as they prepare for life in the second tier of English rugby league. Gone are Steve Crossley, Tom Dempsey, Shaun Pick, Rhys Jacks and Sean Penkywicz.

REGINA — Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir sometimes marvel at the crowd they travel with these days.

Mark Casse will have three horses in the Juvenile Fillies and a strong favourite in the Mile at this years' Breeder's Cup, but experience has taught him to never assume anything.

CALGARY — Hockey Canada has released its 26-player roster for the upcoming Karjala Cup is it continues to build its first Olympic team without NHL players since 1992.

CALGARY — Denny Morrison, Ted-Jan Bloemen, Ivanie Blondin and Vincent de Haitre headline the Canadian long-track speedskating team competing in the first World Cup races of the season.

OTTAWA — The Ottawa Redblacks have a playoff spot locked up, but there's still plenty to play for in the last game of the regular season.