BARCELONA, Spain -- Barcelona says Lionel Messis recovery from a hamstring injury is progressing positively. Messi will travel to his native Argentina on Friday to begin the second phase of his recovery process, under the supervision of the Spanish champions medical staff. Barcelona says Messis recovery "has been positive, as the latest medical scans have revealed." Messi was initially ruled out for six to eight weeks after hurting his left hamstring during a Spanish league game at Real Betis on Nov. 10. It was the Argentina internationals third injury of the season. Jared Allen Youth Jersey . His versatility and consistency has been rewarded. Brantley has agreed to long-term contract with the Indians, a person familiar with the deal told the AP on Tuesday. . With the first unit struggling of late and Amir Johnson - one of the teams iron men - hobbling on an injured right ankle, Patterson knew he could get the nod in a challenging matchup against one of the leagues up and coming players at his position. [url=http://www.nflbearsusjerseys.com/Womens-Walter-Payton-Authentic-Jersey/]htt... . -- The Jacksonville Jaguars and free agent defensive tackle Red Bryant have reached agreement on a four-year contract. [url=http://www.nflbearsusjerseys.com/Womens-Tim-Jennings-Authentic-Jersey/]Tim Jennings Jersey .21-point performance. Kearney of the United States, the Olympic champion who has already qualified for the Sochi Games, won for the seventh time at Deer Valley. Matt Forte Jersey . In one emphatic finish, NaVorro Bowman, Colin Kaepernick and the Niners sealed their post-season berth in a ceremonious regular-season farewell for Candlestick Park. Bowman returned an interception 89 yards for a touchdown with 1:10 remaining, and the 49ers clinched a playoff spot with a wild 34-24 victory against the Atlanta Falcons on Monday night in the likely final game at The Stick. CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Panthers wide receiver Steve Smith has been ruled out for Sundays game against the Atlanta Falcons. Panthers coach Ron Rivera made the announcement following Fridays practice, adding that running back Jonathan Stewart (knee) and defensive tackle Colin Cole (calf) will not play either. Smith sprained his left knee during Carolinas 17-13 win over New Orleans last Sunday. The win assured the Panthers a playoff spot, but this weeks game looms even larger. Carolina (11-4) can wrap up the NFC South division title and a first-round bye by beating the Falcons. "Steve has actually improved a lot," Rivera said. "In Steves way he basically said if I had to I would play this weekend. He probably couldnt, but he would try." Rivera, however, said the team doesnt want to risk losing Smith for the playoffs. "Not a chance," Rivera said. "Its about going forward. This game is very important and we know it. But there are other things ahead, too." Rivera said if the Panthers dont win the NFC South and secure a first-round bye, he expects Smith would be ready to play next Sunday in the wild-card round of the playoffs. Smith leads the team with 67 receptions for 774 yards and five touchdowns. Ted Ginn Jr. is expected to start at wide receiver for Smith, but Domenik Hixon will see increased action. Falcons coach Mike SSmith acknowledged earlier in the week his team will probably alter how it defends the Panthers if Smith doesnt play.dddddddddddd "Steve Smith is one of the most competitive, not just wide receivers, football players that Ive been fortunate enough or, weve been fortunate enough, to compete against," Smith said. "He brings a lot of energy. He brings a lot of passion to the way he plays the game. You do defend a little bit differently when Steve Smith is in the game based on where hes aligned and what the down and distance is, because to me hes one of the marquis wide receivers still in the NFL." Rivera said hes interested to see what Brandon LaFell will do as Carolinas primary wide receiver. LaFell is third on the team in receptions with 49 for 627 yards and five touchdowns. "Brandon has done nothing but take strides and get better as a football player," Rivera said. "And it will also be good to see as far as Ted Ginn is concerned and Domenik Hixon. These three guys have done some really good things for us. It will help us gauge where were at." The Panthers are also expected to lean heavily on tight end Greg Olsen, who has 64 receptions for 747 yards and four touchdowns. NOTES: Safety Robert Lester was added to the injury report Friday as questionable after getting his ankle stepped on at practice. Cheap Jerseys UK Cheap Jerseys Cheap Jerseys NFL Jerseys From China Jerseys NFL Cheap ' ' '