Rookie running back James Conner set up Pittsburgh's winning fourth-quarter touchdown pass in the Steelers' 17-13 exhibition victory over the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday in Pittsburgh.
Conner, a former University of Pittsburgh star who overcame Hodgkin's lymphoma and a serious right knee injury to reach the NFL, broke off runs of 17 and 19 yards, leading to Bart Houston's 6-yard touchdown pass to Justin Hunter.
Conner, a third-round draft choice, ended his NFL debut with 98 yards rushing on 20 carries.
Matt Ryan led the Falcons to a touchdown in his only series and finished 4-for-6 for 57 yards. Star receiver Julio Jones was held out, and running back Devonta Freeman sat out because of a concussion.
New Orleans 13, Los Angeles Chargers 7: Alvin Kamara ran for a 50-yard touchdown, leading the Saints over the host Chargers. Safety Dexter McCoil intercepted Ryan Nassib's fourth-quarter pass and returned it 99 yards for the Chargers' touchdown.
Boldin retires
Anquan Boldin abruptly announced his retirement, confirmed Sunday night by the team, less than two weeks after signing with the Buffalo Bills. Boldin had talked about building on his legacy entering his 15th season and serving as a mentor for Buffalo's young group of receivers.
Boldin ranks in the top four among active receivers with 1,076 catches, 13,779 yards receiving and 82 touchdowns receiving.
Etc.
• Washington activated tight end Jordan Reed from the physically-unable-to-perform list. The 27-year-old Reed, who had been on the list since the start of training camp because of an injury to his left big toe, had 66 catches for 686 yards and six touchdowns in 12 games last season.
