WASHINGTON -- Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts acknowledged that Clayton Kershaw could need surgery on his ailing back, although the club hopes that the staff ace will not need it and will return to pitch this season.Roberts was asked before Wednesday nights 8-1 loss at Washington if there is more of a chance for surgery since the initial setback.?To answer your question, yes, Roberts said. I think that with the way it flared up, its more of an indication that surgery is more of a possibility obviously with the way his back responded, but were still hopeful that he will be back. When youre talking about the back, that is always an option, but were certainly hopeful that Clayton will be back, absolutely.On Thursday, Roberts stepped back on his comments, referring to the ensuing reports as overblown.[It]?makes you a little jaded, Roberts said, almost want to be Bill Belichick-like [when it comes to talking about injuries].Kershaw last pitched June 26 at Pittsburgh and was treated for a sore lower back the next day. He went on the disabled list a few days later and was making enough progress in his rehab to throw a simulated game Saturday at Dodger Stadium.But after his 60-pitch simulated game, Kershaw reported more back soreness and the Dodgers immediately stopped all baseball activity.Roberts said he has not been told by any team doctors that surgery might be needed. His optimism stems from indications that Kershaw is not having any shooting pain from his back to his legs, which would suggest a nerve issue.No shooting pains and that is something that, talking with our docs, is a concern, but with Clayton that is not a symptom, Roberts said.Roberts said he last spoke by phone with Kershaw two days ago, and at the time the pitcher was trying to remain optimistic.His mood is more trying to keep our guys positive and hes disappointed because he knows how much he can help us, Roberts said. But he is trying to keep his focus, as Clayton does, on his teammates. But his focus is getting back this year.Kershaw has stopped all baseball activity, and there is no timetable for a return. After Wednesday nights loss to the Nationals, the Dodgers have 66 games remaining over the last two-plus months of the season.Kershaw had been in the midst of a historic season before he was injured. In 16 starts, the left-hander was 11-2 with a 1.79 ERA, which still leads baseball. He had 145 strikeouts in 121 innings, with just nine walks.Air Jordan China . The native of Mont-Tremblant, Que., captured a World Cup downhill event Saturday, his second this year and fifth career victory on the circuit. Cheap Air Jordan Free Shipping .C. -- When North Carolina freshman Ryan Switzer reported to training camp in August he was a little miffed to learn he was third on the depth chart at punt returner. https://www.jordanchina.us/ . Darren Helm scored on Detroits sixth attempt in the shootout and then Jonas Gustavsson stopped Andrew Shaws shot, lifting the Detroit Red Wings to a 5-4 win over the Chicago Blackhawks on Wednesday night. Cheap Jordan From China . Vaives lawyer Trevor Whiffen claims the former 50-goal man wasnt provided with a copy of the claim beforehand and that he would not have agreed to the allegations made against the NHL had he been asked to review its contents. Air Jordan Discount . The showiest items on Calgarys lot were forwards Mike Cammalleri and Lee Stempniak. Both will be unrestricted free agents this summer.EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. -- The Minnesota Vikings have ruled two starters out against Green Bay due to knee injuries, defensive tackle Sharrif Floyd and cornerback Xavier Rhodes.Theyre still trying to be secretive about their starting quarterback for Sunday, even though all signs have been pointing toward Sam Bradford making his debut. Coach Mike Zimmer declined again on Friday to confirm his decision, after Shaun Hill took the snaps in the season opener.It is ... Zimmer said after practice with mock suspense, well find out Sunday.The coach said he believes Bradford is ready to start.He could, Zimmer said, before flashing a sly smile. Shauns ready, too.The Vikings acquired Bradford nearly two weeks ago in a trade with Philadelphia for two premium draft picks, including their first-round selection in 2017, but Hill started the opener at Tennessee. The 15-year veteran fared relatively well in the 25-16 victory, completing 18 of 33 passes for 236 yards without a sack or a turnover, but Bradford was obviously not brought in to be a backup.He comes in pretty early in the morning and stays late, Zimmer said. Hes worked enough to get ready.Coaches and players have raved about Bradfords ability to be a quick study in the offense.I think it gets better every day, Bradford said earlier this week.Packers coach Mike McCarthy even said hes expecting Bradford to start in what will be the first regular season game at U.S. Bank Stadium.Hes getting a chemistry with the receivers, the tight ends, the backs, offensive coordinator Norv Turner said. Thats the hhardest thing.ddddddddddddThe Vikings also ruled out backup tight end MyCole Pruitt (knee), who missed the opener, too. Left tackle Matt Kalil (hip) returned to practice on a limited basis on Friday and was listed as questionable to face Green Bays star pass-rusher Clay Matthews.Neither Floyd nor Rhodes practiced at all this week in preparation for the Packers. Rhodes didnt play in the first game, after feeling a popping sensation in his knee while stretching during warmups. Trae Waynes replaced him in the starting lineup.I think hes come a long way with his confidence, with his technique, Zimmer said of Waynes, who was drafted in the first round last year.Floyd saw limited action, taking 25 of 67 snaps. Defensive linemen never play the whole game because of the physical demands of the position, and the Vikings have a deep group. Still, Floyd played less than backup Tom Johnson (29 snaps) as second-string nose tackle Shamar Stephen (22 snaps) also rotated in.Floyd has been unable to put together a full season since he was drafted in the first round in 2013 and served as a backup to Kevin Williams. Floyd missed three games last season with the knee injury and two games two years ago. He was dogged by it again during training camp, and now theres this latest setback.Im kind of used to it, Zimmer said.---Online:AP NFL website: http://www.pro32.ap.org and AP NFL coverage on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/AP-NFL ' ' '