The Latest: 5 NFL players protest before early games

Nov 19, 2017 - 6:35 PM The Latest on the 11th Sunday of the NFL regular season (all times Eastern): 1:15 p.m. Five NFL players protested during the national anthems before early games. The Dolphins' Kenny Stills, Julius Thomas and Michael Thomas took a knee before their game against Tampa Bay. Giants defensive lineman Olivier Vernon took a knee, as he has done most of the season. The opposing Chiefs stood scattered on their sideline, though cornerback Marcus Peters remained in the tunnel until it was over. Peters protested during the anthem earlier this season, but the last couples games he has stayed in the locker room to keep out of the spotlight. ___ 1 p.m. The highlight of Week 11 in the NFL includes a trip by the Rams to face the Vikings and a showdown between the Raiders and Patriots in Mexico City. The Rams and Vikings are both 7-2 and barreling toward the playoffs. Los Angeles has emerged as an offensive juggernaut behind quarterback Jared Goff, while the Vikings have one of the league's most opportunistic defenses. The Saints go for their eighth straight win when they play the Redskins. The Chiefs return from a week off to visit the Giants. The Ravens head to chilly Lambeau Field to face the Packers, while the Lions face the Bears. The Jaguars are visiting the winless Browns and the Cardinals are visiting the Texans. ___ For more NFL coverage: http://www.pro32.ap.org and http://www.twitter.com/AP_NFL