limited. Carter has missed the last three games with th

Monica Abbott and I were teammates on the 2008 U.S. Olympic team. We earned silver in Beijing, and since then weve kept in touch, pitcher-to-pitcher. Every time we talk, its like were just picking up where we left off.Its been incredible to see Monica develop into the star that she is, and it continues to get brighter and brighter. What I think is amazing about her is that as unbeatable as she is, she continues to get better and find a way to improve on her game and what shes been able to do -- not only for USA Softball, but for the professional league. She went 18-1 during the National Pro Fastpitch regular season and led the league in strikeouts, innings pitched and wins.Shes grown as a person, too. I watched her interview at the espnW Summit, and I just felt like a big sister in a way. Oh, my goodness! She just continues to get more beautiful and stronger from the inside-out. And so eloquent. Im so thankful that our game has her and that she represents our sport. The things shes been able to do with the Scrap Yard Dawgs with her contract -- its not only exciting for the pro league, but exciting for women in general and in professional sports.When she signed that $1 million contract, Monica broke another barrier not only in softball but all across the board in womens professional sports. Its a struggle, but its exciting to see the Scrap Yard Dawgs get creative and give women what theyre worth. Theres a lot of work to do, but the message sent by a woman being able to make that kind of money is tremendous. I give the Scrap Yard Dawgs a lot of credit for helping break that glass ceiling. Monica got to be the one to do it, and she earned it. Shes gone across the world to share our sport, too. The way shes impacted the Japanese league -- her team won the title this fall -- is awesome.Monica is definitely one of the best in our sport. Shes been dominant from the start. She doesnt have many weaknesses on the field, but she continues to work and change her game, evolve and get better. The way to get on base and score against Monica Abbott in college was to hit the ball back at her, bunt, just try to make contact. Now, shes one of the best defensive pitchers out there. Its so incredible to see her perform like a 5-foot-6, smaller, quicker pitcher out there when shes 6-3. Shes so athletic, and shes worked on every single aspect of her game, not only physically but mentally as well.Shes been able to shine bright for our sport and our women and continues to pave the way. I really admire her discipline and her perseverance. Im grateful that shes an ambassador for our game and someone for young girls to look up to. Im so happy to see what shes given of herself and achieved as a result, and I look forward to many more years of watching her dominate from the circle, whether its here in the U.S. -- and hopefully in the Olympics for 2020 -- or in Japan.More on Monica Abbott? Abbott wants change after $1 million deal Story ?? Abbott settles in with National Pro Fastpitch?Story ?? Abbott hopes to go for gold in Tokyo?Video ?? Abbotts playlist?Story ?The IMPACT25 is espnWs annual list of the 25 athletes and influencers who have made the greatest difference for women in sports. Explore the 2016 list and more content at espnW.com/IMPACT25. Tyron Smith Jersey . It was Kerbers third final of the year after losing to Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova of Russia in Monterrey in April and to Petra Kvitova of Czech Republic in Tokyo two weeks ago. The 10th-ranked German improved her record in finals to 3-5. Roger Staubach Jersey . Bryant, who signed a five-year, $34 million contract as a free agent with Cleveland in March, reported symptoms on Monday morning, a team spokesman said. http://www.cheapcowboysjerseyschina.com/ . -- Matt Ryan needed one of the best games of his career to lead the Falcons and their depleted offence out of their three-game losing streak last week. Kerry Hyder Jersey .com) - The game was all punts and field goals before Kodi Whitfields catch. George Iloka Jersey .5 seconds to play in the game, Kevin Love never stopped believing that they would come out of there with a win. FLORHAM PARK, N.J. -- Nick Mangold is getting closer to returning -- slowly but surely.The New York Jets center is questionable to play Sunday against the New England Patriots with a sprained right ankle that has sidelined him the last three games. Coach Todd Bowles announced Friday that no decision had been made on Mangolds status.Its been frustrating and disappointing, not being out there and not contributing, Mangold said. Ive been trying to do everything that I could behind the scenes to try to help out. Its tough. Having gone this long without playing a game isnt fun, so hopefully Ill get back as soon as I can.Mangold was limited for the second straight day, a sign that the ankle is improving. He ran a little Thursday during practice, marking the first time he did so since being hurt against Baltimore on Oct. 23.Mangold, in his 11th season, was asked if the opponent being the Patriots added any sense of urgency to him trying to get back on the field this week.Division opponent, this is the first time that I will have missed the game against them, he said. So, it would be difficult.Having been forced to sit out for an extended period has caused Mangold to consider his playing future. While its uncertain if hell remain with the Jets beyond this season -- hes a $9.075 million salary cap hit next year -- Mangold has no thoughts of retiring anytime soon.If anything, its made me want to play more so I can keep going, because Ive missed being out there, he said. Its probably going to make me linger on longer than my body will want me to. It gives you the thought that, hey, this game could be gone at any moment. So, youve got to enjoy the time that you get out there.He appeared on his way to getting back a few weeks ago, but said he overdid things in his rehabilitation and ended up back in a walking boot. Mangold is feeling better and got some good reps iin at practice on Friday.ddddddddddddIts been just a gradual process after having the setback that I did, he said. Just trying to get better each day, and its going in the right direction.Wesley Johnson has been solid while filling in for Mangold, who has been stuck on the sideline during games and trying to find a role even though he hasnt been playing. Mangold never missed more than two straight games before this injury.Its been weird, he said. It was tough, the last game (against Los Angeles on Nov. 13), because it was the first home game Ive ever missed. So, going through that whole process and coming into our locker room and being in our stadium, that was a different experience.Mangold has tried to stay out of the way while also being eyes for the coach, eyes for Johnson and those guys where he might see things from the sideline that could help.The games are crazy long when youre not playing in them, he said with a smile. Its definitely a different view. Ill have to look back somewhere down the road to see if Ive learned anything from it, but its definitely been a different experience trying to help out from the sideline and not on the field.Meanwhile, cornerbacks Nick Marshall and Marcus Williams were both ruled out against the Patriots with ankle injuries.Defensive tackle Steve McLendon is questionable with a hamstring issue that limited him at practice Thursday and Friday.Wide receiver Brandon Marshall (foot) and linebacker Bruce Carter (quadriceps) fully practiced after being limited. Carter has missed the last three games with the injury, and Friday ma