Sports News Roundup: WTA to offer increased rankings protection for returning mothers; Wimbledon set to expand after golf agrees to sell

Following is a summary of current sports news briefs.

Report: Eagles QB Wentz has fractured vertebra

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz has a fractured vertebra in his back that may keep him out of Sunday's game, multiple outlets are reporting. Wentz underwent an MRI exam and other tests on Thursday to discover the source of his discomfort and soreness. A CT scan on Wednesday had come back inconclusive, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.

WTA to offer increased rankings protection for returning mothers: report

The Women's Tennis Association (WTA) will offer greater protection to the rankings of mothers returning to the tour after giving birth, British media reported on Thursday. Players returning from maternity leave or injury will now be able to use their previous ranking to enter 12 tournaments over a three-year period.

Report: Chiefs S Berry will start, be on snap count

Eric Berry indeed will start Thursday night, making his season debut in his team's biggest game to date, NFL.com's Ian Rapoport reported. Citing a source informed of the situation, Rapoport reported that Berry will start and be on a snap count at home against the Los Angeles Chargers. He was officially listed as questionable after practicing on a limited basis all week.

Mavs' Nowitzki reportedly expected to make season debut Thursday

Dallas Mavericks icon Dirk Nowitzki is expected to make his season debut Thursday night at Phoenix, ESPN reported. The seventh-leading scorer in NBA history with 31,187 career points, Nowitzki was listed as questionable on Monday against Atlanta for the first time this season.

Curry agrees to lunar lab visit: NASA

Three-time NBA champion Stephen Curry will take space agency NASA up on its offer to tour its lunar lab after he sparked controversy by saying he did not believe humans had ever been to the Moon, comments he later called a joke. Allard Beutel, a spokesman for the agency who this week invited Curry to tour the Johnson Space Center in Houston, told science publication Inverse on Thursday the Golden State guard said he would be willing to make the trip.

Wimbledon set to expand after golf agrees to sell

Wimbledon's plans to expand the size of its grounds took a step forward on Thursday when members of a local golf club voted to sell their land to the Grand Slam tournament's organizers. The All England Lawn Tennis Club (AELTC) had made a 63.75 million pounds ($80.68 million) offer, according to British media reports, to buy out early the lease of the adjacent Wimbledon Park Golf Club.

Athletics: Gatlin still believes he can be a contender in Doha 100m

The clock is ticking on Justin Gatlin and not just the stopwatch. The world champion will be 37 years old when he defends his 100 meters title in Doha next September. Yet there is a renewed sense of confidence from the American that he will be on the 100m podium for a fourth consecutive world championship and a fifth time in his career.

Jury issues $25 million verdict against former Cowboys DT, club

A defunct Dallas nightclub and former Dallas Cowboys defensive tackle Josh Brent will share responsibility for a $25 million award in the death of his teammate and best friend, Jerry Brown, six years ago. Brown, 25, was killed Dec. 8, 2012, in Irving, Texas, when the Mercedes-Benz that Brent was driving flipped over. Brent was driving 110 miles per hour in a 45 mph zone at the time of the accident. He had a blood-alcohol content of 0.18 percent, or more than twice the legal limit.

Take 5: Steelers' D vs. Brady headlines Week 15

The Pittsburgh Steelers haven't beaten the New England Patriots since 2011. In the five losses since, Pittsburgh allowed 34.6 points per game, never holding New England to less than 27. Tom Brady totaled 1,624 yards, 14 touchdowns and one interception, while Rob Gronkowski had 498 yards and five scores despite missing a game. You get the idea.

Encarnacion traded to Mariners for Santana in three-team deal

The Cleveland Indians on Thursday traded slugger Edwin Encarnacion to the Seattle Mariners for Carlos Santana as part of a three-team deal that also includes the Tampa Bay Rays, the Indians confirmed. Santana, 32, has been traded for the second time in a span of 10 days. The Mariners acquired the first baseman as part of the trade for shortstop Jean Segura on Dec. 3. The slugger returns to Cleveland, where he spent the first eight years of his career.

(With inputs from Reuters)

(With inputs from agencies.)