WINNIPEG -- Reigning Canadian curling champion Rachel Homan got two bits of good news on Thursday. The Ottawa skip advanced to Fridays semifinal at the Canadian Olympic curling trials, and then she learned the federal government had approved funding of more than $2.5 million for the Canadian Curling Association in 2013-14. "Its hard to make it as an amateur athlete because theres not much money involved and its not like the pros," said the 24-year-old. "A lot of times we have to take off work to try and fully train and commit to making it to the Olympics and trying to get Canada gold, so its nice to have that support in being able to try to get to your dreams and achieve that podium status." CCA chief executive officer Greg Stremlaw said the governments investment through Sport Canada is similar to the previous years funding. "It not only enables the Canadian Curling Association to grow the sport at the grassroots level, but helps our nation establish and maintain consistent podium results and the excellence that is synonymous with Canadian curling," Stremlaw said. "We sincerely appreciate all that the government of Canada does for sport." Stremlaw said the money is used for programs involving able-bodied athletes and those with a disability. Funds are allocated for coaching and salaries, national team programs and coaching and officials development. An Athlete Assistance program funded by the government gave $633,000 to 67 carded curlers in 2012-13 to help with their living and training expenses. The amount will be similar in 2013-14, Stremlaw said. Homan and her teammates are carded athletes. The winner of the trials earns a trip to next years Olympic Games in Sochi, Russia. New England Patriots Store .K. Subban and Matt Duchene will be the two skaters sitting out the teams opening game. Patriots Jerseys 2019 .com) - The fading Ottawa Senators have a chance to make up some ground in the playoff race on Tuesday night as they play host to the New York Rangers. https://www.patriotsjerseysale.com/. -- Center Max Unger and tight end Zach Miller are both probable for the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday against the New York Giants and Percy Harvins recovery continues to be slow. New England Patriots Shirts . 15-23, the Ottawa Senators will by hoping to avoid going five straight games without a victory for the first time since a 0-3-2 drought from Oct. Patriots Jerseys China . -- Jonathan Vilmas season is over and his future on the football field is in doubt.NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Tennessees ever-increasing list of injuries now puts the Titans into position to evaluate rookie quarterback Zach Mettenberger in an area they hoped to avoid.The rookie sprained his right, throwing shoulder Sunday when sacked by J.J. Watt, knocking him out of the Titans 45-21 loss to the Houston Texans. Mettenberger couldnt return in that game, and his status for Sunday hosting the New York Giants is in question.But coach Ken Whisenhunt said Monday the sprain isnt as bad as the Titans feared with Mettenberger moving pretty well. They have to see how the rookie recovers during the week, and how Mettenberger handles his first NFL injury will give the Titans another glimpse into whether he can be their quarterback past December.Thats what the NFL as a player is all about, Whisenhunt said. Its a tough game. Youve got to be able to do that. Youve got to be able to rally and come back and play. ... You certainly dont want put players at risk. Thats not what its about. But you dont feel great this time of year in the NFL no matter what youve done so you have to work through those things.Mettenberger already was playing behind a patchwork offensive line when hurt. The Titans played without three starters — left tackle Taylor Lewan, centre Brian Schwenke and right tackle Michael Oher — because of injuries. Oher heard a pop during warmups and didnt play, leaving only six linemen available. Right guard Chance Warmack hurt an ankle later in the third quarter.Watt landed on Mettenberger after the rookie threw a pass to Kendall Wright in the third quarter, and the rookie couldnt return. Mettenberger was 13 of 19 for 184 yards with a touchdown and an interception with a passer rating of 95.1.The onee interception was a pass that led to receiver Justin Hunter being hit and lacerating his spleen.ddddddddddddHunter went to a Houston hospital and remained there Monday, though Whisenhunt said Hunter has stabilized and should be released within the next couple days. Asked if Hunter will miss the rest of the season, Whisenhunt only said they will know more later this week.On the throw Hunter was hurt, Whisenhunt said Mettenberger should have thrown the ball to the other side of the field.The sixth-round draft pick out of LSU said after the game hes a tough guy and expects to play when the New York Giants (3-9) visit Sunday. Whisenhunt said the soreness will be a factor in how well Mettenberger can throw.The Titans now have lost six straight and 10 of their last 11 overall. Whisenhunt said they havent seen Mettenberger yet in a tight game late or with the Titans protecting a late lead.Were getting some evaluation of Zach in as tough a situation as you can possibly be in, Whisenhunt said. Theres no question what were seeing him do is invaluable as far as evaluating him.If the rookie quarterback plays, whether he has his starting tackles back remains to be seen. Lewan is out of the walking boot trying to strengthen his sprained left ankle. Oher missed the first game of his six-year career.The Titans are in the easiest stretch of their schedule with a combined seven wins among the next three opponents among the Giants, Jets and Jaguars.It would be nice to certainly get a win, and I hope we recognize that as a team ... we got to play better football, Whisenhunt said.___Online:AP NFL website: www.pro32.ap.org and www.twitter.com/AP_NFL___Follow Teresa M. Walker at www.twitter.com/teresamwalker ' ' '