Here is the latest Mid-America sports news from The Associated Press

UNDATED (AP) — People familiar with the deal tell The Associated Press that Adam Wainwright’s contract with the St. Louis Cardinals has been put on hold because it violates the maximum-cut rule. The pitcher will have to become a free agent before the agreement can be finalized. St. Louis announced the deal with the 37-year-old right-hander on Oct. 11. He was earning $19.5 million annually, and the new contract guarantees less than $15.6 million. That’s too big of a pay cut under baseball’s labor contract.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Chiefs have already proven they can outscore just about anybody. Their defense continues to struggle at the other end of the field. Their latest letdown came last Sunday in New England, when the Patriots went downfield in the final minutes to set up a winning field goal.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Bengals bring one of the NFL’s worst defenses to Arrowhead Stadium on Sunday night to face the high-flying Kansas City Chiefs. They also bring an ailing defense. That should only make it tougher to slow down Patrick Mahomes and Co. The Bengals are coming off a loss to Pittsburgh while Kansas City lost for the first time last week in New England.