Siemian to start again for Jets on Thursday
Lawrence, Stroud both hope to play Sunday
FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — Trevor Siemian will start a second consecutive game at quarterback for the New York Jets with Zach Wilson still in the concussion protocol.
Coach Robert Saleh ruled Wilson out Tuesday as the Jets prepare to face the Browns in Cleveland on Thursday night.
Siemian was 27-of-49 for 217 yards with a touchdown pass to Jason Brownlee and an interception in New York’s 30-28 victory over Washington on Sunday. He was 3-for-5 for 26 yards while helping lead the Jets on their final drive that was capped by Greg Zuerlein’s winning 54-yard field goal.
“Trev did some nice things in the game,” Saleh said. “He’s got so much play time under his belt, so it was great to just have a conversation with him and his recognition that he could’ve even done better. So, obviously, it is a short week but he’ll prepare the way he needs to.”
Wilson suffered a concussion in the first half of New York’s 30-0 loss at Miami last Sunday. It’s uncertain if he’ll be cleared to play in the season finale at New England on Jan. 7.
BROWNS: It’s only fitting the Browns will try to clinch a playoff berth with a new kicker. Nothing has been routine this season in Cleveland.
Dustin Hopkins will miss Thursday night’s game against the New York Jets — and maybe longer — because of a left hamstring injury he sustained in the first half of Sunday’s win over the Houston Texans.
On Monday, the Browns worked out several kickers before signing Riley Patterson. Patterson has appeared in 37 games for Detroit and Jacksonville. He’s made 58 of 66 field-goal attempts and 87 of 90 extra points. The Lions surprisingly released him in Week 15.
The Browns also placed rookie quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson on injured reserve with a hip injury sustained against the Texans. P.J. Walker was activated from the practice squad and will back up Joe Flacco.
JAGUARS: Jacksonville quarterback Trevor Lawrence has a sprained AC joint in his throwing shoulder, but coach Doug Pederson says he could practice later this week.
Pederson says Lawrence “is progressing” and “he’s a little bit sore.”
“Doing better today than he did yesterday,” Pederson said Tuesday. “We’ll see where he’s at again tomorrow.”
The Jaguars (8-7) host Carolina (2-13) on Sunday.
TEXANS: Houston lost for the second time in three games this past weekend and now the Texans must wait to see if star rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud can return Sunday to keep their dwindling playoff hopes alive.
The Texans (8-7) suffered a 36-22 loss to Cleveland behind a subpar performance from Case Keenum in his second game filling in for Stroud, who sustained a concussion Dec. 10. Coach DeMeco Ryans said Stroud is improving and returned to team meetings late last week, but the second overall pick hasn’t practiced since he was injured against the Jets and it’s unclear if he will return Sunday against Tennessee.
The Texans have the same record as AFC South foes Jacksonville and Indianapolis but are in third place because of a 2-2 division record. They remain in contention not only for a playoff spot but also the AFC South title with a visit to the Colts coming after Sunday’s visit from the Titans.
VIKINGS: Minnesota will have to play the final two games of the regular season — and any playoff appearances — without tight end T.J. Hockenson and outside linebacker D.J. Wonnum.
Both starters suffered season-ending injuries in Sunday’s 30-24 loss to the Lions, head coach Kevin O’Connell announced on Tuesday.
Hockenson suffered two torn right knee ligaments, the ACL and MCL, when he was hit low by Lions safety Kerby Joseph in the third quarter during a 24-yard catch. Early in the fourth quarter, Wonnum dropped to the turf while rushing Lions quarterback Jared Goff. He suffered a torn quad tendon.
Both players will undergo surgery and be placed on injured reserve.