Luck in protocol, may miss game
Colts quarterback Andrew Luck is in the NFL’s concussion protocol after complaining of concussion-like symptoms following Sunday’s victory over the Titans.
Coach Chuck Pagano believes Luck’s concussion occurred in the fourth quarter of the 24-17 win. Pagano said safety Clayton Geathers also is in the concussion program.
The statuses of both players against Steelers on Thanksgiving are in doubt. Peterson may be back: Vikings running back Adrian Peterson, who underwent surgery Sept. 22 to repair a right lateral meniscus tear, is making solid progress in his recovery and could be back on the field by mid-to-late December, ESPN reported.
Peterson could start running this week. He tore the ACL in his left knee late in 2011 but returned to win the MVP in 2012. Arians hospitalized: With his team in the midst of a highly disappointing season, Cardinals coach Bruce Arians was in the hospital after feeling ill overnight.
The Cardinals issued a statement saying Arians, 64, didn’t feel well after returning home from Arizona’s game in Minneapolis and his wife took him to the hospital. All tests conducted so far came back favorably, the team said. Suspension for Freeman: Linebacker Jerrell Freeman became the second Bears player in two weeks suspended for violating the league’s performance-enhancing drug policy.
Freeman, who leads the Bears with 69 tackles, was suspended for four weeks and is eligible to return to practice Dec. 19 to prepare for the Dec. 24 home game against the Redskins. Last week, wide receiver Alshon Jeffery was suspended four games for the same violation. Jones gets ban: Dolphins defensive end Jason Jones has been suspended without pay for two games for violating the substanceabuse policy.
The suspension stemmed from Jones’ arrest last offseason for operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated. He can return to the active roster Dec. 5. Extra points: Bears starting QB Jay Cutler suffered a shoulder injury in a loss to the Giants on Sunday and his status for the remainder of the season is uncertain. ... Bills RB LeSean McCoy had surgery on his dislocated left thumb but is not expected to miss Sunday’s game against the Jaguars. ... The Jaguars placed TE Marcedes Lewis (calf ) and G Patrick Omameh (foot) on season-ending injured reserve. ... Seahawks S Earl Thomas and CB DeShawn Shead both have first- degree hamstring strains that likely will require a recovery period of 10 to 14 days. Thomas has started 106 consecutive games. ... Panthers LB Luke Kuechly was not at practice, and coach Ron Rivera said there isn’t a timetable for his return from a concussion the All-Pro suffered Thursday night. ... Bengals RB Giovani Bernard has a torn anterior cruciate ligament and will miss the rest of the season, but WR A.J. Green might be able to return from a hamstring injury. ... 49ers S Eric Reid tore his right biceps and will undergo season-ending surgery.