League’s probe on Brown continues
Two people with knowledge of the investigation into Antonio Brown being accused of sexual assault tell The Associated Press that one of the accusers has met with NFL investigators and that there is no timetable for concluding the probe.
Both people spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity Wednesday because of the sensitivity of the case.
The allegations by Britney Taylor made against Brown in a civil lawsuit became known days before the four-time All-Pro wide receiver made his debut with the defending Super Bowl champion Patriots. Taylor had a lengthy meeting with the NFL this week.
Taylor has accused Brown of sexually assaulting her on three occasions, including rape, in the lawsuit filed in South Florida. A second woman has alleged that Brown exposed himself to her while she was working on a mural for him at his Pittsburgh home.
The AP does not typically identify people who say they are victims of sexual assault unless they come forward publicly, but Taylor was identified in the federal lawsuit and was quoted in a statement provided by her lawyer.
Jaguars’ Ramsey to play: Jaguars cornerback Jalen Ramsey could be traded by Friday, but Coach Doug Marrone said Ramsey will be starting Thursday night against Tennessee.
Earlier on Thursday, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported that Friday is the most likely target date the Jaguars could trade Ramsey, who requested to be traded through his agent on Monday after getting into an ugly verbal exchange with Marrone on the sideline during Sunday’s 13-12 loss to the Houston Texans.
Marrone said he met with Ramsey on Tuesday to resolve the situation between the two.
“Jalen and I have always had a good open relationship where we’ve always been able to talk,” Marrone said. ”We talked about what’s gone on between him and I. It’s like anything else in this profession, it’s behind us now.”
During Sunday’s game, Ramsey SAM FARMER’S THURSDAY PICK Titans (1-1) ay Jaguars (1-1)
Titans 21, Jaguars 17
got upset with Marrone for not challenging a catch by Texans receiver DeAndre Hopkins in which it appeared Hopkins might have lost hold of the ball briefly as he was being tackled.
Panthers confident in backup: Panthers coach Ron Rivera is confident backup quarterback Kyle Allen can get the job done if Cam Newton can’t play Sunday against the Cardinals, a scenario that seems increasingly likely each day.
Allen took reps with the first team again after Newton missed his second straight day of practice with a mid-foot sprain. If Allen’s number is called, he would start Sunday against his former college teammate Kyler Murray and the Cardinals
“Kyle is a very bright quarterback who understands the game and grasps it very well,” Rivera said. “He’s got a good arm and he’s a good decision maker and he plays very fast.”
Extra points: Saints QB Drew Brees underwent surgery on his injured throwing hand Wednesday afternoon in Los Angeles. He will miss several weeks while recovering from surgery to repair a ligament near his right thumb. ... The Raiders acquired WR Trevor Davis from the Packers for a sixth-round draft pick. ... Chiefs LT Eric Fisher flew to Philadelphia to undergo surgery on a core muscle injury. Fisher hurt his groin in practice late last week, and he lasted just three snaps in Sunday’s victory over the Raiders. ... A person with knowledge of the injury says Browns TE David Njoku broke his right wrist against the Jets and may need surgery. ... The Cowboys released DE Taco Charlton after the team was unable to trade the 2017 first-round pick.