Chargers’ Rivers is in protocol
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers is in the NFL’s concussion protocol after reporting symptoms of a possible head injury.
Rivers told the Chargers about the symptoms yesterday after they returned from a 20-17 overtime loss at Jacksonville. Coach Anthony Lynn is hopeful Rivers can play Sunday against Buffalo.
Rivers has started every Chargers game in the regular season and the playoffs since he became their starting quarterback in 2006. His 194 consecutive starts are the fourth-longest streak for a quarterback in NFL history.
Panthers run by Fins
Cam Newton threw for 254 yards and four touchdowns, rookie Christian McCaffrey scored touchdowns rushing and receiving, and the Carolina Panthers crushed the Miami Dolphins, 45-21, last night in Charlotte, N.C., for their third straight victory.
Jonathan Stewart ran for a season-high 110 yards and Newton added 95, including a 69-yard jaunt on a read option, as the Panthers (7-3) racked up 294 yards on the ground and set a franchise record with 548 yards from scrimmage against the Dolphins (4-5).
Vote of confidence
Broncos coach Vance Joseph said that quarterback Brock Osweiler will keep his job next weekend, and also gave beleaguered special teams coach Brock Olivo a vote of confidence. Olivo’s units were directly responsible for 24 Patriots points in a 41-16 loss on Sunday . . . .
Jets coach Todd Bowles said he is sticking with veteran Josh McCown as his quarterback despite New York dropping to 4-6. Bowles said, barring injury, he would not bench the 38-year-old McCown in favor of youngsters Christian Hackenberg and Bryce Petty . . . .
New Orleans Saints coach Sean Payton said running back and special teams player Daniel Lasco needs surgery for a bulging disc in his spine that will end his season but “won’t be career-threatening.” . ...
Oakland Raiders firstround pick Gareon Conley was placed on injured reserve after playing only two games this season. Oakland drafted Conley 24th overall but the cornerback missed all of training camp and played two games before being sidelined again.
Burfict to be fined
Bengals linebacker Vontaze Burfict won’t be suspended for the contact with an official that got him ejected from a 24-20 loss at Tennessee. A league spokesman said he faces a fine only . ...
The Chiefs waived defensive tackle Roy Miller, two days after he was arrested in Florida and accused of assaulting his wife . . . .
Ben McAdoo is staying as coach of the 1-8 New York Giants. Giants co-owners John Mara and Steve Tisch issued a statement saying they won’t evaluate the team and make any moves until the end of the season.