Jets’ Bowles rips report of takeover
Todd Bowles was clearly angry, even if his voice never rose above its usual low tone.
The normally stoic New York Jets coach vehemently denied a published report saying that he was stripping defensive coordinator Kacy Rodgers of some play-calling duties.
“(It’s) 100 percent false,” Bowles said yesterday. “Completely a lie. If somebody said it, it didn’t come out of my mouth.”
The New York Daily News reported Tuesday that Bowles, according to sources, would call the defensive plays when the Jets face two-minute and hurryup situations. Bowles is a former NFL defensive coordinator who is also close friends with Rodgers.
New York ranks eighth in overall defense, including seventh against the pass, but has struggled in some key spots in its last two losses to Miami and Cleveland. Against the Browns, Baker Mayfield shredded the Jets in a two-minute situation before halftime. The Daily News reported that Bowles would himself try to improve the defense in that area.
“I have no idea where it came from, so I’ve got nothing else to speak on,” Bowles said sternly. “I haven’t done any of it. I don’t know where it came from. It didn’t happen. It hasn’t happened.”
Bowles added that Rodgers will continue in his current duties of running the entire defense.
Talib on IR
The Los Angeles Rams have placed cornerback Aqib Talib on injured reserve, sidelining the veteran until at least Thanksgiving.
The Rams also promoted cornerback Dominique Hatfield from the practice squad ahead of tonight’s game against Minnesota.
Talib will have surgery on his ankle today after getting hurt during the Rams’ victory over the Chargers last weekend . . . .
Alshon Jeffery has no regrets about playing an entire season with a torn rotator cuff. He has a Super Bowl ring to show for it.
Jeffery was cleared for contact after offseason shoulder surgery and practiced yesterday with the Philadelphia Eagles, inching closer to returning to the lineup for the first time since helping to win the championship in February.
“It was worth it,” Jeffery said. “If I had to do it over again, I’d do the same thing.”
Jeffery signed a one-year deal in free agency in March 2017 and got injured in training camp but played through it. He was rewarded with a four-year extension worth $52 million, with $27 million guaranteed, during the season.
McCoy: I’ll play
Buffalo Bills running back LeSean McCoy vows to play at Green Bay on Sunday after missing one game with a rib cartilage injury.
McCoy made the announcement after saying he was able to run at full speed during practice yesterday.
Coach Sean McDermott referred to McCoy as being day to day. The Bills’ injury report listed McCoy as practicing on a limited basis . . . .
Houston Texans safety Andre Hal’s Hodgkin lymphoma is in remission.
Hal was diagnosed with the disease in May and immediately began treatment. He received the news of his remission on Sept. 18. He chose not to undergo chemotherapy, instead opting for a less aggressive form of treatment with hopes of returning to the field this season.