Jets say DC may coach on Sunday
New York Jets defensive coordinator Kacy Rodgers briefly returned to the team’s facility, and coach Todd Bowles says there’s a “small chance” he coaches against the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday.
Rodgers is dealing with what Bowles characterized last week as a “serious” illness. The 49-year-old assistant coach wasn’t with the team last Sunday for its 34-16 win over Denver.
“He took some tests,” Bowles said yesterday. “We’re waiting for results next week. He’s in good spirits.”
Rodgers had a medical appointment last Thursday and was not with the team for practice Friday, when a somber Bowles revealed that Rogers was dealing with an illness.
Yesterday, Bowles appeared more upbeat about his longtime friend.
“I’ve seen him,” Bowles said. “He feels better, but the test doesn’t come back until next week.”
Bowles said Rodgers spent some time in his office, but left before practice.
“He wasn’t here long,” the coach said. “He was here for a little bit.”
When asked if it was nice for him to see Rodgers back at work, Bowles simply said: “He needs to rest.”
McCoy addresses rumors
LeSean McCoy told reporters he wanted to “see what happens” after a report that the Eagles had reached out to the Buffalo Bills about a possible trade that would return the Pro Bowl running back to Philadelphia.
“I’m not going to get into that. That’s between my agent and the guys upstairs to work that out,” McCoy said after practice. “I should have never gotten traded anyway. I was killing stuff.”
Rumors ran rampant on social media and sports talk radio on Tuesday after a CBS affiliate in Buffalo reported that the Eagles had reached out to the Bills about McCoy’s availability.
But Sean McDermott, the Bills coach and a former Eagles defensive coordinator, addressed the rumors during his weekly press conference before a single reporter was even able to ask a question.
“Just to get out in front of this LeSean thing a little bit here the best I could, as best I can, LeSean is one of our better players, thought he had a good game the other day, and we’re just looking forward to playing the Houston Texans,” McDermott said.
Fournette out again
The Jacksonville Jaguars have ruled out running back Leonard Fournette for their game at Dallas. It will be the fourth game Fournette has missed this season.
Coach Doug Marrone said Fournette (hamstring), left tackle Josh Wells (groin) and cornerback D.J. Hayden (toe) will miss Sunday’s road game.
The Jaguars signed veteran Jamaal Charles on Tuesday with the expectation that Fournette would be sidelined for an extended period.
Chiefs sign LB Orchard
Linebacker Nate Orchard signed with the Kansas City Chiefs to shore up their pass rush besieged by injuries. Justin Houston could miss several weeks after hurting his hamstring in last Sunday’s win over Jacksonville while Dee Ford and Tanoh Kpassagnon have been dealing with nagging injuries . . . .
The Detroit Lions acquired cornerback Lenzy Pipkins via waivers from the Indianapolis Colts and released former Patriots linebacker Marquis Flowers ....
The Tennessee Titans filled their fifth wide receiver spot by promoting Cameron Batson from the practice squad.