Cincy WR Green to miss start of season
A.J. Green had ankle surgery yesterday and is expected to miss the start of the season, another significant setback for the Cincinnati Bengals’ offense.
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Green hurt his left ankle during the opening practice of camp Saturday in Dayton, Ohio, landing awkwardly after cornerback Dre Kirkpatrick bumped into the star receiver while breaking up a pass.
Coach Zac Taylor said Green had surgery yesterday morning and likely won’t be ready for the start of the season. Cincinnati opens at Seattle on Sept. 8 and then hosts San Francisco. The Bengals visit Buffalo the third week followed by a Monday night game at Pittsburgh on Sept. 30.
“He’s going to miss some regular-season games,” Taylor said. “How many, I don’t know. Very hopefully he’s back at the beginning of the regular season and it’s not more than a couple of games.”
Julio skips exhibitions
For the second straight year, Julio Jones will sit out the Atlanta Falcons’ full preseason schedule.
Jones says he’ll be coaching the team’s younger wide receivers in tomorrow night’s Hall of Fame game against the Denver Broncos in Canton, Ohio.
Jones’ agent and the Falcons continue to negotiate a contract extension. Jones says his preseason plan has nothing to do with those talks.
Jones has been working his way back from a foot injury in training camp. He said that practice reps will be all he needs to prepare for the regular season.
Luck sits out
Andrew Luck’s injured left leg isn’t getting any better.
So the Indianapolis Colts are sitting down their biggest star.
Luck missed yesterday’s practice in suburban Indianapolis after telling coaches his strained calf felt worse following the first week of training camp. Coach Frank
Reich announced Luck would be sidelined at least three more days and would miss next week’s preseason opener at Buffalo . . . .
Seattle Seahawks firstround pick L.J. Collier was carted off the practice field with a right leg injury.
Collier rushed the passer during a team session when he grabbed at his lower leg. The team didn’t offer specifics on the injury after practice.
Suit dismissed
The last of three federal lawsuits against NFL officials over the failure to call a blatant penalty in January’s NFC title game between the New Orleans Saints and Los Angeles Rams has been dismissed by a U.S. District Court judge in New Orleans, leaving one state court lawsuit over the no-call still alive in Louisiana state court.
Judge Susie Morgan’s ruling came in a class-action lawsuit against the league, commissioner Roger Goodell, three game officials and the NFL’s vice president in charge of officiating. Morgan rejected arguments that people who bought tickets to the game are entitled to damage payments under Louisiana’s civil code.
Crowder cleared
Jets wide receiver Jamison Crowder has been cleared by the team to practice after an injury scare.
Crowder hurt his left foot during practice Monday and walked with a noticeable limp as he left the field. Coach Adam Gase said Crowder would have tests, including an MRI, to determine the nature and severity of the injury.
The tests apparently came back clear of bad news . . . .
The Saints are giving former Redskins running back
Robert Kelley a chance to get back in the NFL after two injury-plagued seasons.
Kelley, who also played for Tulane, is a New Orleans native who has been living in his hometown. He practiced with the Saints for the first time yesterday.