Pete Carroll supports Bennett’s protest

RENTON, Wash. — Seattle Seahawks coach Pete Carroll said Tuesday that he supported Michael Bennett’s decision to sit during the national anthem while also saying he believes players should stand for “The Star-Spangled Banner.”

Bennett’s actions were a primary topic of conversation for Carroll two days after Bennett sat on the bench during the anthem before the preseason opener against the Los Angeles Chargers. Bennett didn’t inform Carroll or his teammates of his decision to sit while the rest of the Seahawks stood locked arm-inarm on the sideline Sunday.

“It’s easy for me to support him in his issues. But I think we should all be standing up when we’re playing the national anthem,” Carroll said.

Bennett said after the game that the violence in Charlottesville, Va., including the death of a woman who was struck by a car deliberately driven into a group of counter-protesters, solidified his decision.

McCoy says he is ready if Redskins call this year

RICHMOND, Va. — The most important member of the Washington Redskins offense could easily become backup quarterback Colt McCoy.

Yes, there has been a lot of well-deserved talk about the critical roles of quarterback-turned-wide receiver Terrelle Pryor Sr. and slot man Jamison Crowder. But McCoy, in his eighth season, is one play away from having the Redskins’ fortunes in his hands.

Not just this year, but maybe next season as well.

With starter Kirk Cousins in his second season as the team’s franchise player, which means he will be a free agent for the third year in a row at season’s end, McCoy could figure much more prominently in future plans.

“I feel like I’m having the best camp I’ve ever had, so I feel good,” said McCoy, a Texas product who will turn 31 in September. “From a camp standpoint, I feel really good with where we’re at.”

QB Moore healthy, now behind Prescott

OXNARD, Calif. — Kellen Moore is the backup quarterback the Dallas Cowboys hope won’t have to take a meaningful snap in 2017, just as he was a year ago before an injury at training camp ended his season.

The radical difference since Moore broke his right ankle early last August is the incumbent in front of him: Dak Prescott, whose sensational rookie season kept 10-year starter Tony Romo on the bench when he was ready to return from a back injury and ultimately led the club’s career passing leader to retire and go into broadcasting.

Jaron Brown elevated to Arizona’s No. 2 receiver

GLENDALE, Ariz. — Jaron Brown made it to the NFL the hard way, impressing the coaches on special teams to earn a spot on the Arizona roster in 2013 as an undrafted free agent.

Now he’s coming back from a significant knee injury, but you’d hardly know it. He’s been the best Cardinals receiver in training camp not named Larry Fitzgerald.

When coach Bruce Arians lit into his receiving corps after Monday’s practice, he singled out Brown and Fitzgerald as its only worthy members.

Jaron has long been the “other Brown” on the Arizona roster, with speedster John Brown getting most of the publicity for his spectacular big plays.

But John has had health problems the past two seasons, going back to a concussion in last year’s training camp. This year, he’s nursing a quadriceps injury, clearing the way for Jaron to move up and become the Cardinals’ No. 2 receiver behind Fitzgerald, Arians confirmed Tuesday.

Harbaugh undaunted by Ravens injuries

OWINGS MILLS, Md. — Baltimore Ravens coach John Harbaugh’s steely resolve is being tested with nine players already lost for the season because of injuries, suspension or retirement.

Nonetheless, Harbaugh contends the Ravens have enough depth to overcome those challenges.

Several players will get a chance to bolster that optimism in the second preseason game Thursday night against the Miami Dolphins. Harbaugh is hoping his short-handed team can build off a solid performance in last week’s 23-3 victory over the Washington Redskins.

“You’re talking about the ability to stack performances,” Harbaugh said. “You prove it’s not a one-time deal in a game. You come back the next week and have success again. Then, the third week, you do it again and that’s how you establish yourself as a guy who can win in this league.