Goodell: NFL not changing its national- anthem policy

The NFL is not changing its policy to require players to stand during the national anthem.

Commissioner Roger Goodell and several owners said Wednesday at the league’s fall meetings that altering the language from “should stand” to “must stand” was not discussed.

Giants owner John Mara noted that Cowboys owner Jerry Jones “spoke at length” to the other owners about the anthem issue. Jones has said any Cowboys player who doesn’t stand for “The Star- Spangled Banner” would not play.

Goodell reiterated that the league and its 32 clubs “believe everyone should stand for the national anthem. It’s an important part of our policy and the game. It’s important to honor our flag and our country, and I think our fans expect that.”

Asked about any owners who threatened discipline for players who didn’t stand, Goodell said the owners didn’t discuss it.

“There was a fair amount of conversation, and I think our clubs see it the same way. I can’t deal with hypotheticals,” Goodell said.

Reminded that President Donald Trump tweeted again Wednesday about the demonstrations during the anthem, Goodell said there was nothing unpatriotic about his league.

“Everyone feels strongly about our country and have pride,” he said, adding the NFL is “not afraid of tough conversations.

“What we are trying to stay out of is politics.”

Goodell noted that only six or seven players are still kneeling or are involved in protests.

Colts QB Luck suffers setback

Colts quarterback Andrew Luck will stop throwing for the time being because of soreness in his surgically repaired right shoulder, general manager Chris Ballard said. Luck had been throw- ing every other day the last two weeks. Doctors shut down Luck after he received a cortisone shot. The news came as a surprise after two consecutive weeks of promising signs.

Cowboys to host 2018 draft

The Cowboys will host the 2018 draft from April 28 to 30 at AT& T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. It’s the first time the draft will be held in an NFL stadium.

This and that

Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston missed practice again with a sprained AC joint in his right shoulder, and his status for the game Sunday against the Bills remains uncertain.

Cornerback Dominique Rodgers- Cromartie returned to the Giants and is accepting the blame for a blowup with coach Ben McAdoo that led to a one- game suspension.

Jaguars running back Leonard Fournette sat out practice while recovering from a sprained right ankle.