Rodgers, McCarthy deny any conflict

Following a 22-0 victory over Buffalo last Sunday, Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers called the offense “terrible” and was critical of the plan spearheaded by coach Mike McCarthy.

On Wednesday, Rodgers downplayed any rift with the man who has been his coach for his entire 13year career.

“Mike and I talk all the time,” Rodgers said. “We have a great relationship. There’s always been great communication between us. Even if there [are] things that we need to talk about that are tough subjects, we’ve never had a problem finding time and talking,” Rodgers said. “For any relationship, it starts with good communication and being able to be honest with each other and then hug it out afterward.’’

Against the Bills, the Packers gained 423 yards and had their best day in terms of third-down efficiency since Week 1 of 2017. Rodgers, however, was in a sour mood after the team scored only two touchdowns.

“Mike always says ‘conflict is good,’ ” Rodgers said. “You’ve got to keep the conversation going. We’ve got to find ways to be more efficient on offense. The execution wasn’t where it needs to be.”

“He’s super competitive,” McCarthy said. “I think we all feel the same way when you go out there and you see opportunities and sometimes emotion pushes forward. I didn’t feel great about our offensive performance when I walked off the field Sunday myself, too.”

Injury updates

Colts tight end Jack Doyle (hip) and receiver T.Y. Hilton (hamstring) will not play Thursday against the Patriots.

♦ The Falcons expect running back Devonta Freeman (right knee) to play Sunday against the Steelers after missing three games.

♦ The Jaguars have ruled out running back Leonard Fournette on Sunday against the Chiefs.

♦ The Raiders placed right tackle Donald Penn on injured reserve with a groin injury.

♦ Niners quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo had reconstructive surgery on his injured left knee.

Off the field

LeSean McCoy’s ex-girlfriend says in a new court filing that the Bills running back physically abused her and orchestrated a home invasion that left her beaten and bloodied. Delicia Cordon on Tuesday filed an amended lawsuit against McCoy alleging physical abuse during their nearly two-year relationship. She also accuses him of arranging a July 10 attack at a home just outside Atlanta, where Cordon lived. The armed intruder demanded specific pieces of jewelry McCoy had given Cordon and repeatedly asked her to return, the lawsuit said.

The amended lawsuit seeks more than $50 million in damages.

♦ Jets wide receiver Robby Anderson will not be suspended for two arrests in an eight-month span.