Watson to Fins? Coach implies no
As speculation swirled Monday regarding the Dolphins’ interest in embattled Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson, coach Brian Flores said the team wants players with ‘‘high character.’’
The Dolphins have declined to confirm or deny reports they have engaged in trade talks to acquire Watson, who has been accused of sexual assault and harassment in lawsuits filed by 22 women. His availability this season is unclear amid investigations by the NFL and Houston police.
‘‘There are a lot of things we weigh when we’re making decisions — fit on the team, overall talent, salary cap,’’ Flores said, declining to mention Watson’s name. ‘‘ . . . We have a high standard for the people we have in the organization. We want people with high character throughout the building.’’
Fully vaccinated players will have to get tested for COVID-19 weekly instead of every 14 days as part of the revised protocols for the regular season agreed upon by the NFL and the players’ union. Nonvaccinated players will continue to be tested daily.
Rookie quarterback Trey Lance will miss a week of practice after 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan said he suffered a ‘‘small chip fracture’’ in a finger on his right (throwing) hand during the team’s preseason finale Sunday against the Raiders.
Quarterback Carson Wentz was among three starters the Colts put on the reserve/COVID-19 list, along with center Ryan Kelly and receiver Zach Pascal. Wentz already missed three weeks of camp because of an injury to his left foot.
TENNIS Tsitsipas fends off Murray at U.S. Open
Third-seeded Stefanos Tsitsipas fought off a spirited effort from three-time major champion Andy Murray to earn a 2-6, 7-6 (9-7), 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 victory in just less than five hours in the first round of the U.S. Open in New York. On the women’s side, rising U.S. star Coco Gauff came from behind to defeat Magda Linette 5-7, 6-3, 6-4.
MISCELLANEOUS Oklahoma-Tulane moved after Hurricane Ida
No. 2 Oklahoma and Tulane said their college football game Saturday had been moved from New Orleans to Norman, Oklahoma, in the wake of the damage in Louisiana caused by Hurricane Ida.
ESPN reported veteran guard Rajon Rondo plans to sign a one-year, $2.6 million deal with the Lakers, with whom he won an NBA championship in 2020. He played for the Clippers last season.
The U.S. shut out Finland 3-0 and Canada blanked to Switzerland 4-0 to reach the final of the women’s hockey championships in Calgary, Alberta.