Bills place Matthews on injured reserve, season over

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. » The Buffalo Bills have placed wide receiver Jordan Matthews and defensive end Shaq Lawson on injured reserve, ending their seasons.

Both starters had difficult seasons for Buffalo, dealing with injuries and inconsistent play.

Matthews was acquired in a preseason trade with the Eagles and was expected to become one of Buffalo’s top options in the passing game following the trade of Sammy Watkins.

However, Matthews struggled with injuries throughout his time in Buffalo. Shortly after his arrival, Matthews fractured his sternum. He broke his thumb in a Week 4 win over the Atlanta Falcons and has spent much of the past month dealing with knee injury, which ended his season.

Matthews finished the season with 25 receptions for 282 yards and one touchdown. He’s scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent this spring.

Gronkowski’s

BOSTON » The

suspension upheld

NFL has denied a Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski’s appeal of a one-game suspension for a late, gratuitous hit to the head of Bills defensive back Tre’Davious White.

The league announced the decision of appeals officer Derrick Brooks Tuesday.

Gronkowski, who apologized for the hit, will serve his suspension against Miami next Monday night.