Owners delay a decision on 17-game regular season

NFL owners have delayed a decision on implementing a 17-game regular season for 2021.

During a teleconference call Wednesday that replaced the usual December gathering of owners in Dallas, they opted to push back any move on the expanded season until early in 2021. The NFL and the players’ union agreed during collective bargaining talks earlier this year to add one regular-season game to the schedule, but not before next season.

“We had a lengthy discussion on this, obviously it’s an important decision for us,” Commissioner Roger Goodell said. “We did not take any votes with respect to committing to do it. In the collective bargaining agreement, we have that right to do it.”

A scheduling formula for a 17th game was approved unanimously: an interconference matchup, based on divisional standings from the preceding season, and on a rotating divisional basis.

Saints designate Brees to return

NEW ORLEANS » Saints record-setting quarterback Drew Brees has been designated to return from the club’s injured reserve list.

Brees’ change in status means he could be placed on the active roster and eligible to play as soon Sunday against defending Super Bowl champion Kansas City. Coach Sean Payton has not indicated when he intends to play Brees, who was diagnosed with frac

tured ribs and a punctured lung.

Lions’ Ragnow played against Packers with fractured throat

ALLEN PARK, MICH. » Detroit Lions center Frank Ragnow told teammates he couldn’t talk because of an injury and continued playing against the Green Bay Packers.

Lions quarterback Chase Daniel says Ragnow played with a fractured throat. Daniel says the team didn’t miss a beat even though Ragnow could not make calls on the line in a 31-24 loss to Green Bay.

Ragnow did not practice Wednesday because of a throat injury, according to the team’s practice report.

Washington faces QB uncertainty

WASHINGTON» Alex Smith’s right calf injury kept him out of practice for Washington and coach Ron Rivera said he’d be OK with waiting until just before the team’s next game before deciding who to start at quarterback.

The team said Dwayne Haskins, the 15th overall choice in the 2019 draft, took snaps with the first-team offense during a practice held indoors and closed to the media.

Smith said the calf problem that affected him during Sunday’s 23-15 victory against the San Francisco 49ers is not related at all to that previous leg injury.

Smith left that game just before halftime and Haskins took over.