Jaguars fire Meyer after only 13 games
Days before the Texans are scheduled to visit Jacksonville, the Jaguars have decided to fire coach Urban Meyer just 13 games into his inaugural season.
Owner Shad Khan fired Meyer, per multiple reports late Wednesday night. The Jaguars host the Texans on Sunday in a meeting of 2-11 teams.
“After deliberation over many weeks and a thorough analysis of the entirety of Urban’s tenure with our team, I am bitterly disappointed to arrive at the conclusion that an immediate change is imperative for everyone,” Khan told ESPN.
Meyer, who won three national titles in college football at Florida and Ohio State, had signed a five-year contract to coach the Jaguars in January. A NFL Network report detailed run-ins with players and assistant coaches this season. On Wednesday, former Jaguars kicker Josh Lambo told the Tampa Bay Times that Meyer kicked him while he was warming up for a preseason game.
Offensive coordinator Darrell Bevel will serve as interim head coach the remainder of the season.
Hopkins likely out for season
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins is expected to miss the rest of the regular season with a sprained knee suffered in Monday night’s loss to the Rams, but the team hopes to get him back for the playoffs, ESPN reported.
Hopkins, who was acquired in a blockbuster trade with the Texans last year, was hurt with 1:13 to play Monday when two defenders came down on top of his legs after a pass into the end zone.
Mayfield joins long COVID list
The Browns announced that quarterback Baker Mayfield, three other starters and coach Kevin Stefanski have tested positive for COVID-19, jeopardizing their chances of participating in Saturday’s critical game against the Raiders.
In all, Cleveland has 18 players — 11 of them regulars — and two coaches on the COVID-19 list.
Odds and ends
Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (neck) is doubtful for Sunday’s game against Dallas. ... Panthers quarterback Sam Darnold (shoulder) and Titans linebacker Bud Dupree (abdominal injury) were designated for return from injured reserve. … The 49ers said edge rusher Dee Ford (back) is out for the season.