Owners table verdict on 17-game regular season

NFL owners 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 2021. The NFL and the players’ union agreed during collective bargaining talks earlier this year to adding one regular-season game to the schedule, but not before next season.

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.

The idea is to maintain facilitating competitive fairness, creating additional value through quality matchups and preserving the scheduling process’ objectivity, the league said.

■ Washington: Quarterback Alex Smith (calf ) did not practice, and his Sunday status could be a game-time decision, coach Ron Rivera said, noting the injury is not related to Smith’s 2018 leg fracture. Also, running back Lamar Miller was signed from Chicago’s practice squad.

■ Lions: Center Frank Ragnow did not practice because of a fractured throat sustained in Week 14. The 24-year-old has missed one start, in 2019, after being drafted 20th overall in 2018.

■ Colts: Punter Rigoberto Sanchez returned to practice, 15 days after having surgery to remove a cancerous tumor, and the 26-year-old’s Sunday status is uncertain, coach Frank Reich said.

■ Dolphins: Running back Matt Breida was activated from the reserve/covid-19 list, and tight end Mike Gesicki (shoulder) likely will miss at least one game, the Miami Herald reported.

■ Browns: Cornerback Denzel Ward (calf ) practiced for the first time since missing the past three games. The 23-year-old led the NFL in passes defensed at the time of his injury. ■ Saints: Quarterback Drew Brees (ribs, lung) was designated to return from injured reserve, meaning the 41-year-old could be eligible to play as soon as Sunday.

■ Ravens: Wide receivers Marquise Brown, Miles Boykin and James Proche were placed on the reserve/covid-19 list, and their Sunday status is uncertain.

■ Giants: Quarterback Daniel

Jones (ankle, hamstring) was limited in practice, and coach Joe Judge did not commit to the 23-year-old playing Sunday.

■ Bengals: Defensive tackle Geno Atkins (shoulder) was placed on

IR, and defensive end Amani Bledsoe was activated from the reserve/ COVID-19 list.

■ Buccaneers: Running back Ronald Jones (finger), already questionable for Sunday, was placed on the reserve/covid-19 list.

■ Texans: Running back David Johnson was activated from the reserve/covid-19 list after being sideined in Week 14.

■ Panthers: Wide receiver D.J. Moore was activated from the reserve/covid-19 list after beind sidelined in Week 14.

■ Seahawks: Tight end Greg Olsen (foot) was designated to return from IR.

■ Jets: Linebacker Jordan Jenkins (shoulder) was placed on IR.

■ Jaguars: Center Brandon Linder (ankle) was placed on IR.