Gruden calls GM’s firing ‘surprising’

Oakland coach Jon Gruden seemed to distance himself from the Raiders’ decision to fire general manager Reggie McKenzie on Monday, saying, “I really didn’t have a sense of it. I’ve been ... trying to get ready for the next game. This is all somewhat surprising.”

Asked if owner Mark Davis spearheaded the decision, Gruden replied, “We all work for the same man.”

“I can’t exactly answer why the change was made last night, but changes were made and we’ve got to continue to fight,” Gruden said.

McKenzie, the 2016 NFL executive of the year, was responsible for drafting Derek Carr, Khalil Mack and Amari Cooper, though Gruden, the clear No. 1 in command since he was hired in January, made it clear he didn’t think highly of McKenzie’s recent drafts.

“We were very good friends and very connected,” Gruden said.

Redskins QB No. 4

Josh Johnson will be Washington’s fourth starting quarterback this season Sunday at Jacksonville, his first start since 2011.

Johnson hadn’t thrown a pass in a game in seven years until last weekend when he replaced Mark Sanchez and went 11 for 16 for 195 yards, a touchdown and an interception in a 40-16 loss to the New York Giants. He also ran seven times for 45 yards and a score.

Tight end Jordan Reed, who leads the Redskins in catches and receiving yards, is out indefinitely with a strained toe muscle.

Dallas denies report

Dallas owner Jerry Jones and coach Jason Garrett shot down an ESPN report that the team reached out to former tight end Jason Witten and tried to lure him out of the “Monday Night Football” broadcast booth.

“We haven’t at all,” Jones said after Sunday’s win, and Garrett, on his Monday radio show, emphatically said “No” when asked if he reached out to Witten.

Etc.

Tennessee tight end Jonnu Smith and tackle Jack Conklin have knee injuries and won’t play Sunday against the Giants . ... Out for the year: Arizona defensive tackle Robert Nkemdiche (knee) and Buffalo linebacker Matt Milano (broken leg).