Owners delay decision on adding 17th game

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 in 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.

“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.”

Goodell said a scheduling formula for a 17th game was approved unanimously, but did not immediately provide details.

“It obviously comes into play with respect with our future media arrangements that we obviously are contemplating,” he added. “We expect a decision will be made on that in the next several weeks.”

The length of the preseason would be reduced, as well, if a 17th game is added.

ELSEWHERE

●Washington:

Alex Smith’s right calf injury kept him out of practice for Washington on Wednesday 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 firstteam offense during a practice held indoors and closed to the media. Washington has won four games in a row to improve to 6-7 and lead the NFC East. Rivera’s club hosts the Seattle Seahawks (9-4) on Sunday.

Giants: The status of New York quarterback

Daniel Jones has become more iffy for Sunday night’s game against Cleveland because of another injury on top of his hamstring problem. Coach Joe Judge disclosed that the secondyear quarterback also is dealing with an injury to his lower leg. It apparently happened during Sunday’s 26-7 loss to the Arizona Cardinals.

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 the defending Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs.

Coach Sean Payton has not indicated when he intends to play Brees, who was diagnosed with fractured ribs and a punctured lung after a sack on Nov. 15 this week.