QB-needy Redskins decide to pass on signing Kaepernick
The possibility of bringing in Colin Kaepernick for a tryout was “discussed” by the quarterback-needy Washington Redskins, according to coach Jay Gruden, who said Tuesday the team made a “strictly football” decision to look elsewhere.
“Isn’t it obvious what the real reason is?” Kaepernick’s lawyer, Mark Geragos, said in an email.
Kaepernick, who led the San Francisco 49ers to a Super Bowl appearance, hasn’t played since the 2016 season, when he began kneeling during the national anthem as a way to protest police brutality and social and racial injustice.
Kaepernick filed a grievance against the National Football League last year, saying team owners colluded to keep him off rosters.
Gruden said there would have been “a greater possibility” of considering Kaepernick for a roster spot if the Redskins were in need of a QB in Week 1 rather than at this stage of the season.
Washington quarterback Colt McCoy had surgery Tuesday after fracturing his right fibula in a 28-13 loss at the Philadelphia Eagles on Monday night.
McCoy had replaced Alex Smith as the starting quarterback after Smith broke his right leg in a game last month and was ruled out for the season.
Referee placed on leave: The NFL has placed official Roy Ellison on administrative leave while it investigates an accusation that he called Bills defensive end Jerry Hughes a vulgar name during Buffalo’s game at Miami on Sunday.
Hughes confronted Ellison in the tunnel near the locker room following Buffalo’s 21-17 loss, and video of the incident shows him accusing the umpire of using a derogatory term.
Hughes waved his index finger and shouted, “I’ll catch you. I’ll catch you, guaranteed,” before being pulled away by team officials.
Ellison was suspended in 2013 for making a derogatory statement to Washington tackle Trent Williams during a game.
Long snapper suspended: San Francisco 49ers long snapper Kyle Nelson has been suspended 10 games for violating the league’s policy on performanceenhancing substances.