Coughlin critical of ejection

Jaguars official says DB did not fight

Jacksonville Jaguars executive Tom Coughlin is backing cornerback Jalen Ramsey, saying he “was playing football within the rules” when Cincinnati Bengals receiver A.J. Green attacked him Sunday.

Ramsey and Green were ejected late in the first half of Jacksonville’s 23-7 victory.

Referee Brad Allen said Ramsey was ejected for instigating the fight, and Green was tossed for throwing punches. Officials had warned both players after verbal exchanges earlier in the game.

Coughlin took exception with Ramsey’s dismissal.

“Our players are instructed to not retaliate or get involved or do anything that would result in eviction because that would hurt the team,” Coughlin said Tuesday in a statement.

“Team comes first, and Jalen was trying to not hurt his team. While he did push his opponent — something that happened with other players during the game — he did not retaliate, he threw no punches, and he did not fight back.”

The NFL said Monday that Green would not be suspended for his actions. Ramsey and Green both could be fined for the fight.

More Jaguars

Running back Leonard Fournette apologized for violating a team rule that prompted Marrone to make him inactive Sunday against Cincinnati. Fournette also offered some insight into what may have been a reason for his benching. The rookie vowed to be on time for Jacksonville’s next game Sunday againstthe Chargers.

Texans

Houston signed free-agent quarterback Josh Johnson and released Matt McGloin. The moves come a day after coach Bill O’Brien said they had discussed the possibility of adding Colin Kaepernick in the wake of a season-ending knee injury to rookie Deshaun Watson. Instead of adding Kaepernick, the former 49ers quarterback who began the protest movement by kneeling during the national anthem last season, Houston chose Johnson to be its third quarterback. Johnson, 31, has been with the Giants, Bills, Colts and 49ers over the past three seasons, but hasn’t appeared in a game since he played two for the Bengals in 2013. He spent his first four seasons with Tampa Bay where he appeared in 26 games from 2008-11. Penn State product McGloin was signed Friday but was inactive Sunday.