Jets waive veteran running back Cook
The New York Jets are waiving running back Dalvin Cook before the final game of the season, according to Cook's agents LAA Sports & Entertainment.
The 28-year-old Cook had a disappointing tenure with the Jets, who signed the four-time Pro Bowl selection to a oneyear deal worth $7 million — including $5.8 million guaranteed — during the summer.
NFL Network first reported Tuesday that the sides mutually agreed to part ways, citing Cook's agents, who confirmed the move to The Associated Press. Cook will go through waivers and would become a free agent if he goes unclaimed.
After Aaron Rodgers was lost for the season with a torn left Achilles tendon four snaps into his debut with the Jets, Cook's role in New York's offense never materialized. He has a career-low 214 yards rushing on 67 carries and no touchdowns, and was recently surpassed by rookie Israel Abanikanda as the backup to Breece Hall in the Jets' backfield. Cook also has just 15 catches for 78 yards — also career lows.
Pickett says team didn’t clear him
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett says the coaching staff felt he wasn't ready to play against Seattle, which is why he was inactive during Pittsburgh's 30-20 win over the Seahawks.
The second-year pro, who had right ankle surgery a month ago, denied online speculation that he told the coaching staff he didn't want to suit up as the emergency quarterback behind Mason Rudolph and Mitch Trubisky.
Coach Mike Tomlin said on Monday that Pickett had been cleared by the medical staff to play but opted to make Pickett inactive because of his lack of reps during practice. Pickett was listed as “questionable” going into the game, but watched from the sideline in sweats while Rudolph guided an offense that piled up 468 yards.
Tomlin opted to stick with Rudolph ahead of a trip to Baltimore on Saturday, where the Steelers (9-7) will try to keep their playoff hopes alive with a win over the AFC North champion Ravens (13-3). Pickett is expected to be the backup.
Browns great Ryan dies at 87
Frank Ryan, the quarterback who led the Cleveland Browns to their last NFL title in 1964, has died. He was 87.
The team said Ryan died Monday at a nursing home in Connecticut. There was no immediate cause of death given, but Ryan's son, Frank Ryan Jr., told Cleveland.com that his father had been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease.
Ryan threw three touchdown passes to Gary Collins as the Browns shocked Hall of Famer Johnny Unitas and the favored Baltimore Colts 27-0 on Dec. 27, 1964. Cleveland hasn't won a football championship since and remains one of four teams never to make the Super Bowl.
A three-time Pro Bowler with the Browns, Ryan spent seven seasons with Cleveland, compiling a 52-22-2 record as a starter.