Washington ‘discussed’ Kaepernick

The possibility of bringing in Colin Kaepernick for a tryout was “discussed” by quarterback-needy Washington, according to head 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, wrote in an email to the Associated Press.

Kaepernick, who led the 49ers to a Super Bowl appearance, hasn’t played since 2016, when he began kneeling during the national anthem as a way to protest police brutality and social and racial injustice. He filed a grievance last year, saying team owners colluded to keep him off rosters.

Gruden told reporters in a conference call that there would have been “a greater possibility” of considering Kaepernick for a roster spot if the team was 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 Philadelphia on Monday night. McCoy had replaced Alex Smith after Smith broke his right leg last month.

Now, Washington (6-6) turns to Mark Sanchez, who faces the visiting Giants (4-8) on Sunday.

Briefly: The Steelers will visit Oakland on Sunday without running back James Conner, who is dealing with a sprained left ankle . ... Buffalo cut wide receiver Kelvin Benjamin, a disappointment after the 2014 first-round pick was acquired from Carolina . ... The Packers parted ways with Winston Moss, the associate head coach in charge of linebackers and a 13-year veteran of the staff . ... The NFL placed official Roy Ellison on leave while it investigates an accusation that he called Buffalo defensive end Jerry Hughes a vulgar name during the Bills’ game at Miami on Sunday . ... The Broncos signed cornerback Jamar Taylor to add depth with starter Chris Harris Jr. out with a chip fracture in his lower right leg.