Osweiler taking over for Broncos
Brock Osweiler will supplant Trevor Siemian as the Broncos’ starting quarterback.
As first reported by KUSA-TV in Denver, Broncos coach Vance Joseph informed his players of the switch at a team meeting Wednesday morning. Siemian has thrown two touchdown passes and eight interceptions this season. Three of the picks came Monday in a loss to the Chiefs.
Osweiler, the backup to Peyton Manning in 2015, rejoined the Broncos after being released by the Browns during the summer. Osweiler signed with the Texans as a free agent in 2016, then was traded to the Browns in the offseason.
Gordon reinstated: Suspended Browns wide receiver Josh Gordon has been conditionally reinstated by Commissioner Roger Goodell.
The former Pro Bowler had been suspended indefinitely since 2016 for multiple violations of the league’s substance-abuse policy.
Gordon, who hasn’t played since the 2014 season, can immediately join the team for meetings and do conditioning work. He must comply with requirements and can begin practicing with the Browns on Nov. 20.
Flacco back at practice:
Quarterback Joe Flacco joined the Ravens on the practice field and is expected to start Sunday against the Titans.
Flacco sustained a concussion last Thursday night in the Ravens’ 40-0 victory over the Dolphins. He missed the second half of the game and was in the
concussion protocol at the beginning of this week.
The NFL said Dolphins linebacker Kiko Alonso won’t be suspended for his hit but still faces a possible fine.
Hoyer joins Pats: The Patriots signed former 49ers quarterback Brian Hoyer to be Tom Brady’s backup.
The deal was announced a day after Hoyer was released by the 49ers following their acquisition of Jimmy Garoppolo in a trade with the Patriots. Hoyer began his career as Brady’s backup in 2009 and has spent time with seven NFL teams during his nineyear career.
Extra points: Texans DE Jadeveon Clowney said he was not sending a message to team owner Bob McNair when he dressed up as a prisoner for a Halloween party but added that “it was pretty hilarious of me.” ... Bengals coach Marvin Lewis was “relieved” that a paperwork snafu nullified a proposed trade of QB AJ McCarron to the Browns and called McCarron ”a very valuable member of this team.” ... The Vikings remain uncertain whether they will activate QB Teddy Bridgewater from the physicallyunable-to-perform list by Wednesday’s deadline. He dislocated his left knee and tore multiple ligaments before the 2016 season.