Sun Sentinel Palm Beach Edition
Griffin to make start for Browns
Three months later,
Robert Griffin III is starting anew with the Browns.
Griffin, who didn’t make it out of the season opener without getting hurt, will make his second start Sunday when the 0-12 Browns host the Bengals.
Griffin hasn’t played since breaking a bone in his left shoulder in the Sept. 11 season opener against the Eagles, an injury that only strengthened the argument that the quarterback is brittle and set the stage for the worst stretch in Browns history. But after showing coach
Hue Jackson in practice that he’s healthy and ready, Griffin will make just his second start since 2014.
It’s another chance to show doubters that he’s durable and perhaps the beginning of a four-game audition to prove to the Browns that he can be their long-term answer at quarterback.
“My job is to go out there and make them believe that,” he said. “Every single day that you come into the building, you have to show the coaches, show the organization you’re going to do what it takes to be that guy.”
Jackson held off until Wednesday night before telling Griffin he would start. It’s the sixth quarterback change this season for the rebuilding Browns, who have been overrun by injuries.
Siemian returns: Trevor
Siemian took a big step — whether that’s forward or back depends on how his sprained left heel responds to his first practice since getting hurt against the Chiefs on Nov. 27.
“It was a positive day, so we’ll see where we’re at tomorrow,” coach Gary Kubiak said after splitting snaps between Siemian and rookie Paxton Lynch at his first full practice of the week.
Kubiak characterized Siemian’s practice as “very encouraging.”
“We are where we thought we were going to be today,” Kubiak said. “We didn’t do much yesterday. Our expectations today were for him to take half of what was going on. He was able to do that.”
Siemian moved around well during the 20-minute media access period and teammates later said he was sharp and mobile throughout the workout a day after he participated in a walkthrough.
Mangold on IR: Nick Mangold’s season is over — and his tenure with the Jets might be too.
The star center was placed on injured reserve with an ankle injury after aggravating it Monday night during the Jets’ 41-10 loss to the Colts.
“He’s hurting pretty good,” coach Todd Bowles said, adding that surgery could be an option.
The 32-year-old Mangold, a first-round pick in 2006 and the longest-tenured player on the team, is due nearly $6.075 million in base salary next year. The Jets could save $9.075 million on the salary cap by cutting him. Extra points: Packers coach Mike McCarthy said LB Julius Peppers will get Wednesday practices off for the rest of the season to help give the 15-year veteran extra rest. … Police in Moonachie, N.J., are investigating a break-in and scrawling of racist graffiti at the home of Giants FB Nikita Whitlock.