Patriots quick to scoop up Floyd

The Patriots claimed wide receiver Michael

Floyd off waivers one day after he was released by the Cardinals. Floyd’s agent, Brian

Murphy, confirmed the move in an email.

Floyd, the Cardinals’ first-round draft pick in 2012, was released by the team two days after he was arrested on charges of driving under the influence and failure to obey a police officer.

The 6-foot-2, 220-pound receiver has 33 catches for 446 yards and four touchdowns this season but also has had several critical drops.

Newton shoulder OK:

Panthers coach Ron Rivera said an MRI on quarterback Cam Newton’s right shoulder revealed no serious damage and he anticipates the 2015 NFL MVP will play Monday night against the Redskins.

Newton, who sustained the injury in the Panthers’ win over the Chargers on Sunday, was listed as limited Thursday.

Rivera said Newton’s shoulder is sore and the Panthers “don’t want to aggravate it, so we’re bringing him along slowly.”

Peterson good so far:

Running back Adrian

Peterson said his first two days on the practice field went “pretty smoothly,” but coach Mike Zimmer cautioned that plenty is still to be determined as to when Peterson will play and how he will be used.

“We’ll have to see where he’s at in conditioning,” Zimmer said. “I think he’s in pretty good shape, but he hasn’t sat in meetings for three months. There’s a lot of things to consider.”

Peterson tore the meniscus in his right knee Sept. 18 and was on injured reserve until this week.

Lynn on Rooney rule:

Bills offensive coordinator Anthony Lynn, who interviewed last offseason for the Dolphins and 49ers head coaching vacancies, said he is opposed to the NFL’s Rooney Rule, which requires teams to interview at least one minority candidate.

“I think it’s good to get in front of the decision-makers and let them hear what you have to say,” he said Thursday. “But at the same time I think some people take advantage of it. I’m not for it. Hire the best man for the job. That’s all I want.”

Lynn, who is black, purposely avoided interviews last offseason that he believed were simply arranged by teams to fulfill the Rooney Rule.

NFL looks at Giants:

The NFL is investigating the Giants’ use of a handheld, two-way radio in the fourth quarter of Sunday night’s 10-7 victory over the Cowboys, ESPN reported, confirming a report by the New York Post.

Coach Ben McAdoo was seen using a walkietalkie to relay plays to quarterback Eli Manning when the Giants were having problems with their headsets. Coaches are not allowed to hold any twoway radios during a game.

The Post reported the investigation followed a formal complaint by the Cowboys, but ESPN said the NFL had already begun an investigation.

Extra points:

Rams DE Robert Quinn (concussion) and RB Benny Cunningham (neck) were put on season-ending IR.