Referees union to appeal firing of down judge

The NFL fired fourth-year down judge Hugo Cruz on Thursday for inadequate performance.

Cruz, part of referee Carl Cheffers’ crew, was involved in a missed call in the Chargers-Browns game Oct. 14 that led to a Chargers touchdown. Chargers T Russell Okung false-started, but nothing was called.

The NFL Referees Association said it would challenge the firing.

“The NFL has a troubling history of knee-jerk reactions with an eye on public relations, and clearly it has not learned from past mistakes,” NFLRA Executive Director Scott Green, a former referee, said in a statement. “The NFLRA will protect the collectively bargained rights of all officials and will challenge this reckless decision through the grievance process.”

Cruz’s firing was first reported by FootballZebras.com, a website dedicated to officiating, which said it’s the first in-season firing of an official because of performance in the Super Bowl era.

In all, the NFL has 121 officials and 17 officiating crews. Because there are extra officials not working each week, filling Cruz’s spot shouldn’t be an issue.

Back in the saddle: Three years after his last 1,000-yard season, Raiders RB Doug Martin is getting another chance to prove he can still be effective. Marshawn Lynch’s groin surgery created a vacancy that the Raiders hope Martin can fill.

“I feel good, fresh legs,” said Martin, a two-time Pro Bowler in six years with the Bucs who has rushed for just 99 yards on 27 carries this season.

That figures to change significantly with Lynch out for at least two months.

“I’m 29, pushing 30, so it’s definitely an opportunity to show the rest of the league and the Raiders and everybody, all my doubters, that I can still play,” Martin said.

On the same page: Browns offensive coordinator Todd Haley’s vast experience as an NFL coach has taught him not to overreact.

So when coach Hue Jackson said after last week’s overtime loss to the Bucs that he wanted to be more involved in the offense — a seemingly pointed shot at his top assistant — Haley never blinked.

“This is an emotional game,” Haley said. “Coaching in the NFL is not for everyone. It is a high-pressure, high-stress job. I am here for one purpose, and that is to help this offense, continue to grow this offense and continue to develop this offense.”

Traveling light: The Jaguars will be without Pro Bowl CB A.J. Bouye against the Eagles on Sunday in London. Bouye has a calf injury.

The Jaguars also will be without backup CB Tyler Patmon (neck). CB D.J. Hayden made the flight but is unlikely to play because of a lingering toe injury.

Without them, the Jaguars will have three undrafted rookie cornerbacks to play alongside All-Pro Jalen Ramsey.

Tre’ Herndon or fellow undrafted rookie Quenton Meeks is expected to start, and newly signed Dee Delaney will serve as a backup.

Extra points: Patriots TE Rob Gronkowski, who did not play last week because of back and ankle injuries, returned to practice . ... Though listed as limited in practice with arm soreness for the second straight day, Panthers QB Cam Newton “no doubt” will play Sunday against the Ravens, coach Ron Rivera said . ... The Broncos added former Colorado State QB Garrett Grayson to their practice squad a day after waiving backup QB Chad Kelly, who was arrested on suspicion of criminal trespass . ... DT Damon Harrison practiced with the Lions a day after being acquired from the Giants for a draft pick . ... Jets coach Todd Bowles clarified that RB Bilal Powell was expected to make a full recovery after surgery on a bulging disk in his neck. Bowles had said it was “possible” Powell’s injury could threaten his career.