QB Lynch has gone from first-rounder to roster bubble

Denver Broncos coach Vance Joseph said former first-round pick Paxton Lynch was “obviously motivated” by his demotion to third-string quarterback last week “and that’s a good sign. He’s upset and he should be upset.” Lynch might not have enough time to channel that frustration and salvage a roster spot.

Chad Kelly of Ole Miss, “Mr. Irrelevant” as the final pick of the 2017 NFL draft, has outworked and outplayed Lynch all summer and in both of Denver’s exhibition games. He’s expected to get a long look in relief of starter Case Keenum on Friday in Washington as GM John Elway decides whether to add a veteran backup.

That likely leaves Lynch with mop-up duty at best. He might even have to wait until Denver’s exhibition finale at Arizona to persuade the Broncos brass to keep him around. The former Memphis QB hasn’t shown the progress the Broncos expected entering his third season in the NFL even with Trevor Siemian, whom he couldn’t beat out the past two summers, now playing in Minnesota.

Titans: Agreed to a contract extension with WR Rishard Matthews through 2019. Matthews signed with Tennessee in March 2016 after spending the first four seasons of his career with Miami. He’s had his best seasons since joining the Titans: 118 catches for 1,740 yards and 13 TDs.

Panthers: Left tackle Matt Kalil had arthroscopic surgery on his right knee and will be re-evaluated on a weekly basis. Kalil becomes Carolina’s third starting offensive lineman to go down with a knee injury.

Ravens: CB Jimmy Smith was suspended for four games without pay for violating the NFL’s personal conduct policy. The suspension stems from Smith’s behavior toward his ex-girlfriend.

Falcons: Julio Jones and Devonta Freeman are healthy but will be held out for the third straight preseason game when the Falcons visit the Jaguars on Saturday, coach Dan Quinn said, citing the injury history of both players.

Bills: Signed punter Jon Ryan to a one-year contract, a day after he was released by the Seahawks.

Incognito arrested: Ex-NFL offensive lineman Richie Incognito was arrested on charges he threatened to shoot employees of a funeral home, authorities said. Police in Scottsdale, Ariz., said Incognito was being held on suspicion of misdemeanor charges of threats and disorderly conduct. Incognito, 35, had an 11-year NFL career with St. Louis, Miami and Buffalo.

Cruz retires: Former New York Giants WR Victor Cruz announced he is retiring and plans to join ESPN as an NFL analyst. Cruz, 31, will contribute to variety of shows and make his ESPN debut today.

Cruz was a seven-year NFL veteran and a 2012 Pro Bowl selection. He joined the Giants in 2010 as an undrafted free agent out of Massachusetts. He had his first 1,000yard season and caught a TD pass in the Super Bowl win over the Patriots in February 2012. Cruz had 303 catches for 4,549 yards and 25 TDs, including an NFL record-tying 99-yard reception in December 2011.