Hearing on Elliott suspension set for Oct. 2
A federal appeals court has set oral arguments for Oct. 2 in the NFL's bid to reinstate Ezekiel Elliott's six-game suspension over a domestic case in Columbus, meaning the star Dallas Cowboys running back will play at least two more games.
The 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans posted the notice Friday, clearing the way for last year's NFL rushing leader to play Monday night at Arizona and at home Oct. 1 against the Los Angeles Rams.
The court is seeking briefs from both sides by Wednesday on the issue of U.S. District Judge Amos Mazzant's jurisdiction. The Texas judge granted Elliott's request for an injunction that blocked the NFL's suspension.
Browns' Garrett 'closer' to playing
Cleveland Browns rookie defensive end Myles Garrett might be close to making his NFL debut.
The top overall pick in this year's draft has missed the first two games because of a high right-ankle sprain suffered this month, but coach Hue Jackson has not yet ruled him out of this week's game at Indianapolis.
The Browns are listing Garrett as "doubtful."
Garrett made significant progress this week after hurting his ankle during practice Sept. 6, and Jackson said Friday that the 21-year-old "is getting closer" to playing. While it remains a possibility that Garrett could play in his first regular-season game this week, it's more likely the Browns will play it safe and sit him.
"We will be cautious with him," Jackson said. "We will make the best decision here very shortly after we know more, see more and go from there."
Former Giants, Jets assistant Marcin dies
Former New York Giants and Jets assistant coach Dennis "Denny" Marcin has died. He was 75.
Marcin had been battling an illness and died Wednesday in Southport, according to an obituary posted on the website for Peacock, Newnam and White Funeral Home.
Marcin, born in Cleveland in 1942, played at Miami University and coached in the high school ranks before returning to Miami as an assistant for four years.
He then served as the defensive coordinator at North Carolina, where Lawrence Taylor was one of his stars, from 1978 to ’86 before becoming assistant head coach from 1987 to ’88. And he was at Illinois for nine seasons before moving on to the NFL. Marcin coached the Giants' defensive line from 1997 to 2003. He helped guide the likes of Michael Strahan and Keith Hamilton to New York's Super Bowl appearance during the 2000 season. After leaving the Giants, Marcin coached the Jets' defensive linemen from 2004 to ’06.
'Pacman': Don't help opposing players up
Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Adam "Pacman" Jones watched an opening 20-0 loss to the Ravens on television as he served his onegame suspension for an offseason conviction. One thing that he saw jumped out: Young Bengals players occasionally helping opponents up after a tackle.
Some players consider it good sportsmanship to help an opponent up. Jones thinks it goes against the competitive nature of the game, and he wants none of it. Jones has told teammates to leave 'em down after they've made a tackle.
"Helping guys up — I'm not a big fan on that," Jones said. "I ain't saying play nasty or nothing. I'm just saying you ain't got to help nobody up. You hit them and you run back to the huddle. Is there something wrong with that?"