BILLS CLAIM LINEBACKER CUT BY JETS

pittsford, n.y.» Rex Ryan won’t excuse linebacker Ikemefuna Enemkpali for a sucker punch that broke quarterback Geno Smith’s jaw in the New York Jets’ locker room.

That doesn’t mean Ryan — the former Jets coach who’s now coaching Buffalo — isn’t willing to provide Enemkpali a second chance with the Bills.

With new owner Terry Pegula’s blessing, the Bills claimed Enemkpali off waivers a day after he punched Smith and was released by the Jets.

“I think it’s clear it was a mistake. Nothing justifies hitting somebody and all that stuff. And I’m not trying to say that it wasn’t a mistake,” Ryan said shortly before the Bills opened an evening practice. “But I also believe that he’s going to learn from this. And we’ll give him a chance to compete.”

Ryan said he recalled Enemkpali being a “good teammate” in New York, and is confident he will be accepted by Bills players.

“Look at every person in that locker room, not anybody’s perfect,” Ryan said. “But they know that I feel in my heart that this young man will be successful for us.”

Kaepernick: No fight

B santa clara, calif.» Quarterback Colin Kaepernick shot down rumors that he and the recently released Aldon Smith had a confrontation at Levi’s Stadium last week.

Kaepernick, speaking at his weekly news conference, called the rumor “embarrassing” and pointed out disparities.

“I feel like anyone that believes that and goes about reporting that just doesn’t have the best integrity,” Kaepernick said.

“To try to prey on athletes’ livelihoods while one is going through a tough time is embarrassing to me. To put that out there and jump on that bandwagon just to get Internet clicks and get attention to their website, it really is embarrassing that people do that.”

Kaepernick said Smith was a good friend and that the defensive lineman attended a golf tournament and a football camp he hosted.

Smith was released by the 49ers on Friday, the day after he was arrested on suspicion of drunken driving.

The 49ers travel to Houston for their first exhibition game Saturday against the Texans.

Bradford eager to play

B philadelphia» Sam Bradford is eager to show his stuff in a real game.

Bradford hopes to play when the Eagles host the Colts on Sunday in their preseason opener. But coach Chip Kelly will make that decision this week.

“I think that I need to get back on the field and get those reps,” Bradford said. “It’s been a long time since I’ve taken live-team reps.

“Now, whether that happens in the first game, the second game, the third game, the fourth game, that’s completely up to Coach.” The Associated Press