Goodell host of anthem meeting
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell held a roundtable meeting with about 25 team owners, league executives and players Tuesday night to discuss the national anthem demonstrations.
New York Giants linebacker Jonathan Casillas said the summit at league’s headquarters in New York lasted about two hours and was attended by several of the NFL’s most prominent owners, including John Mara of the Giants, Robert Kraft of the Patriots and Art Rooney II of the Steelers. NFL executive vice president Troy Vincent also attended, along with eight players from five teams.
Casillas said the group talked about what to do to move forward and how to approach the “whole kneeling situation.”
“It was a whole bunch of opinions shared,” Casillas said. “There was nothing we decided we’re going to do collectively. I think it was a very conducive meeting.”
NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy said the gathering was one of the many conversations that have happened this week within the 32-team league.
“The commissioner believed with all the owners here for committee meetings that it was important to bring in some players and hear directly from them,” McCarthy said, responding to an email from The Associated Press. “While the conversations will remain private, they were very informative and instructive.”
Vikings rule Bradford out again.
Vikings quarterback Sam Bradford has been ruled out of the game again this week because of lingering soreness in his left knee, meaning Case Keenum will make his third consecutive start for the NFC team.
Coach Mike Zimmer said Bradford’s status remains day to day. Surgery isn’t needed, Zimmer said, only rest.
Watson donates check.
HOUSTON» Texans rookie quarterback Deshaun Watson donated his first NFL game check to three NRG Stadium employees who were affected
Footnotes.
Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones was limited for the second consecutive day of practice with a sore back. The two-time all-pro was injured on the last offensive snap of last weekend’s 30-26 victory at Detroit when Lions safety Glover Quin made a clean tackle. … Tight end Jordan Reed expects to play for the Redskins against the unbeaten Chiefs on Monday night. Reed missed the Redskins’ Week 3 victory over the Raiders because of chest and rib injuries. Redskins coach Jay Gruden said Reed was limited during practice Thursday but participated in more team drills. … The Saints put veteran fullback John Kuhn on injured reserve, ending his season.