Jacksonville’s Fournette blings in the new year
Leonard Fournette’s thousand-yard season is costing him thousands. Maybe even tens of thousands.
The Jacksonville Jaguars running back has bought seven offensive linemen — five starters and two backups — Rolex watches.
Fournette ran 268 times for 1,040 yards and nine touchdowns as a rookie. He also had 36 receptions for 302 yards and a score.
“I couldn’t do it my self,” Fournette said Thursday, three days before Jacksonville (10-6) hosts Buffalo (9-7) in an AFC wildcard game. “I can’t block 11 guys on my own. That’s the O-line and wide receivers, too. They played a big part of contributing to me getting 1,000 yards.”
Fournette said he picked out the watches himself. He finished eighth in the NFL and fifth in the AFC in rushing despitemissing three games.
Bills’McCoy iffy
Buffalo Bills running back LeSean McCoy said he’s making progress with his right an- kle injury but that his status is uncertain for Sunday’s game against the Jaguars.
McCoy spoke to the media for the first time since suffering the injury in Sunday’s 22-16 win over the Miami Dolphins. He has yet to practice thisweek, but did participate in stretches Thursday before leaving the field with a trainer.
“I’m definitely happy with how things are working out so far, but there is a lotmore room for improvement,” McCoy said. “It’s been feeling a lot better. I’m out of the boot and I can walk around without any pain. So that’s a plus.”
Coaching news
• The Chicago Bears said they interviewed Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator George Edwards for their headcoaching job.
The 50-year-old Edwards has coached 28 seasons, 20 in the NFL, and has been Minnesota’s defensive coordinator since 2014.
The NFC North champion Vikings gave up a league-low275.9 yards and 15.8 points per game. They also were second against the run and the pass.
The Edwards interview was the Bears’ second since they fired John Fox. Chicago also met with defensive coordinator Vic Fangio.
• Bears offensive-line coach Jeremiah Washburn has been hired for the same role by the Miami Dolphins, a person familiar with the decision told the AP.
Washburn was the Dolphins’ assistant offensive-line coach in 2016.
The Dolphins earlier added ex-Bears offensive coordinator Dowell Loggains as offensive coordinator.
• Green Bay Packers coach Mike McCarthy addressed reports that offensive coordinator Edgar Bennett and quarterbacks coach Alex Van Pelt are the latest coaches to go in a shakeup following the team’s 7-9 season. In a radio interview, McCarthy said the situation with Bennett is fluid and that they are still communicating. McCarthy said Van Pelt’s departure was a contractual personal choice.
The Packers also are looking for a new GM as Ted Thompson moves to an advisory role.