Brady apologizes to ‘O’ coordinator

Late in the first quarter of the Patriots’ 23-3 victory over the Bills last week in Buffalo, TV cameras caught New England quarterback Tom Brady and offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels in a heated sideline discussion.

The encounter came after the Patriots had finished a 14-play drive that ended with a 50-yard field goal by Stephen Gostkowski.

After the game, Brady downplayed the exchange by saying, “It’s just football,” and adding, “We’ve been around each other a lot. I love Josh.”

But whatever was said between the two, their encounter continued to spark speculation ahead of the Patriots’ game on Monday night against the Dolphins.

Saturday, Brady again addressed the issue — with an apology.

“One thing I do want to say first, I want to apologize to Josh for last week in Buffalo,” Brady said before taking questions from the media, according to a report on NFL.com.

“I know our coaches work really hard. They’re responsible for putting us in a great position to succeed, so I just want to get that off my chest.”

Brady stressed his relationship with McDaniels is strong.

“I’ve been feeling bad all week and haven’t had a chance to say it, and he knows how much I love him,” NFL.com quoted him saying.

The Patriots (10-2) can walk onto the field in Miami on Monday night as AFC East champions for the ninth straight time if Buffalo loses today.

If Buffalo beats Indianapolis, the Patriots can clinch by beating the Dolphins (5-7).

The Patriots have won eight in a row. They will be without cornerback Rob Gronkowski, who will be serving a one-game suspension for a late, gratuitous hit to the head of Bills defensive back Tre’Davious White.

Pacman IR’d

The Cincinnati Bengals put cornerback Adam “Pacman” Jones on injured reserve Saturday, ending his season with a groin injury.

Jones is one of several starters not expected to play against the Bears (39) at Paul Brown Stadium.

The Bengals (5-7) suffered significant losses at cornerback during a 23-20 loss to Pittsburgh on Monday night, when Jones got hurt while making an interception.

Starting cornerback Dre Kirkpatrick is out with a concussion, and cornerback Darqueze Dennard is questionable with a knee injury.

The Bengals promoted cornerback Tony McRae, who has appeared in five games with the Ravens, from their practice squad.

Linebacker Vontaze Burfict and running back Joe Mixon, both with concussions, also are sidelined.

Cowboys banged up

The Dallas Cowboys will be without defensive lineman David Irving, cornerback Orlando Scandrick and linebacker Justin Durant because of injuries when they visit the New York Giants.

All three players were downgraded to “out,” and didn’t make the trip.

Irving was diagnosed with a concussion after last week’s win over Washington, and Scandrick sustained a small fracture in his back early in the game. Both missed practice all week.

Durant has been dealing with a concussion and illness.

Irving is the biggest loss of the three, because he’s second on the team with seven sacks — despite missing the first four games because of a suspension for violating the NFL’s ban on performance-enhancing drugs.

Dolphins scratch three

Miami Dolphins guard Jermon Bushrod has been ruled out of Monday night’s game against New England because of a foot injury that has sidelined him since Week 11.

Backup quarterback Matt Moore (foot) and running back Damien Williams (shoulder) also were ruled out, as expected.

Cornerback Cordrea Tankersley (ankle and shoulder) is doubtful.

Coach Adam Gase said that he anticipates Bushrod will be able to play again some time this season.