Texans sign QB Johnson after considering Kaepernick
The Houston Texans have signed free agent quarterback Josh Johnson and released Matt McGloin.
The moves come a day after coach Bill O'Brien said they had discussed the possibility of adding Colin Kaepernick in the wake of a season-ending knee injury to rookie Deshaun Watson.
Instead of adding Kaepernick, the former 49ers quarterback who began the protest movement by kneeling during the national anthem last season, Houston chose Johnson to be its third quarterback.
The 31-year-old Johnson has been with the Giants, Bills, Colts and 49ers over the past three seasons, but hasn't appeared in a game since he played two for the Bengals in 2013. He spent his first four seasons with Tampa Bay where he appeared in 26 games from 2008-11.
McGloin was signed on Friday to be Houston's third quarterback behind Tom Savage and T.J. Yates, but was inactive on Sunday.
Arizona O-line solidifying in front of Peterson
After a season of shifting personnel, either due to injuries or ineffectiveness, the offensive line is finally solidifying for the Arizona Cardinals.
Just in time to plow the way for former OU star Adrian Peterson.
The Cardinals will have the same players on the line for the fourth straight game when they line up to play the Seattle Seahawks on Thursday night.
The unit has young and ever-improving D.J. Humphries at left tackle, veteran Alex Boone at left guard, A.Q. Shipley at center, Earl Watford at right guard and Jared Veldheer at right tackle.
Coach Bruce Arians gave the linemen, plus former OU standout Jermaine Gresham and backup tight end Troy Niklas, game balls for their play in Sunday's 20-10 victory over the 49ers in San Francisco.
Peterson carried the ball a career-high 37 times for 159 yards against the 49ers and quarterback Drew Stanton wasn't sacked.
Colts assistant coach Mathis charged with intoxicated driving
Former Indianapolis Colts defensive star and current assistant coach Robert Mathis has been charged with operating a vehicle while intoxicated, endangering a person.
The misdemeanor charge was filed Tuesday in Hamilton Superior Court in Noblesville, Indiana.
Police in the Indianapolis suburb of Carmel say the 36-year-old Mathis was arrested early Oct. 24 after driving the wrong way on a one-way street and not signaling a turn.
Mathis retired as a player after last season following a 14-year career with a team-record 123 sacks for the Colts. He was named to the Pro Bowl six times. He's now on the Colts coaching staff as a pass rush consultant.
Patriots place LB Hightower on IR
The New England Patriots have placed linebacker and defensive captain Dont'a Hightower on injured reserve.
The team announced the move Tuesday. Hightower left in the second half of New England's win over Atlanta on Oct. 22 with a right shoulder injury.
A person familiar with the situation said last month that Hightower would need season-ending surgery on his shoulder. The surgery was for a torn pectoral muscle, the person told The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because it had not yet been announced by the team.
In March, Hightower signed a four-year deal worth $35.5 million.
New England also announced it has signed veteran defensive lineman Ricky Jean Francois.