Patriots bring back veteran receiver
The New England Patriots brought back wide receiver Demaryius Thomas on Monday, two days after he was released as rosters were cut to the Nfl-mandated 53, ESPN’S Adam Schefter reported.
He’ll take the spot of N’keal Harry, a first-round selection in the 2019 draft who will be placed on injured reserve. An ankle injury limited Harry during much of training camp.
Harry will be eligible to return to the active roster later this season.
The Patriots signed the 31-yearold Thomas in April.
In nine seasons with Denver and Houston, Thomas has hauled in 688 catches for 9,330 yards and 62 touchdowns. The Broncos traded him to the Texans last season, and he finished the year with 59 catches for 677 yards and five touchdowns in 15 games overall.
Thomas’ season ended Dec. 23 when he tore his left Achilles against Philadelphia.
The Jacksonville Jaguars cancelled Wednesday’s practice and are working to make sure players and staff are safe as Hurricane Dorian approaches the Florida coast.
Coach Doug Marrone told reporters he’s focused on helping those who live in evacuation areas to find safe housing.
“People who have been through this before know that things can change and you have to be ready,” said Marrone, whose family must evacuate. “And we will be.”
After battering the Bahamas as a Category 5 storm on Sunday, the slow-moving Hurricane Dorian is headed toward Florida as a Category 4.
The track of the storm isn’t certain, and when it approaches the region late Tuesday, it could skirt the Jacksonville area or make a devastating impact.
“Hopefully, weather permitting and safety permitting, we’ll bring the team back Thursday at noon. We feel good about our plans for the players and the safety for our players,” Marrone said.
The Jaguars open the season Sunday at home against Kansas City, and Marrone said much of the game preparation has been accomplished.
The Indianapolis Colts have signed former New England Patriots quarterback Brian Hoyer to back up Jacoby Brissett, according to reports on Monday.
ESPN’S Adam Schefter said Hoyer, 33, agreed to a three-year, US$12 million contract with $9 million in guarantees.
With Andrew Luck’s retirement a week ago, Brissett assumed the starting role but without a proven backup.
Retired NFL wide receiver Hines Ward has joined the New York Jets as a full-time offensive assistant coach.
Ward, 43, was a coaching intern with the Jets during training camp, assisting wide receivers coach Shawn Jefferson. He’ll continue in that role.