Lynch to replace injured Siemian at QB for Denver
ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — Trevor Siemian’s biggest takeaway from his career-best performance wasn’t the masterpiece of pinpoint passes in the face of heavy pressure but a sprained left foot he suffered on one of five sacks.
It will sideline him this weekend.
The Denver Broncos ruled out Siemian for Sunday’s game at Jacksonville, meaning rookie Paxton Lynch will make his second career start.
Siemian had hoped to return to practice Friday but head athletic trainer Steve Antonopulos informed coach Gary Kubiak his starter wasn’t ready.
Siemian will be in a walking boot Sunday when the Broncos (7-4) turn to Lynch, who lost his debut eight weeks ago, against the Jaguars (2-9).
The Broncos are scrambling for a playoff spot after their 30-27 loss to Kansas City in which Siemian threw for a career-best 368 yards with three TDs and no interceptions. He was injured on his last sack, when Tamba Hali powered past Russell Okung to drop the second-year QB.
The Broncos are hopeful Siemian returns next week when they travel to Tennessee.
“I think it’s still a day-to-day process,” Kubiak said.
COWBOYS: Linebacker Rolando McClain has been suspended indefinitely, the NFL announced Friday.
The Cowboys sent out a statement from an NFL spokesman that read: “Rolando McClain of the Dallas Cowboys has been suspended indefinitely without pay for violating the NFL Policy and Program for Substances of Abuse.”
McClain missed a test, which is considered a positive test by the NFL, and had appealed it. The league’s announcement means the appeal process has been completed.
After the Baltimore game last month when the news initially broke of the additional suspension, owner Jerry Jones said the team would not release McClain in an attempt to recoup the signing bonus. They re-signed McClain to a one-year, $4 million contract, including a $750,000 signing bonus, on March 9. The league first suspended McClain
on June 30 for testing positive for opiates.
MANZIEL: Former Cleveland QB Johnny Manziel’s misdemeanor assault charge will be dismissed if he takes an anger management course and goes to rehab, among other requirements.
Manziel’s ex-girlfriend had accused him of kidnapping, beating and threatening to kill her a year ago. She said the alleged abuse, during a fight over another woman, left her deaf in her left ear.