Cowboys owner honors Texans’ McNair
HOUSTON — With a stirring rendition of “I’ll Fly Away” marking the conclusion of a memorial service for former Houston Texans founder and owner Bob McNair, Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones wiped tears from his eyes Friday afternoon.
“It’s ironic that I’m getting emotional because the only other time I ever teared up was right on this field when the Texans and Bob kicked our butt in the first game that was ever played in this stadium,” Jones said, recalling Houston’s 19-10 win over the Cowboys in their inaugural game in 2002. “The Texans put it on the Cowboys and it was a glorious night to begin the Texans. Bob was so special.”
More than 1,000 of McNair’s friends, members of the Houston and NFL community, players and coaches past and present, gathered to pay respects and say goodbye to McNair, who brought the NFL back to Houston for its inaugural season in 2002 after the Oilers moved to Tennessee.
EAGLES: Linebacker Kamu Grugier-Hill says he apologized to coach Doug Pederson for trash-talking the Dallas Cowboys earlier this week.
Grugier-Hill told a Philadelphia television reporter on Wednesday: “Look at Dallas’ history. They always choke. So we’ll go down there and make them choke.”
The defending Super Bowl champion Eagles (6-6) visit the Cowboys (7-5) on Sunday with first place in the NFC East on the line.
Grugier-Hill wasn’t available until Friday. He expressed regret to Pederson because he said he put his coach “in a tough spot.”
“It’s a rivalry game. I didn’t think too much about it. I didn’t mean to disrespect this organization or coach Pederson,” GrugierHill said.
Pederson made it clear to the third-year player the comments were unnecessary.
“First of all, the Philadelphia Eagles, myself, we have a ton of respect for the Cowboys,” Pederson said. “It has nothing to do with that, we have a ton of respect for coach Garrett. … It’s unfortunate that the comments were made.”
BEARS: Chicago removed quarterback Mitchell Trubisky from its injury list Friday, clearing the way for a start Sunday night against the Los Angeles Rams.
Coach Matt Nagy said there should be no limitations on Trubisky, who missed the last two games with a right shoulder injury.
FALCONS: After missing practice Wednesday and Thursday with a foot injury, wide receiver Julio Jones had limited participation on Friday and is expected to play in Sunday’s game at Green Bay.
JETS: linebacker Darron Lee has been suspended four games by the NFL for violating its substance abuse policy.
The suspension begins immediately, meaning Lee will sit out the team’s final four games of the season.
DOLPHINS: NFL interception leader Xavien Howard was ruled out of Miami’s game Sunday against New England because of a left knee injury, compounding the team’s challenge facing Tom Brady.
Center Jake Brendel was also ruled out because of a calf injury. Receiver Danny Amendola, limited in practice all week, is questionable to play against his former team.
Howard might be able to return for next week’s game at Minnesota, coach Adam Gase said Friday.
PACKERS: The Green Bay Packers have three starting offensive linemen on the injury report for their game Sunday against the Atlanta Falcons, with right tackle Bryan Bulaga listed as doubtful to play.
Right guard Byron Bell, a former New Mexico Lobo who also left the Arizona game with a knee injury, is questionable, as is left guard Lane Taylor. He has a foot injury.