Colts stand behind struggling Vinatieri
Adam Vinatieri isn’t going anywhere yet. Coach Frank Reich said yesterday the NFL’s career scoring leader will remain as Indianapolis Colts kicker despite his early season struggles.
Vinatieri has missed five of his first eight kicks including three extra points, matching his single-season career high.
Speculation swirled about his possible retirement after he missed two more extra points in Sunday’s 19-17 victory at Tennessee, then left the locker room without taking questions from reporters. Instead, the 46-year-old Vinatieri promised to talk yesterday — one of two days Colts players do not see media members.
But Vinatieri, who did speak with Reich, was seen leaving the team complex again without talking to reporters.
Shurmur mum on Eli
Coach Pat Shurmur has refused to say whether twotime Super Bowl MVP Eli Manning will continue to start at quarterback for the New York Giants, who fell to 0-2 with Sunday’s 28-14 home loss to the Buffalo Bills.
Now in his second season as head coach, Shurmur said he does not want to discuss whether he is thinking about making the change to Daniel Jones, who was taken sixth overall in April’s NFL draft.
The Giants also claimed tight end Kaden Smith on waivers and released running back Paul Perkins . ...
Chargers strong safety Adrian Phillips broke his right forearm while trying to tackle Detroit running back Kerryon Johnson during the fourth quarter of LA’s 13-10 loss Sunday to the Lions.
Ramsey asks out
Two-time Pro Bowl cornerback Jalen Ramsey has requested a trade following a sideline argument with Jacksonville Jaguars coach Doug Marrone. The Jags are willing to entertain offers.
Ramsey’s agent asked the Jags to move the disgruntled defender after Ramsey and Marrone got into a heated exchange during the team’s 13-12 loss at Houston.
Ramsey was upset that Marrone didn’t challenge DeAndre Hopkins’ first-down catch late in the first quarter of the game, which led to a Texans field goal. Ramsey said something to Marrone as he walked off the field and appeared to put his hands on the head coach as he made his way to the bench. Marrone responded by getting in Ramsey’s face and yelling.
Jets’ Siemian hurt
New York Jets quarterback Trevor Siemian left last night’s game against the Cleveland Browns with an ankle injury in the second quarter.
Siemian threw a long incomplete pass to Ryan Griffin, but Cleveland’s Myles Garrett slammed into him and fell on top of him — and was penalized for roughing the passer.
Siemian, starting in place of the ill Sam Darnold, stayed down for several minutes as trainers attended to him on the field. The quarterback was able to get up under his own power, but very gingerly and with a limp.
Luke Falk, promoted from the practice squad before the game, replaced Siemian.
Jets wide receiver Demaryius Thomas also was ruled out with a hamstring injury. He was making his debut for New York after being acquired from the Patriots last week.
Cleveland tight end David Njoku left the game with a concussion after being injured in the first quarter.
Browns backup quarterback Drew Stanton was placed on injured reserve after injuring his knee during practice last week, making Garrett Gilbert the backup to Baker Mayfield.
Browns defensive end Chris Smith played to honor his late girlfriend as he believes she would wish. Petara Cordero was killed in front of him in a tragic accident last week.
Fitzpatrick to Pitt
The Miami Dolphins are trading defensive back Minkah Fitzpatrick to the Pittsburgh Steelers for a 2020 first-round pick, according to ESPN. Both teams will also swap lateround picks in the deal.
ESPN reported last week that the Dolphins granted permission to Fitzpatrick’s agent, Joel Segal, to discuss a trade with other teams.