Cutler having second thoughts about joining Dolphins
Former Bears quarterback Jay Cutler is leaning toward staying in broadcasting and not joining the Dolphins, according to ESPN.
Although Cutler was intrigued by the possibility of reuniting with Dolphins coach Adam Gase — his offensive coordinator with the Bears in 2015 — in the immediate wake of quarterback Ryan Tannehill’s knee injury, he is swaying back in the direction of staying retired.
Tannehill suffered an injury to his left knee Thursday that might require season- ending surgery.
Until Saturday, Cutler had been in direct contact with Gase, giving a clear sense of his interest in play- ing for him. Gase confirmed there was one preliminary talk with Cutler, but things haven’t progressed beyond that at this stage.
Cutler had one of his better seasons under Gase, throwing for 3,659 yards, 21 touchdowns and 11 interceptions in 2015. He was released by the Bears this offseason and took a TV job with Fox, but he seems open to returning to the field under the right circumstances.
Seven inducted into Hall of Fame
Running backs LaDainian Tomlinson and Terrell Davis, quarterback Kurt Warner, defensive end Jason Taylor, kicker Morten Andersen, safety Kenny Easley and Cowboys owner Jerry Jones were inducted into the Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio.
The Hall also opened a display to honor ‘‘ Sunday Night Football’’ for its record six seasons in a row as the top- rated show in prime time.
Vikings lock up NT Joseph
The Vikings locked up another core piece of their defense, agreeing to a four- year, $ 50 million contract extension ($ 31.5 million guaranteed) with nose tackle Linval Joseph.
Joseph, 28, had a career season in 2016 with 77 tackles, four sacks and three forced fumbles.
Niners LB Smith out for season
Niners linebacker Malcolm Smith, one of the team’s most coveted additions in free agency, will miss the season with a torn chest muscle. Smith, who played for the Raiders last season, signed a fiveyear contract in March.
Cardinals’ Logan fractures wrist
Rookie running back T. J. Logan, a speedster who had been expected to return kicks and punts for the Cardinals, fractured his wrist Thursday in the Hall of Fame Game against the Cowboys and is expected to miss about 12 weeks.
Sun- Times wires