Brady bashes league for changing rules for jersey numbers,

Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady criticized the NFL’s rule change on jersey numbers Thursday on Instagram. The rule, which was passed Wednesday, eases restrictions on approved numbers for positions.

“Good luck trying to block the right people now !! !! ” Brady wrote in a caption in one image. “going to make for a lot of bad football.”

Quarterbacks, punters and kickers are now eligible to wear Nos. 1-19; defensive backs are eligible to wear 1-49; running backs, full backs, tight ends, H-backs and wide receivers are eligible to wear 1-49 and 80-89; offensive linemen are eligible to wear 50-79; defensive linemen are eligible to wear 50-79 and 90-99; and linebackers are eligible to wear 1-59 and 90-99.

On Instagram, Brady circled a paragraph of a news story with “DUMB” in large block letters above and added, “Why not Let the lineman wear whatever they want too? Why have numbers? Just have colored jerseys... why not wear the same number?...DUMB” below before tagging the NFL and NFL Players Association’s verified accounts.

Brady’s comment about blocking refers to traditional numbers that made it easier to identify opponents’ formations and personnel.

Roquan named Bears’ award winner

Inside linebacker Roquan Smith, a second-team All-Pro last season, was named the Bears’ Ed Block Courage Award winner. The award is given to one player from each NFL team and honors those who best display professionalism, strength and dedication. Player representatives, team captains and athletic trainers vote for the winners.

The award is named after former Baltimore Colts trainer Ed Block. Money from the Bears’ award goes to the Ed McCaskey Scholarship Fund, which donates to children at Maryville Academy in Des Plaines.

Seahawks bring back QB Smith

The Seahawks re-signed quarterback Geno Smith to serve as Russell Wilson’s backup for a third season. Smith has appeared in one game with Seattle.