Jets: Flacco will start at QB against Browns

The Jets are sticking with Joe Flacco as their starting quarterback against the Browns on Sunday.

Coach Robert Saleh announced the decision Wednesday to stay with Flacco this week despite a less than inspired performance by the 37-year-old quarterback and the rest of the offense in a 24-9 loss to Baltimore in the regular-season opener.

“There were a lot of things that we as a team could have done to help out a lot during the game, too,” Saleh said. “We’ll give it another run and I think Joe will be a lot better.”

Flacco, starting for the injured Zach Wilson, was 37 of 59 for 307 yards and one touchdown — in the game’s final minute — with one interception. Flacco was sacked three times and hit 11 times behind a shuffled offensive line.

NFL: Caps cut concussions

Guardian Caps helped reduce the number of concussions among NFL players mandated to wear the padded helmets during training camp, according to data from the league.

Offensive linemen, defensive linemen, tight ends and linebackers were required for the first time to wear Guardian Caps during practice between the start of training camp until the second preseason game.

The average number of concussions among those positions groups dropped from 23 over the previous three-year period to 11 this summer. Of those 11 concussions, six were results of a blow to the face mask, which doesn’t have added protection.

Injury updates

Justin Simmons’ 66-game starting streak will end this weekend after the Broncos’ captain and star safety sustained a thigh injury in the season opener at Seattle. Simmons was placed on injured reserve, sidelining him at least a month.

† Steelers running back Najee Harris expects to be available when Pittsburgh welcomes New England on Sunday.

Harris injured his left foot late in last week’s 23-20 overtime victory over Cincinnati. Harris’ leg was heavily wrapped in the aftermath, but he was a limited participant in practice on Wednesday.

† Patriots quarterback Mac Jones was a full participant in practice on Wednesday after sustaining a back injury against Miami.

† Chargers wide receiver Keenan Allen has been declared out for Thursday night’s game against the Chiefs because of a hamstring injury.

† Giants starting cornerback Aaron Robinson had his appendix removed on Wednesday and he will miss New York’s home opener Sunday against the Panthers.