Jets-Patriots will be old story at QB

Josh McCown is stepping in for Sam Darnold again.

And, this matchup will be one for the aged.

The 39-year-old veteran quarterback will start Sunday for the New York Jets against the New England Patriots, the second game in a row during which McCown will be under center. McCown and 41-year-old Tom Brady will be the second-oldest quarterback combination in NFL history at 80 years, 258 days.

Brady was limited during the week with a sore knee before sitting out Friday and is listed as questionable, but is expected to play. Only a matchup between Carolina’s Vinny Testaverde (44) and Green Bay’s Brett Favre (38) in 2007 would be older at 82 years, 44 days old.

Texans’ owner dies

Robert McNair, billionaire founder and owner of the Houston Texans, has died. He was 81.

One of the NFL’s most influential owners, McNair had battled leukemia and squamous cell carcinoma in recent years before dying in Houston on Friday.

When Houston lost the Oilers to Tennessee after the 1996 season, McNair made it his mission to return the NFL to the city. He formed Houston NFL Holdings in 1998, and on Oct. 6, 1999 he was awarded the 32nd NFL franchise. The Texans began play in 2002.

Etc.

Tennessee quarterback Marcus Mariota, who suffered a stinger Sunday, fully participated in Friday’s practice and is expected to start Monday night’s road game against the AFC South-leading Texans . ... Seattle wide receiver Doug Baldwin (groin) will be a game-time decision for Sunday’s game with Carolina.