Bengals bench Dalton
With no wins at the season’s midpoint, the Bengals figured it was time to end Andy Dalton’s tenure and see whether rookie Ryan Finley is their quarterback of the future.
Coach Zac Taylor decided Tuesday to bench Dalton, ending his nine-season run as a starter. The move came two days after a 24-10 loss to the Rams in London left Cincinnati 0-8 for the first time in 11 years.
The first-year coach decided to use the week off to get Finley — a fourth-round pick from North Carolina State — ready to face the Baltimore Ravens on Nov. 10 at Paul Brown Stadium. It’s less a referendum on Dalton than an indication that the franchise is looking long term now that the season has slipped away.
Redskins’ Williams ends holdout Trent Williams is back with the Redskins after not being traded.
A person with knowledge of the situation said Washington’s starting left tackle reported, ending his lengthy holdout.
The person spoke to the Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the team had not announced Williams’ return.
Williams had not reported all season because of a dispute with the team over the handling of a medical situation.
The Redskins did not deal the 31-year-old before the NFL trade deadline, which prompted Williams’ return.
It’s unclear when the team will activate Williams.
Etc.
Minnesota Vikings safety Jayron Kearse was charged with multiple gun and alcohol counts after authorities say he was driving while impaired and had a loaded gun in his car . ... The Atlanta Falcons released kicker Matt Bryant, bringing in Younghoe Koo as his replacement . ... The New England Patriots released kicker Mike Nugent and tight end Eric Tomlinson. A person familiar with the deal said the Patriots have signed veteran kicker Nick Folk to replace Nugent . ... The Miami Dolphins placed cornerback Xavien Howard on injured reserve with a knee injury that bothered him in recent weeks, a big blow for a team that has lost its first seven games . ... The Jaguars placed receiver Marqise Lee on injured reserve for the second straight season, likely signaling the end of his time in Jacksonville. A secondround draft pick from USC in 2014, Lee sustained a shoulder injury in Sunday’s victory against the New York Jets.