Pats’ Bennett banned for Jet tilt
The Patriots will be without one of their star defensive players for Monday Night Football against the Jets after defensive lineman Michael Bennett was suspended one game for conduct detrimental to the team, according to Mike Giardi and Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.
Bennett released a statement to ESPN's Jordan Schultz that read:
“On Friday, I had a philosophical disagreement with my position coach that has led to my suspension. I apologize to my teammates for any distraction this may have caused.”
It's unclear what actually happened between Bennett and the coach.
Bennett hasn't been a huge contributor for the Patriots this season with 2.5 sacks on just 36% of the defensive snaps. He's tied for fourth on the Patriots in sacks with defensive tackle Adam Butler.
PRESEASONS CONCUSSIONS SOAR
The NFL says the number of concussions in exhibition games this year rose to 49 from 34 in 2018, an increase of 44% and a setback in efforts to reduce brain trauma.
“We have more work to do,” said Dr. Allen Sills, the league's chief medical officer, at the owners' meetings Tuesday.
Concussions in preseason practices fell to 30 from 45 in 2018, perhaps a reflection of the NFL's decision this year to eliminate drills that involve especially violent oneon-one contact. The total of 79 preseason concussions in practice and games was the same a year ago.
ACL injuries during the preseason declined to 16 from 28 in 2018. But the concussion rate in exhibition games was the highest since 2015.
“Progress in helmet safety is not always linear,” Sills said.
JAGS DEAL RAMSEY
The Jaguars traded AllPro cornerback Jalen Ramsey to the Rams, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. The Rams will be sending the Jaguars their first-round picks in 2020 and 2021 and a fourthround pick in 2021.
This trade comes just a few hours after they sent cornerback Marcus Peters to the Ravens in exchange for linebacker Kenny Young and an undisclosed draft pick. In a 24 hour span, the Rams put cornerback Aqib Talib on injured reserve with broken ribs, traded away Marcus Peters, and traded for Ramsey.