Vernon unhappy, will appeal fines
Dolphins defensive end Olivier Vernon not only plans to appeal his NFL fine for the low hits he made on Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota, but he vehemently denied claims that he’s a dirty player.
Vernon said he was fined for both his personal fouls that occurred when he was trying to sack Mariota and got to the quarterback late. Vernon, who is slated to earn $1.5 million, wouldn’t disclose the total amount of his two fines, but he admitted it is enough to purchase a luxury car.
“Those fines aren’t cheap, so why would I be doing it intentionally,” Vernon said. “Football is a physical sport.”
Mariota didn’t participate in the open portion of practice Wednesday but “hopes to play on Sunday” against the Falcons.
Jets RB Stevan Ridley practiced for the first time and could face the Patriots on Sunday. He is on the physically unable to perform list after tearing the ACL and MCL in his right knee with the Patriots last season. Pats WR Brandon LaFell (foot) practiced for the first time. He started the season on PUP list.
Ridley
Cowboys WR Dez Bryant, expected to miss six to eight weeks (foot), didn’t practice and is unlikely to play vs. the Giants on Sunday, which is the six-week mark. Giants
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WR Victor Cruz (calf ) also is not expected to play.
Seahawks RB Fred Jackson will play Thursday night against the 49ers after being examined by the team following a minor car crash. 49ers WR Anquan Boldin (hamstring), RB Carlos Hyde (foot) and T Erik Pears (back) are questionable. ... Chiefs WR Jeremy Maclin and DE Mike DeVito did not practice due to concussions. ... Redskins WR DeSean Jackson (hamstring) is unlikely to play this week against the Bucs. ... Eagles LB Kiko Alonso returned for the first time since partially tearing his ACL last month. ... Ravens TE Dennis Pitta (hip) practiced for the first time this season. ... Panthers DE Jared Allen (pinched nerve) practiced and is optimistic about playing Sunday. ... Vikings RB Adrian Peterson (finger) was limited while DTs Everson Griffen (illness) and Sharrif Floyd (knee) didn’t participate.
Other injury updates:
Yahoo will present the first NFL game globally streamed live online for free when the Bills take on the Jaguars at 9:30 a.m. ET Sunday in London. Fans can watch at http:// nflstream.yahoo.com.
A new frontier:
The Lions claimed T Michael Ola off waivers from the Chargers. ... The Giants signed CB Leon McFadden off the Cardinals’ practice squad.
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