WR Brown works out for Saints
Prolific but embattled free-agent receiver Antonio Brown got his chance to show the Saints how he could help them in the playoffs.
Whether Brown winds up catching passes from record-setting quarterback Drew Brees during a potential Super Bowl run remains to be seen. And the NFL could have a say in the matter — if the Saints decide to sign him.
While Saints coach Sean Payton didn’t rule out signing Brown, he said there were no immediate plans to do so after including the four-time All-Pro in a workout with six receivers Friday.
“Not now,” Payton said, adding that coaches and the front office are “mainly doing our due diligence on all of those players. Obviously there’s a little bit more attention drawn to him because of his career. But right now it was more or less us having a chance to get to know these guys and seeing what kind of shape they’re all in.”
Brown’s agent, Drew Rosenhaus, told The Associated Press that Brown’s “visit with the Saints went very well and we will continue discussions with them.”
Brown has been out of the NFL since the Patriots cut him Sept. 20 amid multiple sexual misconduct allegations which have spawned an ongoing league investigation of the receiver.
Payton had indicated on multiple occasions earlier this season that the Saints weren’t interested in signing Brown.
“I probably wasn’t telling you the truth a few months ago,” Payton said. “We’re looking closely all the time at who are the players available, how can they help us, especially as we get ready here for this postseason?”
NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy said the league had no comment on the Saints’ decision to work out Brown.
Payton said after the workout he remained uncertain whether Brown would ultimately be eligible to play in the postseason.
Brown, who caught 837 passes during nine seasons with the Steelers, has been dumped by three teams since the end of last season.
Conner to miss Steelers’ finale: Running back James Conner will miss the Steelers’ virtual must-win Week 17 game against the Ravens on Sunday.
Conner, who suffered a quadriceps injury in the second quarter of last week’s loss to the Jets, will miss his sixth game of the season. He has played in only four of the Steelers’ last nine games as he has dealt with injuries to his shoulder and quad.
Conner will finish the regular season with 464 yards and four touchdowns on 116 carries. He also had three touchdown receptions.
The Steelers also will be without center Maurkice Pouncey, who injured his knee in the third quarter last weekend.
No Ertz for Eagles: Pro Bowl tight end Zach Ertz will miss the Eagles’ finale against the Giants on Sunday.
The Eagles can clinch the NFC East title and a playoff berth with a victory.
Ertz hasn’t practiced this week after suffering a fractured rib and a back injury during the Eagles’ win last week over the Cowboys.
Ertz has 88 catches for 916 yards and six touchdowns this season, one year removed from setting a single-season record for catches among tight ends with 116 receptions.
49ers defense ailing: The 49ers defensive line took another big hit with a serious injury to one of its key reserves.
Defensive lineman Jullian Taylor was on his way back from an elbow injury before suffering a right knee injury in practice Thursday. He was diagnosed with a torn ACL, ending his season.
Taylor will join fellow defensive linemen D.J. Jones (ankle), Ronald Blair III (torn ACL) and Damontre Moore (forearm) on IR.
The 49ers already have clinched a playoff berth and face the Seahawks on Sunday night for the NFC West title.