Jets’ Rodgers feeling better after ‘procedure’ for illness
FLORHAM PARK, N.J. – New York Jets defensive coordinator Kacy Rodgers says he is feeling better following a “procedure” to help deal with an unspecified illness.
Rodgers returned to work this week on a full-time basis after missing the team’s past two games. He and coach Todd Bowles will determine over the next few days whether Rodgers will call the defensive plays against Minnesota on Sunday.
Rodgers declined Thursday to provide details about the exact nature of his illness, saying he preferred to keep it private.
Bowles announced on Oct. 5 that Rodgers was dealing with a “serious” illness after visiting the doctor the previous day. Rodgers underwent tests and the procedure and was able to do some office work at the team’s facility last week.
He surprised the players by attending the game last Sunday and broke down the team’s postgame huddle in the locker room.
Cowboys WR Terrance Williams gets 3-game substance abuse ban: Dallas Cowboys receiver Terrance Williams has been suspended three games for violating the NFL’s substance-abuse policy, a ban he will serve while on injured reserve because of lingering issues from offseason surgery for a broken right foot.
The league said Thursday the suspension will be in effect Sunday when the Cowboys visit Washington. After Dallas’ open week and a home game against Tennessee, the final game of the ban will be Nov. 11 at Philadelphia.
But Williams will miss at least three more games after that while on injured reserve. His first possible game is Dec. 9 at home against the Eagles.
Williams was arrested in May on a charge of public intoxication in the Dallas suburb of Frisco, where team headquarters is located. The case was dismissed after Williams completed a state-mandated alcohol awareness education course.
Browns starting CB Gaines to miss game with concussion: Browns starting cornerback E.J. Gaines has a concussion and will miss Sunday’s game at Tampa Bay.
Gaines practiced on Wednesday, but didn’t show any symptoms until Thursday and was placed in league protocol. Coach Hue Jackson isn’t certain when Gaines got hurt, but he called the loss “a tough blow” for Cleveland’s defense, which will be challenged against the Buccaneers’ pass-heavy attack.
Gaines had started the past two games after starter Terrance Mitchell was placed on injured reserve with a wrist injury. T.J. Carrie will move into Gaines’ starting spot alongside rookie Denzel Ward and Briean Boddy-Calhoun will move to nickel back.
Gaines signed with the Browns in March as a free agent after playing for Buffalo last season. He had two tackles last week in a loss to the Los Angeles Chargers.
Also, center JC Tretter missed practice with an ankle injury, but Jackson is confident he’ll play this week.