Titans, finally able to play after COVID layoff, beat Bills
The wait between games caused by the NFL’s first COVID-19 outbreak left the Tennessee Titans depleted. They’re still undefeated. Ryan Tannehill threw for three touchdowns and ran for another as the Titans routed the Buffalo Bills 4216 on a rare Tuesday night in a showdown in Nashville, Tenn., between two of the NFL’s five remaining undefeated teams pushed back two days after a couple more positive tests for Tennessee last week.
The Titans (4- 0) continued their best start since winning their first 10 games in 2008 despite getting on the field the past three days since their last game Sept. 27 in Minnesota.
Malcolm Butler intercepted two passes, the second he returned 68 yards, and both set up short touchdowns for Tennessee. Kareem Orr’s recovery of a fumbled kickoff set up Tannehill’s fourth TD for 21 points off Buffalo’s three turnovers. Kalif Raymond’s 40-yard punt return also set up a 1-yard TD run by Derrick Henry.
The Bills (4-1) had not won five straight games since 2004, and they came in looking for the franchise’s best start since 1991 when Buffalo reached the Super Bowl. They also played without starting cornerbacks with Tre’Davious White inactive because of a back injury and Levi Wallace on injured reserve.
Starting wide receiver John Brown also was out for Buffalo, which had scored at least 30 points in the past three games.
JETS CUT BELL AFTER EXPLORING TRADES >> The New York Jets have released disgruntled running back Le’Veon Bell, ending a disappointing tenure after less than two full seasons.
The team issued a statement from general manager Joe Douglas on Tuesday night in which he says the Jets made the move after having several conversations with Bell and his agent during the last few days and exploring trade options.
RAMS PLACE FULLER ON INJURED RESERVE WITH SHOULDER INJURY >> The Rams placed rookie safety Jordan Fuller on injured reserve because of a shoulder injury, the team announced.
Fuller, a sixth- round draft pick from Ohio State, started the first three games before injuring his right shoulder during the Rams’ 35-32 defeat at Buffalo. He sat out the Rams’ 17- 9 victory over the New York Giants, but started in last Sunday’s 30-10 victory at Washington.
Fuller injured the same shoulder on the Rams’ final defensive play. VIKINGS RB COOK HAS ADDUCTOR STRAIN >> Minnesota Vikings RB Dalvin Cook has an adductor strain, making his status for Week 6 uncertain, ESPN reported. Cook was injured on the Vikings’ first drive of the second half Sunday night in their loss to Seattle.