Griffin could return this season despite ankle injury
Two media outlets are reporting Robert Griffin III said an MRI showed no broken bones in his injured left ankle, leaving open the possibility he could play again this season.
The Washington Post and ESPN.com reported the Washington Redskins quarterback said Monday he received “positive news” on the results from the exam on the dislocated left ankle he suffered in the first quarter of the Redskins’ win over the Jacksonville Jaguars.
The injury is often accompanied by a fracture that requires season-ending surgery. If he doesn’t need surgery, Griffin could perhaps return in about two months, depending on various other factors associated with the injury.
The Redskins are waiting for a doctor to review the MRI results before offering more details.
Harbaugh said wait for legal process to play out on McDonald: San Francisco 49ers coach Jim Harbaugh insisted Monday public pressure will not sway his decision to play Ray McDonald during an investigation into the defensive lineman’s arrest on suspicion of domestic violence.
Harbaugh said there “could be” a resolution in the case this week for McDonald, arrested at his home Aug. 31 while celebrating his 30th birthday with teammates and friends.
“I know there’s an investigation going on that’s continuing today,” Harbaugh said.
Panthers coach Ron Rivera Sunday benched defensive end Greg Hardy for the team’s 24-7 win over Detroit after he was active in Week 1. Hardy was convicted July 15 of assault on a female and communicating threats. He is appealing.
McDonald played and started both games so far for San Francisco (1-1), which lost 28-20 to the Chicago Bears Sunday night.
Jets’ OC takes blame for timeout: New York Jets offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg takes full blame for the timeout call that negated a tying touchdown against the Green Bay Packers Sunday.
Mornhinweg said Monday he tried to get coach Rex Ryan’s attention on the sideline on the fourth-and-4 play from the Packers 36 with just over 5 minutes remaining because he saw something he didn’t like. Mornhinweg added as he tried to communicate with Ryan, he realized quarterback Geno Smith fixed the issue and he no longer wanted the timeout.
But defensive lineman Sheldon Richardson, seeing a frantic Mornhinweg, leaned over to the official in front of him and yelled for the timeout. It was granted negating Jeremy Kerley’s leaping touchdown catch. Mornhinweg said Richardson was “only trying to help.”
Moreno out month for Dolphins: Miami Dolphins running back Knowshon Moreno is expected to be sidelined for at least a month with a left elbow injury, and the team re-signed Daniel Thomas to shore up the position.
Moreno, the NFL’s leading rusher in Week 1, was hurt in the first quarter of Sunday’s loss at Buffalo. On Monday, the Dolphins signed Thomas, who spent his first three NFL seasons with them before being released in August.
A second-round draft pick by the Dolphins in 2011, Thomas has a career average of 3.6 yards per carry with 11 touchdowns. He’s an effective blocker and receiver.
Jaguars’ Lewis out 6-8 weeks: The Jacksonville Jaguars will be without versatile tight end Marcedes Lewis for six to eight weeks because of an ankle injury.
Source: Ingram has broken hand: A person familiar with the situation said New Orleans Saints running back Mark Ingram has a broken hand.
The person spoke to the Associated Press on condition of anonymity Monday because the Saints have not disclosed the injury, which was first reported by ESPN. The person said the timeline for Ingram’s return remains unclear.
Bears show life in win over 49ers: The Chicago Bears aren’t ready to be written off.
A stunning 28-20 victory over San Francisco Sunday breathed life into the Bears after a dismal overtime loss at home to Buffalo loss to start the season. Chicago is 1-1 with some major momentum after pulling out a win against a top team on the road.
“It is kind of like when you think your girlfriend is about to break up with you, and then she changes her mind,” tight end Martellus Bennett said. “That is what it feels like. These guys worked hard all week. I’m super excited to see guys have the chance to make plays and step up when we needed them to step up.”
The Bears will try to make it back-to-back wins when they visit the New York Jets Monday night. Against San Francisco, the Bears trailed 17-0 in the first half and looked like they were on their way to another loss.