NEW YORK — The NFL moved referee Pete Morelli’s crew off the upcoming Sunday night game between Indianapolis and Pittsburgh.

Instead the crew will work an afternoon game between the Eagles and Patriots.

Morelli’s group was heavily criticized by both sides after the 49ers-Cardinals game Sunday. Arizona Coach Bruce Arians said the officials “can’t count to three.”

There were a combined 20 penalties in the game. During Arizona’s first series of the second half, San Francisco committed five penalties, including four pass interferences and an illegal hands to the face, as the Cardinals reached the end zone on their way to a 19-13 win.

The 49ers were flagged 13 times for 81 yards, including a costly roughing-the-passer flag during the winning drive.

The NFL’S owners could take a significant step toward the league’s return to Los Angeles this week.

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Or they could decide to take another big step back.

Nobody seems certain of the next move in this exhausting dance when the full ownership convenes Wednesday for its annual meetings at a luxury resort outside Dallas.

BROWNS: Starting quarterback Josh McCown is done for the season after breaking his collarbone in Monday night’s last-second loss to Baltimore.

McCown kept playing despite taking a big hit in the second half but had to leave the field after throwing an incompletion in the fourth quarter.

CARDINALS: Arizona placed running back Chris Johnson on the injured reserve/designated to return list. Johnson chipped or fractured his tibia where it meets his left knee.

BILLS: Buffalo placed defensive tackle Kyle Williams on season-ending injured reserve and signed three players to shore up an injury-depleted defense.

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Defensive tackle T.J. Barnes was signed off the New York Jets’ practice squad. Defensive end Lavar Edwards was signed off Dallas’ practice squad. And Buffalo signed free-agent linebacker Kevin Reddick, who was on the Bills’ practice squad earlier this season.

STEELERS: Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger said he had a migraine. Coach Mike Tomlin said it was a concussion. Either way, Roethlisberger will remain under the concussion protocol this week as the Steelers prepare to face Indianapolis.

BRONCOS: With T.J. Ward expected to miss time with a high left ankle sprain, Denver brought back safety Josh Bush.

GIANTS: The team placed guard Geoff Schwartz on injured reserve and signed guard Adam Gettis off Oakland’s practice squad.


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