ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — Randy Gregory missed more games than he played during his 18-month stint in Denver, where he had almost as many surgeries (two) as sacks (three).

The Broncos (1-3) parted ways with the immensely talented but often-unavailable pass rusher Wednesday, deciding to release him — even though they’re on the hook for the $10.9 million remaining on his 2023 salary — if they couldn’t find a trade partner.

“We just felt with some of our younger players and where we’re going, it was best for our team right now,” said Coach Sean Payton, who disputed any notion that Gregory had asked for his release. “We just felt like these other guys were playing better.”

Gregory’s departure came 72 hours after he appeared disinterested in a game at Chicago after losing his starting job to second-year linebacker Nik Bonitto, who ignited Denver’s first victory of the season with a strip-sack of Justin Fields that turned into the tying touchdown from Jonathon Cooper.

Gregory’s benching came a week after he was shut out at Miami, where he failed to register a single tackle and had no sacks or pressures of Tua Tagovailoa, who led the Dolphins’ 70-20 onslaught in one of the biggest blowouts in NFL history.

Several Broncos said there were no hard feelings toward Gregory, whom they affectionately called by his initials.

“R.G. for me has been a great teammate,” safety Justin Simmons said. “He’s been a great friend and it was awesome just watching him play in Dallas all those years he was going crazy. So, a great man and teammate. It’s just the business side of the NFL. And I’m always rooting for R.G.”

BROWNS: GM Andrew Berry said it was “a very easy decision” — made by several people — to sit quarterback Deshaun Watson on Sunday against Baltimore because he was unable to throw effectively.

Watson was sidelined by a bruised right shoulder and the Browns (2-2) were trounced 28-3 by the Ravens, who intercepted rookie QB Dorian Thompson-Robinson three times and sacked him four times in his NFL debut.

Berry reiterated Coach Kevin Stefanski’s comments earlier this week that Watson’s shoulder is structurally sound and the injury is not a long-term issue. Watson is expected to be back for an Oct. 15 game against San Francisco.

During his bye week news conference, Berry also tried to clarify what led to the decision for Watson to be one of Cleveland’s inactive players.

There had been some conflicting, confusing comments about who ultimately made the call.

On Monday, Stefanski said the decision was made solely by Watson, and that he had been medically cleared by the Browns’ training staff. As late as Friday, Watson was adamant he would make his 10th start since joining Cleveland.

However, Berry indicated that after seeing Watson struggle to even play catch on the field about three hours before kickoff, there was a consensus among those who were present that he couldn’t perform adequately.

“We were optimistic that he would play. He was optimistic that he would play,” Berry said. “He worked his tail off during the week to rehab and be ready. When we got out on Sunday and when we took him through the pregame workout, it became obvious to all of us that he couldn’t throw or drive the ball well enough to perform in the game.

“It just wasn’t at a level where we felt comfortable that he could ultimately perform the duties of his position.”

RAMS: Receiver Cooper Kupp is returning to practice this week after missing the first four games of the season with a hamstring injury.

The Super Bowl 56 MVP entered the 21-day window for activation from injured reserve along with rookie linebacker Ochaun Mathis, who also hasn’t played this season. The Rams (2-2) host Philadelphia on Sunday.

The 30-year-old Kupp strained his hamstring early in training camp and aggravated it in late August. He began this season on the injured list after also missing the final eight games of last season with an ankle injury.

Kupp won the NFL’s triple crown of receiving in 2021, catching 145 passes for 1,947 yards — the second-highest total in league history — and 16 touchdowns. He had 75 receptions for 812 yards and six TDs last season before his injury.

FALCONS: The Atlanta Falcons signed defensive lineman Eli Ankou to their active roster.

Wide receiver Josh Ali was placed on injured reserve after missing last week’s game against Jacksonville in London with an ankle injury.

Ankou has 43 tackles and 2 1/2 sacks in 33 games with Jacksonville, Cleveland, Dallas and Buffalo. Ankou, a native of Ottawa, Ontario, was with the Falcons for the 2021 training camp.

SEAHAWKS: Safety Jamal Adams apologized to the unaffiliated on-field neurologist who assisted in the concussion diagnosis that sidelined Adams in the first quarter of last Monday’s game against the New York Giants.

Adams was injured when he went to tackle New York quarterback Daniel Jones and was hit in the head by Jones’ knee. Adams had to be helped off the field and after being examined in a tent on the sideline was seen yelling at the on-field neurologist before being taken to the locker room.

“You did everything right when you realized I was concussed, I apologize for any negative energy I brought your way,” Adams posted on social media. “Watching the replay, I am thankful for your patience knowing I wasn’t myself in that moment. You’re a real one and serve a great purpose that benefits the NFL and so many players.”

Adams was playing in his first game in more than a year after suffering a torn quadriceps tendon in the 2022 season opener. Seattle Coach Pete Carroll said should Adams clear concussion protocol he should be available when the Seahawks return to action on Oct. 15 at Cincinnati.

Copy the Story Link

« Previous

MLB notebook: GM Preller says Melvin will be back as manager of the underwhelming Padres

Next »

With Christian Gonzalez out for season, Patriots trade for J.C. Jackson