Struggling Jets add veteran QB Siemian to practice squad
The New York Jets are adding veteran quarterback Trevor Siemian to the practice squad, according to a person with knowledge of the decision.
The move Tuesday is pending a physical for the 31-year-old Siemian, the person told The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the team hadn't announced the signing.
ESPN first reported the team's plans to add Siemian, who will give the Jets an experienced backup for embattled starter Zach Wilson.
Wilson has struggled since taking over for Aaron Rodgers, who tore his left Achilles tendon four snaps into his debut with New York.
Wilson has two touchdown passes and four interceptions with a 52.4% completion rate and is averaging just 5.6 yards per pass.
After the Jets' 15-10 loss to the New England Patriots on Sunday dropped them to 1-2, coach Robert Saleh insisted the team was sticking with Wilson because “right now, he's who gives us the best chance to win.”
That didn't sit well with fans — including Pro Football Hall of Famer Joe Namath, who said during an interview on “The Michael Kay Show” on 98.7 ESPN New York on Monday that “I've seen enough of Zach Wilson.”
During his weekly appearance on “The Pat Mcafee Show” on Tuesday, Rodgers said the Jets “need to hold our poise,” referring to some sideline blowups between a few players and coaches during the game Sunday.
He said the offense needs to “grow up a little bit” and also implored fans to not lose faith in the team this early in the season.
“Let's just take a couple of breaths and I'm not going to say we need to relax,” a smiling Rodgers said, referring to one of his often-quoted lines when he was in Green Bay.
Williams inquiry focused on drugs
Police are investigating the death of former NFL player Mike Williams in Tampa, Fla., after getting information that he may have received unprescribed drugs from someone while hospitalized after a construction site accident.
The Tampa Police Department said in an email Tuesday that the probe involves “unprescribed narcotics by an outside party.” Williams died Sept. 12 at St. Joseph's Hospital in Tampa at age 36, two weeks after he was injured in a construction accident that left him partially paralyzed. “We take all allegations of criminal activity seriously, and detectives are working tirelessly on this active investigation,” the Tampa police email said. The investigation was first reported by the Tampa Bay Times.
The Hillsborough County Medical Examiner's office is also investigating the death.
Warrant issues for CB Jackson
An arrest warrant has been issued for Los Angeles Chargers cornerback J.C. Jackson after he failed to appear for a court hearing on traffic charges in Massachusetts.
According to a court docket, Jackson was supposed to appear in Attleboro District Court last Friday related to reckless driving and speeding charges from 2021, when he played for the New England Patriots.
Chargers coach Brandon Staley said Monday the team is aware of the matter, but said he didn't know if the team would take any disciplinary action against Jackson.
“It's a private matter for J.C. and he is working through it,” Staley said.
Falcons place LB Andersen on IR
The Atlanta Falcons lost a starter from the middle of their defense for at least four weeks on Tuesday when they placed linebacker Troy Andersen on injured reserve with a shoulder injury.
Andersen suffered the injury in Sunday's 20-6 loss at the Detroit Lions. Coach Arthur Smith on Monday said “it's certainly possible” Andersen will miss the remainder of the season.