Wednesday NFL buzz: Nick Foles to start for Chiefs vs. Jaguars
Check back throughout the day for all of the latest quick-hit news:
Big Ben practices
Less than two weeks after undergoing meniscus surgery, Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger was a limited participant in Wednesday's practice. Coach Mike Tomlin has indicated Big Ben has a chance to play in Week 9 after missing his previous start.
The team has lost two in a row after a 4-1 start and is falling behind in the race for a playoff bye even though it continues to lead the AFC North.
The Steelers visit the archrival Baltimore Ravens on Sunday.
Foles to start for Chiefs
The Kansas City Chiefs will start Nick Foles at quarterback on Sunday against the Jacksonville Jaguars, as Alex Smith has been ruled out for the week.
Foles stepped in last week against the Indianapolis Colts when Smith was sidelined after his head hit the ground. Smith was originally ruled out with a concussion, but the Chiefs later said that designation was inaccurate and the result of a miscommunication.
On Wednesday, Chiefs coach Andy Reid maintained that Smith had not suffered a concussion but was still going through the "return to play" protocol. Smith said that he believed "something" happened but said it was not a concussion.
Foles completed 16 of 22 passes for 223 yards and two touchdowns against the Colts.
No discipline for Huff
PHILADELPHIA - Eagles coach Doug Pederson said wide receiver Josh Huff is practicing and “as of right now” will play this Sunday when the Eagles face the New York Giants.
Huff was arrested Tuesday morning after he was stopped for speeding on the New Jersey side of the Walt Whitman Bridge. Police found marijuana, a gun and hollow-point bullets. Huff reportedly is not licensed to carry a gun in New Jersey.
Pederson said he’s “disappointed” in Huff, but plans no disciplinary action at this point.
“Nothing changes right now,” Pederson said. “Again, it’s out of our hands. It’s a legal matter right now. We’ll get more information.”
Pederson said he spoke to Huff privately and that the wide receiver was “very dejected, very apologetic … and said it won’t happen again.” He also spoke to the team about making the right choices.
“It’s how we handle our business,” Pederson said he told them. “You make poor choices in life, you’re going to make poor choices on the football field. If it’s a constant thing, then eventually you suffer the consequences … I just know who I am as a person and I try to relay that to the team. Hey guys, the spotlight is on us. In this city, in this market, the spotlight is on everything that we do. You have to be smart. You have to make right choices. You just have to do things differently … because everything is magnified. Once they leave here, it’s the hardest thing to control.”
Pederson said the NFL has not contacted him yet about the incident but expects to hear from the league at some point.
- Martin Frank, The (Wilmington, Del.) News Journal.
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