ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. — It’s lights out for Shawne Merriman in Buffalo after the Bills cut the one-time star pass rusher Monday.
ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. — It’s lights out for Shawne Merriman in Buffalo after the Bills cut the one-time star pass rusher Monday.
General manager Buddy Nix said the decision was based in part on the potential the Bills saw in two younger players who had been competing with Merriman for the fourth defensive end spot.
Though Nix wouldn’t say which two players were competing for the roster spot left open by Merriman’s release, the Bills’ latest depth chart had Robert Eddins move up into the backup position behind Mario Williams.
Kyle Moore, a third-year player signed off Detroit’s practice squad last November, has also looked impressive through the first month of training camp.
Nix said Merriman’s health wasn’t an issue and added he made the move now to provide the player a better chance to sign with another team.
Colts confirm Collie
sustained concussion
INDIANAPOLIS — Colts receiver Austin Collie could return to the football field later this week after being diagnosed with yet another concussion.
Collie told team officials that he “felt good” when he returned to the team complex Monday, but coach Chuck Pagano told reporters later Monday that the four-year veteran would not play again until passing a series of tests.
The fourth-year player was injured in the first quarter of Sunday night’s 26-24 loss at Pittsburgh after taking a blow to the head from Steelers linebacker Larry Foote.
It’s the third time since November 2010 that Collie has left a game because he had a concussion.
Cowboys WR Dez Bryant
injures right knee
SAN DIEGO — Dallas Cowboys receiver Dez Bryant will be treated for tendinitis in his right knee after an MRI revealed no tear to a ligament or tendon.
Bryant injured his knee during a joint practice Monday with the San Diego Chargers.
The Cowboys say Bryant will be evaluated on a day-to-day basis. No timetable has been set for his return to practice.
Receiver Andre Holmes has a low back strain.
Titans pick Locker
over Hasselbeck
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The Tennessee Titans aren’t waiting any longer: Jake Locker is their starting quarterback.
Titans coach Mike Munchak said Monday that Locker will start this season over veteran Matt Hasselbeck, choosing to go with the passer Tennessee hopes to build around after drafting Locker out of Washington in April 2011.
Munchak announced the decision after practice, saying Locker gives the Titans their best chance to win the AFC South as their quarterback this season and hopefully for many seasons to come.
No alcohol, illegal
drugs in Seau’s system
SAN DIEGO — No alcohol or illegal drugs were found in Junior Seau’s system when he shot and killed himself at his home in May, authorities said Monday.
The full autopsy results were released by the San Diego County medical examiner’s office in a 16-page report for the former NFL linebacker who was found by his girlfriend with a single gunshot wound to his chest.
Seau did have Zolpidem, often found in the sleeping aid Ambien, and traces of the anti-inflammatory drug naproxen in his system when he died that were “consistent with therapeutic use,” wrote Deputy Medical Examiner Craig Nelson.
The autopsy showed no underlying hemorrhaging or contusions on Seau’s brain, which appeared to be normal. His family has donated some of his brain tissue for research amid questions about whether any damage from his 20-year football career played some factor in his suicide.
Tannehill chosen
Dolphins’ starting QB
DAVIE, Fla. — With his NFL debut still more than two weeks away, Ryan Tannehill can already boast of an achievement unprecedented among Miami Dolphins quarterbacks: He won a starting job in his first training camp.
New coach Joe Philbin gave Tannehill the job Monday, meaning the Dolphins will have a rookie QB start a season opener for the first time when they play at Houston on Sept. 9.
Not even Pro Football Hall of Famers Dan Marino or Bob Griese started the first game of their rookie season.
Tannehill beat out Matt Moore, who started the final 12 games last year.