Monday buzz: Jets going with Petty rest of the way
Check back throughout the day for all the latest quick-hit news from around the league:
Jets turn to Petty
Second-year quarterback Bryce Petty replaced Ryan Fitzpatrick during the New York Jets' Monday night blowout loss to the Indianapolis Colts, a move that will apparently be permanent.
Jets coach Todd Bowles made the announcement after a 41-10 defeat that officially eliminated the Jets from the AFC playoff picture.
"The plan was for us to start him the last four games anyway, so we just started a half early," Bowles said of the 25-year-old quarterback. "We could have won 45-0, he was going to start the last four games. ... That’s the slot we have penciled for him, that’s a good time to take a look at him."
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Petty and rookie Christian Hackenberg, who has not taken a snap in 2016, are the only quarterbacks the team has under contract for 2017.
"It's a great opportunity for me," Petty said. "Obviously, I didn't want it to be this way. I would much rather us be ... on the brink of making the playoffs. But what I do know is that opportunities are few and far between in this league so you've got to capitalize on any chance you get. And I'm going to work my ass off."
Broncos claim RB Forsett
The Denver Broncos have added depth at running back in the form of veteran Justin Forsett.
The 31-year-old was released by the Detroit Lions last week after being dropped by the Baltimore Ravens earlier in the season. In 2014, he had his most productive season in the NFL (1,266 rushing yards) under then-Ravens offensive coordinator Gary Kubiak, who left to become the Broncos head coach the following year.
Elsewhere for the Broncos, quarterback Trevor Siemian was out of a walking boot Monday after missing Sunday's game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Gruesome knee injury for Bucs WR
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Cecil Shorts suffered what appears to be a devastating knee injury.
Shorts told ESPN that he tore three knee ligaments (anterior cruciate, posterior cruciate and medial collateral) on Sunday against the San Diego Chargers.
Shorts had 11 catches for 152 yards this season.
Zimmer returns to Vikings
Mike Zimmer is back at work with the Minnesota Vikings after undergoing emergency eye surgery to repair a detached retina.
Zimmer missed the Vikings' 17-15 loss to the Dallas Cowboys last Thursday. Special teams coordinator Mike Priefer took over the head coaching role in Zimmer's absence.
Vikings players have Monday off. Zimmer is scheduled to meet with the media on Wednesday.
Maclin recovering, but status uncertain
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Jeremy Maclin is hoping to play Thursday against the Oakland Raiders after missing the last four games with a groin injury, but his status remains uncertain.
"I don't know," Chiefs coach Andy Reid said of Maclin's availability. "He's making improvement."
The Chiefs rank 21st in passing offense and have just 14 touchdowns through the air but will be facing a Raiders team that ranks 29th in total defense.
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