NFL notes: Buccaneers choose Glennon over Freeman
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have benched quarterback Josh Freeman and replaced him with rookie Mike Glennon.
The move Wednesday came two days after coach Greg Schiano insisted Freeman remained the starter because he gave the team the best chance to win.
The winless Bucs have lost their first three games, two on field goals in the closing seconds. Freeman has completed just 45.7 percent of his passes for 571 yards, two touchdowns and three interceptions.
Glennon was drafted in the third round out of North Carolina State, where he spent part of his college career as a backup to Russell Wilson. He will make his first pro start Sunday at home against Arizona.
After setting single-season team records for passing yards and points scored in 2012, the Bucs have scored just three offensive touchdowns through three games – none in the past seven quarters.
Freeman’s completion percentage and quarterback rating (59.3) are last in the league, and Tampa Bay has lost eight of its past nine games dating to last season.
Freeman had a pair of potential touchdown passes dropped in a 23-3 loss at New England, and finished 19 of 41 for 236 yards and one interception.
Ex-player Douglas arrested in Conn.
Connecticut police say former NFL player Hugh Douglas has denied charges that he assaulted his girlfriend and told investigators that marks on her neck were from rough sex.
The 42-year-old former defensive end with the New York Jets, Philadelphia and Jackson- ville was charged with strang- ulation and assault early Sunday at a Hartford, Conn., hotel. Douglas posted $50,000 bail and is due in court Oct. 21.
Around the league
Former San Diego Chargers and University of Georgia defensive back Paul Oliver, was found dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound at his home in Marietta, Ga., Tuesday night, a medical examiner said. Oliver was only 29 years old. … Houston OLB Whitney Mercilus says he’s been fined $15,000 for a helmet- to-chin hit on Baltimore QB Joe Flacco. … Dallas WR Dez Bryant was fined $7,875 by the NFL for a throat-slashing gesture that resulted in an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty last week against St. Louis. … Pittsburgh rookie RB Le’Veon Bell will make his regular-season debut on Sunday. Bell hasn’t played since spraining his right foot in an exhibition game against Washington on Aug. 19. … Miami DE Cameron Wake (left knee) practiced on a limited basis and hopes to play Monday at New Orleans. … Detroit RB Reggie Bush was back on the practice field just a few days after missing a game with a banged-up left knee. … Minnesota QB Christian Ponder (rib injury) is questionable for Sunday’s game in London against Pittsburgh. … Oakland QB Terrelle Pryor is not practicing for the Raiders two days after suffering a concussion late in a loss to Denver. Backup Matt Flynn worked with the first-team offense in practice. … Cleveland QB Brian Hoyer will make his second straight start this week against Cincinnati. Hoyer, who leapfrogged backup Jason Campbell against the Vikings, is filling in for an injured Brandon Weeden.