Packers’ Nelson done for season
The Green Bay Packers’ worst fears about the severity of receiver Jordy Nelson’s knee injury have come true.
The team said Monday that the star receiver suffered a “significant right knee injury” that would cost him the season. Nelson was injured Sunday in a preseason game at Pittsburgh.
“It’s difficult to lose a guy like that in a meaningless game,” Packers QB Aaron Rodgers said after the loss to the Steelers.
Nelson had 13 touchdown catches last year and 43 over the last four seasons.
Patriots welcome Wayne
NFL Network confirmed veteran wide receiver Reggie Wayne agreed to terms on a one-year deal with the New England Patriots. Wayne, who turns 37 in November, caught 64 passes for 779 yards in 2014 for the Colts. Wayne is seventh in NFL career receptions (1,070) and eighth in yardage (14,345).
Hoyer named starter
Brian Hoyer was named the Texans’ starting quarterback. Hoyer had been competing with Ryan Mallett for the job.
Coach Bill O’Brien announced the decision, saying Hoyer won the job because of his composure and consistency. Hoyer started 13 games for the Cleveland Browns last season before signing with the Texans in the offseason.
Winston scores in win
Jameis Winston scored a 1-yard touchdown run and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers beat the Cincinnati Bengals 25-11.
Winston was 3-of-3 passing for 27 yards, leading an 80-yard scoring drive that set the tone for a tough night for the Bengals, who yielded 52 yards rushing to Doug Martin along the way.
Quick Kicks
Jets QB Geno Smith practiced for the first time since being sidelined with a broken jaw after a teammate punched him two weeks ago. Smith, unlikely to participate in any drills for the next few weeks, wore a red no-contact No. 7 jersey. … DL Jeremiah Ratliff of the Bears was suspended without pay for the first three games of the season for violating the substance-abuse policy. … Todd Gurley was cleared to practice with the Rams, but the 10th overall pick in the draft still won’t play in the preseason. He is rehabbing left knee surgery that ended his college career. … The NFL says Terrell Suggs’ hit on Sam Bradford’s knees Saturday wasn’t illegal and shouldn’t have been a penalty. Suggs was called for roughing the passer after a low hit on Bradford.