Redskins coach Jay Gruden told reporters Thursday that if Colt McCoy was cleared by team doctors after suffering an aggravated nerve in his neck last week in a 24-0 loss to the St. Louis Rams, he would start Sunday against the Giants. Gruden, who has reportedly had a season-long feud with management over playing Robert Griffin III, will keep his word.
After taking all the first-team snaps in practice Friday, McCoy was given the thumbs-up by team doctors and will reportedly get the starting nod, sending RG III back to the bench.
At his Friday press conference, Gruden expounded on why McCoy is his guy.
“When you look at the total package, his (McCoy’s) decision-making is the best right now (of the Redskins’ quarterbacks) because he’s been in the NFL the longest,” Gruden said. “His ability to see coverage and get the ball out I think it sets him above the other guys a little bit. He’s a tough guy and a good leader. The players respond to him.”
STANTON SUFFERS KNEE SPRAIN
After leaving Thursday night’s game against the Rams with an injured knee, Arizona Cardinals quarterback Drew Stanton will not need surgery the team reported Friday morning. Cardinals coach Bruce Arians said Stanton’s possible return would be a week-to-week decision. Stanton was replaced in Arizona’s 12-6 win over the Rams by third-year back-up Ryan Lindley. Lindley was bad in the game, going 4-for-10 passing for just 30 yards.
However, thanks to a pick by St. Louis corner Janoris Jenkins that was overturned upon review, Lindley and the Cardinals were able to hold on for the victory. Rookie quarterback Logan Thomas from Virginia Tech was listed as the No. 2 going into Thursday night’s game, but never saw the field.
Lindley has appeared in seven games for the Cardinals in the last two seasons, with a 51.4 completion percentage, no touchdowns and seven interceptions. Stanton is the second Cardinals quarterback to go down this season against the Rams. On Nov. 9, Carson Palmer tore his ACL while evading a sack just two days after signing a three-year, $50 million extension with the Cardinals.
FINES COME DOWN HARD
Jacksonville Jaguars linebacker Telvin Smith, Redskins safety Ryan Clark and defensive tackle Frank Kearse, Kansas City Chiefs lineback Tamba Hali, New Orleans Saints linebacker Curtis Lofton and Carolina Panthers tight end Brandon Williams will all be a little lighter in the wallet this week.
Smith was fined $22,050 for illegal contact of a defenseless player after knocking Houston Texans wide receiver Andre Johnson out of their game last week.
Clark will also be $22,050 lighter after being fined for the same infraction on a hit on Rams tight end Jared Cook. Kearse was fined $8,268 for facemasking Rams QB Shaun Hill.
Hali will be forced to cough up $16,537 for roughing Cardinals QB Drew Stanton. Lofton and Williams will both surrender $82,680 for their part in the Saints-Panthers brawl that spilled over into the tunnels of the Superdome last Sunday.
