NEW YORK JETS

NEW YORK JETS

CB Skrine could miss game with concussion

FLORHAM PARK, N.J.

The New York Jets’ secondary might be down a starter against the Atlanta Falcons.

Cornerback Buster Skrine has a concussion and his status is uncertain for the game Sunday at MetLife Stadium.

It is the third known concussion in just over two years for Skrine, who was injured last Sunday at Miami but finished the game.

“He came in Monday morning and they diagnosed him then,” coach Todd Bowles said Wednesday.

Skrine has started all seven games this season opposite Morris Claiborne in the Jets’ base defense, but is also the team’s primary nickel back when it goes with a five-defensive back look. He had a rough performance against the Dolphins, having a role in allowing three touchdowns while also being called for three penalties.

Xavier Coleman, Skrine’s backup at nickel back, was placed on injured reserve Wednesday with a shoulder injury.

The Jets promoted cornerback Robert Nelson from the practice squad, but it’s unclear who might fill Skrine’s role in the nickel spot.

CAROLINA PANTHERS

LB Kuechly returns to practice, may play

CHARLOTTE, N.C.

Panthers middle linebacker Luke Kuechly practiced in full pads and coach Ron Rivera says he’s on pace to play Sunday against the Buccaneers.

Kuechly participated in all of practice Wednesday but has not yet been cleared from the NFL concussion protocol, Rivera said. The league’s NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 2013 is expected to meet with independent physicians later this week. However, the fact he practiced without any restrictions is a positive sign for Carolina.

Kuechly, a three-time All-Pro, suffered his third concussion in three seasons in a Thursday night game against the Philadelphia Eagles on Oct. 12.

He sat out Sunday’s game against the Bears.

Safety Kurt Coleman also returned to practice full Wednesday after missing the last three games with a knee injury.

CHICAGO BEARS

Source: WR Inman headed to Chicago

COSTA MESA, Calif.

A source with knowledge of the deal says the Los Angeles Chargers have agreed to trade receiver Dontrelle Inman to the Chicago Bears for a seventh-round pick.

The source spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity Wednesday because the paperwork on the trade was still being completed.

Inman has spent four seasons with the Chargers, catching 107 passes for 1,463 yards and seven touchdowns. He played every game last season in San Diego.

This season he was set back by a May sports hernia surgery.

“He got hurt and never really got a good chance to see him and some other guys stepped ahead of him,” said Chargers coach Anthony Lynn.

“We just wanted to get him someplace where he can be happy and play football.”

DETROIT LIONS

Veteran kicker Prater inks contract extension

ALLEN PARK, Mich.

Matt Prater is under contract with the Detroit Lions through the 2020 season.

The standout kicker signed a three-year extension Wednesday.

Prater says it’s a relief to get the deal done because the security allows him to continue to call Detroit home.

Lions general manager Bob Quinn says Prater has proven to be one of the NFL’s best kickers since coming to Detroit three years ago.

Denver cut ties with Prater in 2014 just as he was about to come off a four-game suspension for violating the NFL’s substance-abuse program. He had a DUI arrest in 2011.

Prater says he does not drink anymore and has submitted weekly urine samples as part of the substance-abuse program for four-plus years.

Associated Press