Denver Broncos

Denver Broncos

Rookie RB Lindsay needs wrist surgery

ENGLEWOOD, Colo.

Broncos coach Vance Joseph says rookie running back Phillip Lindsay needs an operation on his injured right wrist and the recovery could take up to four months.

Lindsay, the first undrafted offensive player ever to earn a Pro Bowl selection, got hurt Monday night in Oakland shortly after surpassing 1,000 yards rushing.

His teammates said they’ll miss the energy and enthusiasm Lindsay brings when the Broncos (6-9) host the Chargers (11-4) Sunday in their season finale.

Undrafted after a stellar career at the University of Colorado, Lindsay signed with his hometown team and rushed for 1,037 yards and nine touchdowns with a 5.4-yard average.

New York Jets

Johnson held out for ’in-house matter’

FLORHAM PARK, N.J.

New York Jets cornerback Trumaine Johnson was held out of practice for what coach Todd Bowles calls “an in-house matter.”

Both Bowles and Johnson declined after practice Wednesday to discuss details of their conversation, saying only that it was between them. Johnson says he expects to return to practice Thursday and play at New England in the season finale Sunday.

Johnson is listed on the team’s first injury report of the week as having not practiced with the reason being “not injury related.”

Tennessee Titans

Mariota still out, hopes to play vs. Colts

NASHVILLE, Tenn.

Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota says he’s doing “everything in my power” to be available Sunday night against Indianapolis with a playoff berth on the line for the winner.

Mariota did not practice Wednesday with what the Titans listed as neck and foot injuries. Mariota was hurt on a sack late in the first half of Tennessee’s win over Washington last weekend.

On his weekly radio appearance earlier Wednesday, Mariota said the hit left his whole right side “numb and tingly.”

Blaine Gabbert stayed on the field after practice getting in some extra work.

League

ESPN: MNF ratings up 8 percent over 2017

BRISTOL, Conn.

ESPN’s “Monday Night Football” posted an 8 percent increase over last season, and remained the most-watched series on cable.

The 17-game prime-time package averaged 11.647 million viewers compared to 10.788 million last season and 11.390 million in 2016. The most-watched game was the Nov. 17 matchup between Kansas City and the Los Angeles Rams, which attracted 16.7 million viewers.

Associated Press