Redskins to hold QB Griffin out of game
An independent neurologist wants Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III to be retested before returning to the field from a concussion.
The Redskins had announced Thursday that Griffin, who was diagnosed with a shoulder stinger and concussion after repeated hits at Detroit last week, was cleared to play in the Redskins’ preseason game Saturday in Baltimore against the Ravens.
However, Dr. Robert Kurtzke said Friday in a statement: “Upon further scrutiny today of the neuropsychology data, I agree with the neuropsychologist that he should be held from game play this weekend and be retested in one to two weeks before a firm conclusion to return to game play can be made.”
Cowboys OT Dill suspended four games
Dallas Cowboys offensive tackle R.J. Dill has been suspended for the first four games of the season due to a violation of the NFL’s policy on performance-enhancing drugs.
The suspension was reported Friday by Ian Rapoport of NFL Media, and the NFL Players Association then released a statement from Dill explaining the circumstances.
Dill, 25, was undrafted out of Rutgers in 2013 and had short stints with the Jacksonville Jaguars, New England Patriots, Kansas City Chiefs and St. Louis Rams. He had signed with the Cowboys in January.
In his statement, Dill explained the positive test: “In August 2014, I thought my dream of playing in the NFL was over, and I began to transition away from professional football. During these months away from football, I noticed a drastic change in my energy and activity levels, so I saw my doctor, and blood tests revealed that my testosterone levels were very low. My doctor suggested that I undergo testosterone replacement therapy, and I accepted the recommended treatment. I completed one round of testosterone replacement therapy in November 2014, and almost immediately I felt like my old self again. At this time I was not under contract with any NFL team, nor was I actively pursuing an NFL career.”
Dill said the Cowboys called in January and he began training for the 2015 season. Then the NFL called in May and told him he had failed a drug test.
Patriots TE Bequette put on IR
The New England Patriots placed tight end Jake Bequette on injured reserve Friday.
The Patriots moved Bequette to tight end from defensive end this spring before he sustained an injury two weeks ago.
The 26-year-old Bequette was drafted in the third round in 2012 out of Arkansas by the Patriots and saw action in eight games during his first two seasons in New England. He spent last year on the Patriots’ practice squad.
Dodgers place OF Puig on 15-day DL
The Los Angeles Dodgers placed outfielder Yasiel Puig on the 15-day disabled list Friday and recalled infielder Jose Peraza from Triple-A Oklahoma City.
Puig has been out with a right hamstring strain since Aug. 19. Manager Don Mattingly had said the strain was “very mild” and Puig was not expected to go on the disabled list.
This is his second DL stint this season; he was out from April 26 to June 6 with a left hamstring strain.
Puig is hitting .256 with 11 home runs and 38 RBIs this season.