JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Jaguars offensive tackle Richard Collier remained in critical condition Wednesday, a day after getting shot in the front seat of his Cadillac Escalade.
The Jaguars, meanwhile, returned to practice still thinking about their teammate who was fighting for his life less than 2 miles away.
Collier, 26, and former teammate Kenneth Pettway were waiting for two women outside an apartment complex early Tuesday when a gunman fired into the vehicle, according to the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office.
Collier was shot several times, but it was unclear where the lineman was hit. Pettway was not injured.
Collier had surgery at Shands Jacksonville Medical Center, and updates on his condition have been scarce because family members requested privacy. Coach Jack Del Rio said Collier was still in critical condition.
“The only thing we really know right now is to wait on time,” linebacker Clint Ingram said. “I’m really not in a position to go into it and tell what’s going on. I do know a few small details that I’d rather keep to myself.”
Brady expected to play
FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — Patriots coach Bill Belichick said he expects Tom Brady to be ready Sunday for the season opener against Kansas City after the NFL’s reigning MVP missed all four exhibition games.
“He’s practicing this week and I expect he’ll be ready to go,” Belichick said.
Asked if that meant that the quarterback, who has had an injured right foot, would play, Belichick said: “He’s been practicing all week. I expect him to be out there today, and I expect him to be out there the rest of the week.”
Lewis gives Ocho Cinco advice
CINCINNATI — At some of his lowest points in the offseason, Bengals receiver Chad Ocho Cinco would get a call from his father figure in Baltimore, ready to suggest a Bible verse and some advice.
Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis told the receiver that he needed to change. Instead of being unhappy with his team, Lewis told him he needed to be grateful to be in the NFL.
“That was the same message I relayed to him and a couple of other guys around the league that were going through the same thing,” Lewis said.
The Pro Bowl receiver has changed. He’s been more upbeat around his teammates. He’s worked through an ankle operation that slowed him at the start of training camp and an injury to his left shoulder in the second preseason game.
“He’s my spiritual father when I’m having problems,” the receiver said. “Ray has been there for me through everything. Ray is really the only reason I’ve somewhat shut up and calmed down.”
It’s unclear whether the receiver will have his new name or the old one on his uniform Sunday for the season opener in Baltimore. Coach Marvin Lewis said it’s up to the NFL to decide what name goes on his uniform.
“It’s not a stunt,” Lewis said. “He changed his name. It’s a legal document.”
Footnotes.
Panthers backup quarterback Matt Moore is out indefinitely after he broke his fibula attempting to push off on his leg.
• Receiver Deion Branch is testing his surgically reconstructed knee in practice for the first time this week to see if he can play in the Seahawks’ season opener Sunday against the Bills.
• Quarterback Brett Favre was voted one of the Jets’ offensive captains despite being with the team for less than a month.
The Associated Press
