IRVING, Texas — The NFL is reviewing a play on which Cowboys tackle Flozell Adams shoved Giants defensive end Justin Tuck in the back. It could result in a fine for Adams or even a suspension.
“Any altercation of that nature is reviewed for discipline,” NFL spokesman Randall Liu confirmed Monday.
Adams has a history of run- ins with New York, including Week 2 this season when Tuck injured his shoulder after being tripped by Adams. The NFL fined Adams $12,500 for two plays in that game, and he was also fined for incidents in the games immediately before and after that.
Video clearly shows Adams shoving Tuck in the back at the end of the first half in New York’s 31-24 victory Sunday. There was then a small melee involving players from both teams on the New York sideline, and Adams was given a personal foul penalty though no yardage was marked off against Dallas at the start of the second half.
Tomlin ready for change
PITTSBURGH — Citing “a pattern of behavior that’s unacceptable” during a four-game slump, Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said lineup changes will be made for Thursday’s game at Cleveland.
Rookie cornerback Joe Burnett is expected to start for the oft-beaten William Gay, who suffered a concussion late in Sunday’s surprising 27-24 loss to the Raiders.
Another rookie cornerback, Keenan Lewis, plus defensive end Ziggy Hood and wide receiver Mike Wallace, also might earn elevated status for the Browns. Wallace is expected to start if Hines Ward (hamstring) can’t go, which seems likely given the short week.
“We can’t stay status quo in terms of how we’re approaching this and expect the pattern of behavior or outcome to change,” Tomlin said. “That’s unrealistic. That’s hoping. This is not a hope business.”
Sanchez willing if not able
FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — Mark Sanchez did not practice while recovering from a sprained right knee, but Jets coach Rex Ryan is optimistic about the rookie quarterback’s chances of playing Sunday at Tampa Bay.
Sanchez was injured while diving for a first down in New York’s 19-13 win over Buffalo on Thursday night.
“He’s so much better,” Ryan said. “We thought we were going to get good news from the MRI. We did. Just the way he’s approaching his treatment and rehab and everything else, you can tell he is definitely willing.”
Footnotes.
Rams safety O.J. Atogwe could miss the rest of the season because of a dislocated right shoulder.
• Browns defensive lineman C.J. Mosley is done for the season with a leg injury.
• The Bills re-signed former University of Colorado tight end Joe Klopfenstein two weeks after he was released by the team.
The Associated Press
