NEW YORK (AP) — The New York Jets released offensive lineman Spencer Long on Tuesday, saving the team almost $6.5 million on next season's salary cap.
Long was due a $3 million roster bonus that would have become guaranteed Wednesday if he remained with the team. The Jets opted instead to cut him after he struggled with injuries and consistency at center before moving to left guard.
FLORHAM PARK, N.J. (AP) — Spencer Long was frustrated, angry and thoroughly embarrassed.
He had gone from being the leader of the New York Jets' offensive line to an unexpected punchline.
Long was all over the blooper reels and social media — the center who simply couldn't snap the football.
"It was a tough, challenging time that I don't think a lot of people knew exactly what was going on," Long told The Associated Press on Friday. "My reputation was on the line."
The Latest from Week 13 of the NFL season (all times Eastern):
5:35 p.m.
The New York Jets are halfway to possibly ending a five-game losing streak.
The Jets lead the Tennessee Titans 16-6 at halftime thanks to three field goals from Jason Myers and a 31-yard interception return by Trumaine Johnson.
New York blocked a punt to set up one of Myers' field goals, and Henry Anderson blocked an extra point attempt inside in the final minute of the first half.
FLORHAM PARK, N.J. (AP) — The New York Jets placed left guard James Carpenter on the injured reserve list Wednesday with a shoulder injury, ending the season for one of the team's most reliable players.
Carpenter had started in 58 straight games since signing with the Jets as a free agent in 2015 until missing New York's 27-13 loss to New England last Sunday.
MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (AP) — Snapping the ball was a challenge Sunday for the New York Jets, and things didn't get any better after that.
Center Spencer Long reinjured a finger and had half-dozen off-target shotgun hikes, which compounded problems for quarterback Sam Darnold. He threw four interceptions — including a pick-six after he snared a high snap — and the Jets never reached the end zone in a 13-6 loss to the Miami Dolphins.
FLORHAM PARK, N.J. (AP) — All eyes will be on Sam Darnold when the New York Jets open their season against the Detroit Lions.
But the five big guys lined up in front of him will play a major role in the success — or failure — of the rookie quarterback and his offense Monday night.
ASHBURN, Va. (AP) — Add left guard Shawn Lauvao and center Spencer Long to the ever-growing list of Washington Redskins done for the season because they're hurt.
Redskins coach Jay Gruden announced Tuesday that Long needs surgery on a quadriceps tendon and will be headed to injured reserve.
Later in the day, the team issued a news release saying that Lauvao would join him there because of a stinger, leaving Washington (4-6) without two-fifths of its starting offensive line.
The Washington Redskins will be without three of their five starting offensive linemen Sunday against the Seattle Seahawks.
Redskins center Spencer Long (knee), guard Shaun Lauvao (stinger) and tackle Trent Williams (knee) are inactive for Sunday's game. Washington also won't have starting wide receiver Jamison Crowder (hamstring), tight end Jordan Reed (hamstring) and defensive lineman Matt Ioannidis (hand).
ASHBURN, Va. (AP) — The Washington Redskins will be without center Spencer Long against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday, and without linebacker Mason Foster for longer than that.
Long has a knee injury, and Foster is set to have surgery on his right shoulder. On Saturday, the Redskins placed Foster on injured reserve and waived running back Mack Brown, signing offensive linemen Orlando Franklin and Arie Kouandjio.
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Washington Redskins' injury situation is so bad that coach Jay Gruden would rather give players an extra day off than practice and possibly make it worse.
ASHBURN, Va. (AP) — Trent Williams was glad to be talking about practice. He was happy to back on the football field.
Washington's left tackle is back after serving a four-game suspension for violating the NFL's substance abuse policy, and his return could not have come at a more opportune time for the banged-up Redskins (6-5-1). Washington faces a crucial stretch beginning Sunday at the Philadelphia Eagles and can use the boost on its offensive line.
Washington Redskins safety Will Blackmon and center Spencer Long are going through the NFL's concussion protocol after being injured in a loss Sunday to the Arizona Cardinals.
Coach Jay Gruden announced the player updates on a conference call Monday.
Blackmon's departure from Washington's 31-23 loss at Arizona meant more duty for Duke Ihenacho in the secondary. Long's injury opened the door for the debut of Redskins veteran center John Sullivan.
ASHBURN, Va. (AP) — Washington Redskins running back Matt Jones was held out of practice Wednesday with a knee injury.
Coach Jay Gruden says Jones reported soreness while moving laterally and pain when cutting. It's unclear how the injury will affect Jones' availability for the Redskins' game Sunday against the Cincinnati Bengals in London.