Dolphins’ Olivier Vernon is fined for hit on Titans QB Marcus Mariota

Miami Dolphins defensive end Olivier Vernon said he has been fined by the NFL for a late, low hit on Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota and plans to appeal.

Vernon declined to say Wednesday how much he was fined. He hit the Tennessee rookie’s knee Sunday and was criticized afterward by Titans Coach Ken Whisenhunt, who said it appeared Vernon was trying to hurt Mariota.

Mariota suffered a sprain of the medial collateral ligament in his left knee but didn’t miss a snap. He finished the game with a brace on his knee and didn’t practice Wednesday.

Mariota said he would wear a brace Sunday against the Atlanta Falcons if he must. He also said his chances of playing are pretty good, and he’s keeping up with treatment and preparing as if he will start his sixth NFL game.

“You got to be able to show that you buy into what’s going on here, and I’m going to do my best to make sure that I’m prepared and hopefully can go on Sunday,” Mariota said.

Cousins dials out critics

Washington Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins said he literally tunes out critics who suggest his starting job is on the line.

“The way I don’t listen to what they’re saying is I don’t listen to what they’re saying,” Cousins said Wednesday. “I turn on NPR instead of [sports talk radio], sometimes. I turn on HGTV instead of ESPN.”

Washington (2-4) will host Tampa Bay (2-3) on Sunday, coming off consecutive losses. Cousins has thrown two interceptions in each of the Redskins’ defeats, including two in the third quarter of last week’s 34-20 loss to the New York Jets.

That sank Washington to last place in the NFC East. But Cousins said it’s crucial not to overreact heading into a matchup that was earlier termed “critical” and a “code red” by Coach Jay Gruden.

“I don’t think it’s going to help us to hit the panic button,” Cousins said. “I don’t think it’s going to help us to be completely relaxed. I think in the middle lies virtue. You’ve got to have a balance.”

The fourth-year QB has six touchdown passes and eight interceptions so far in his first NFL season as the full-time starter. Gruden has said he’s not considering a quarterback change and that he hopes Cousins can overcome, and learn from, his struggles.

“I know what’s at stake,” Cousins said. “I want nothing more than to help this team get to a place with a lot of wins and a playoff berth and all that. I’m heart-attack serious about making this happen. It takes time.”

Gordon is hanging on

San Diego running back Melvin Gordon is looking forward to Sunday, and for more than his first taste of the Chargers’ rivalry with the Oakland Raiders.

Gordon was benched Sunday in the Chargers’ gut-wrenching loss at Green Bay after fumbling twice, one of which he lost.

He has fumbled four times this season, losing three.

“I am eager to go out there and just prove to myself and prove to everyone that I can take care of the football and I can go out there and do what they need,” Gordon said Wednesday.

Gordon didn’t practice Wednesday because of an ankle injury, but he said he’ll be ready for Sunday’s game.

Etc.

Jets running back Stevan Ridley practiced for the first time this season and could face the New England Patriots, his former teammates. Ridley is currently on the physically-unable-to-perform list after tearing ligaments in his right knee while with the Patriots last season. Coach Todd Bowles said Wednesday that there’s “a chance” Ridley could play Sunday.

Dallas quarterback Tony Romo isn’t throwing yet, but he is making progress after breaking his left collarbone in Week 2 against Philadelphia. “Obviously, he can’t do anything on the practice field,” Coach Jason Garrett said.” He’s four games away from doing it, but I think he’s made progress. He’s moving around better. I think there is some things that are uncomfortable for him, but I think as you look at how he’s healed, everything has been positive up to this point.”

Baltimore Ravens tight end Dennis Pitta returned to the practice field Wednesday, hopeful he can rebound from a hip injury that’s kept him sidelined since last year. Pitta is on the physically-unable-to-perform list. Baltimore has three weeks to decide whether to place him on the 53-man roster or season-ending injured reserve. ... Kansas City Chiefs running back Jamaal Charles had surgery to repair the torn ACL in his right knee, the first step toward what he hopes is a return to the field by the start of next season.

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