Quarterback Trevor Siemian to miss Broncos’ game against Jaguars

Trevor Siemian’s biggest takeaway from his career-best performance wasn’t the masterpiece of pinpoint passes in the face of heavy pressure but a sprained left foot he sustained during one of five sacks.

It will sideline him this weekend.

The Denver Broncos ruled out Siemian for Sunday’s game at Jacksonville, meaning rookie Paxton Lynch will make his second career start.

Siemian had hoped to return to practice Friday but head athletic trainer Steve Antonopulos informed Coach Gary Kubiak his starter wasn’t ready.

He’ll be in a walking boot Sunday when the Broncos (7-4) turn to Lynch, who lost his debut eight weeks ago, against the Jaguars (2-9).

The Broncos are scrambling for a playoff spot after their loss to Kansas City in which Siemian threw for a career-best 368 yards with three TDs and no interceptions. He was injured on his last sack, when Tamba Hali powered past Russell Okung to drop the second-year quarterback.

The Broncos are hopeful Siemian returns next week when they travel to Tennessee.

“I think it’s still a day to day process,” Kubiak said. “When we tried to get him going a little bit today we realized it was time to go ahead and make a decision” to start Lynch this weekend.

Lynch lost to Atlanta in Week 5 when Siemian was out with a bruised left shoulder. Lynch, a first-round pick out of Memphis, had a poor performance against the Falcons, and four days later, Siemian was back in the lineup at San Diego even though he lacked mobility and zip on his throws.

McClain suspended indefinitely

Dallas Cowboys linebacker Rolando McClain’s on-again, off-again career could be over this time. McClain was suspended indefinitely Friday for violating the NFL’s substance-abuse policy, his third suspension since the end of the 2014 season. That was his only full year with the Cowboys, although he missed three games with injuries, after reviving his career following a year away from the game.

The suspension likely means the end of McClain’s Dallas career. The 27-year-old McClain was on his third straight one-year contract but never saw the field for the Cowboys. McClain was suspended the first 10 games this year after a four-game ban to start 2015.

McClain was eligible to return for the Thanksgiving game this season, but owner and general manager Jerry Jones said he wouldn’t report to the team. Jones declined to be more specific.

“Rolando has got to work on his off-the-field situations before he can even begin to think about being a productive player on the field,” said Stephen Jones, executive vice president, on his radio show Friday. “We certainly wish him the best.”

NFL fines

Kansas City Chiefs safety Eric Berry and Houston Texans cornerback Kareem Jackson have each been fined $24,309 by the NFL for helmet-to-helmet hits last weekend.

Berry was docked Friday after he made direct contact with the helmet of Denver backup running back Kapri Bibbs in the first quarter of the Chiefs’ 30-27 overtime victory last Sunday night. Jackson’s hit on San Diego’s Dontrelle Inman came in the fourth quarter of the Texans’ 21-13 loss last Sunday and knocked the Chargers wide receiver’s helmet off after a 25-yard reception.

Carolina backup quarterback Derek Anderson was fined $12,154 after being flagged for an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty for yelling at an official from the sideline in the second quarter of the Panthers’ 35-32 loss at Oakland. Panthers linebacker A.J. Klein was also docked $9,115 for a facemask penalty.

Etc.

The Raiders plan to place cornerback D.J. Hayden on injured reserve because of a hamstring injury, potentially ending the former first-round pick’s stay in Oakland. His injury ends an up-and-down season for the fifth-year player who had been playing mostly in nickel situations. … Tyrann Mathieu (shoulder) did not practice on Friday and Coach Bruce Arians said it’s doubtful the versatile Arizona Cardinals defensive back will play Sunday against Washington. Mathieu practiced Wednesday but soreness kept him sidelined Friday. Arians said it would be a game-time decision whether Mathieu will play Sunday. …

Miami Dolphins left tackle Branden Albert (wrist) and left guard Laremy Tunsil (shoulder) took full part in practice Friday, and barring setbacks they’re expected to return from injuries and play Sunday at Baltimore. Center Mike Pouncey (hip) has been ruled out for the third game in a row. … The Jacksonville Jaguars will be without running back Chris Ivory (hamstring) and receiver Allen Hurns (hamstring) while tight end Julius Thomas (back) is doubtful to play against the Denver Broncos on Sunday. … Washington Redskins tight end Jordan Reed will miss Sunday’s game at the Arizona Cardinals with a sprained left shoulder. Also out is defensive end Anthony Lanier (lower leg). Starting offensive linemen Brandon Scherff and Ty Nsekhe, cornerback Bashaud Breeland, defensive lineman Ricky Jean Francois, running back Chris Thompson and long snapper Nick Sundberg were all listed as questionable. … Buffalo Bills receiver Sammy Watkins is expected to play in his second consecutive game though questions persist about the severity of his left foot injury.