First day of Ray Rice appeal hearing is completed

Ray Rice completed the first day of his appeal hearing after spending about nine hours Wednesday at the New York offices of Barbara S. Jones, a former U.S. District judge.

The hearing took place nearly two months after the former Pro Bowl running back was suspended indefinitely by the NFL and released by the Baltimore Ravens.

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, league security chief Jeffery Miller, Ravens President Dick Cass and Rice are among the key witnesses expected to testify in the two-day hearing. Rice’s wife, Janay, might testify.

Rice was suspended indefinitely Sept. 8 for violating the NFL’s personal conduct policy after a video of him hitting Janay, then his fiancee, was released publicly. Goodell originally had suspended the running back for two games. The incident occurred inside an elevator at an Atlantic City casino. The couple married a month later.

The league considered the video to be new evidence, giving Goodell the authority to amend Rice’s suspension. But Rice’s attorneys will argue he should not be punished twice, citing Article 46 of the collective bargaining agreement.

Jones was jointly picked by the commissioner and the players’ union to hear the appeal. It’s uncertain how long Jones will take to make a decision.

Rice is seeking immediate reinstatement, though it’s unlikely a team would sign him this season. Rice has also filed a separate wrongful termination grievance against the Ravens.

Browns, Bengals players to sit out matchup

Cleveland Browns tight end Jordan Cameron won’t play against the Cincinnati Bengals on Thursday night because of a concussion, the team announced.

The Browns listed receiver Andrew Hawkins as questionable for the game and receiver Taylor Gabriel as probable.

Cameron suffered the concussion, his third in three seasons, Oct. 26 against Oakland. He sat out Sunday against Tampa Bay.

Hawkins, who leads the Browns with 39 receptions for 504 yards, was injured against Tampa Bay.

The Bengals said that cornerback Leon Hall will sit out the game because of a concussion suffered Sunday against Jacksonville.

Groing injury won’t keep Bills’ Sammy Watkins out of game

A person familiar with the diagnosis told the Associated Press that Buffalo Bills rookie receiver Sammy Watkins’ groin injury won’t prevent him from playing against Kansas City on Sunday.

The person spoke on the condition of anonymity because Coach Doug Marrone declined to provide details of the injury after Watkins was injured Wednesday in practice.

Giants acquire cornerback Chykie Brown on waivers

The New York Giants acquired cornerback Chykie Brown on waivers from the Baltimore Ravens.

The Giants said they put cornerback Prince Amukamara on injured reserve because of a torn biceps suffered Monday against Indianapolis.

Marcus Lattimore is retiring

Running back Marcus Lattimore, who never played an NFL snap because of two serious knee injuries while at the University of South Carolina, said he is retiring.

Lattimore was drafted by the San Francisco 49ers in 2013.

“Unfortunately, getting my knee fully back to the level the NFL demands has proven to be insurmountable,” Lattimore said.