NFL notes

COWBOYS

Bryant OK with role

FRISCO, Texas -- Dez Bryant only caught one pass Sunday in Cleveland. He's fine with that because the Cowboys won 35-10.

Some critics don't believe him. They think Bryant needs 10-15 targets per game to be happy.

"I feel like I've been misunderstood for so long, but people can think whatever they want to think," Bryant said Thursday. "I know who I am. ... First off, I wasn't even supposed to be in the league right now, according to a lot of people, but I'm here. A lot of people try to say I'm a me, me, me guy. I've never been. That's not how I was taught."

Bryant sees himself as one of the most double-teamed receivers in the NFL. It doesn't frustrate him. Those defensive coverages have led to wide-open catches for his teammates.

He takes pride in receiving the extra attention.

"How many big games have I had and we lost? And I said, 'It's not about that. I don't care. We didn't win.' Same thing, if we're winning and I'm not getting it, that's OK," Bryant said. "It's OK, we're winning. I know my time is going to come. When it comes, it's going to be big."

Since Bryant pointed out that many didn't think he'd make it seven seasons in the NFL, the star receiver was asked why he believes he's still in the league.

"Because of who I am as a person," Bryant said. "Who I am. I feel like I'm a great person. I do. I care about people. I genuinely care about people. I like to see people do good. I've been around a lot of hate in my life. That's something I try my best to eliminate every day."

Investigation widens

The NFL's investigation into whether Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott violated its personal conduct policy has included seeking information about a February incident in Florida.

USA Today reported Thursday that the NFL emailed police in Aventura, Fla., on Sept. 28 to request information about an alleged assault by Elliott. In an email obtained by the newspaper, Ed DuBois, a security representative for the NFL, wrote:

"(The woman) claims that Elliott abused her in February of 2016 in Aventura," according to USA Today. "She claims that she called the Aventura Police via 911 and that officers arrived but decided not to arrest Elliott."

The newspaper first reported the Florida incident last week. It was in addition to a known allegation by the same woman, who alleged assault by Elliott over several days in July in Columbus, Ohio -- the claims that initiated the NFL's investigation.

Elliott has not been charged in either case. The Columbus city attorney's office announced in September that it would not pursue charges because of inconsistent information.

In the Florida incident, police cited conflicting stories and no visible signs of injury to the woman when not arresting Elliott, who was in Florida to prepare for the NFL draft.

According to USA Today, the woman told the dispatcher in a 911 recording that Elliott had struck her with an open hand on the upper-left chest and pushed her against the wall and that Elliott had pushed and shoved her previously, but that she had not reported the alleged incident to police.

Elliott told police she was upset over a social media incident and because he asked her to return to Ohio.

Cowboys officials including owner Jerry Jones and executive vice president Stephen Jones have continued to be supportive of Elliott and said none of the reports have information that they were unaware of.

An attorney for Elliott last week called on the NFL to close its investigation, claiming that it remains open only because of scrutiny the league is under for dealings with other domestic abuse cases.

SEAHAWKS

Sherman confirms fine

RENTON, Wash. -- Seattle Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman confirmed he's been fined by the NFL for unnecessary roughness for his hit on Buffalo kicker Dan Carpenter in last Monday's game against the Bills.

Sherman said Thursday that the explanation and wording of the letter from the league makes it nearly impossible for him to appeal. Sherman said the league's justification in the letter was that the hit came after the whistle was blown.

Sherman said he won't appeal the fine.

Sherman was not penalized for unnecessary roughness on the play. He was flagged for being offside, but referee Walt Anderson's explanation after the game said he didn't believe the contact was excessive enough to warrant an unnecessary roughness foul. NFL head of officiating Dean Blandino said that interpretation was incorrect and Sherman should have received a personal foul on the play.

CHIEFS

LB Houston looks to debut

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Chiefs linebacker Justin Houston said he hopes to make his season debut Sunday at Carolina, though the decision to put the four-time Pro Bowl pass rusher on the field ultimately rests with Coach Andy Reid.

Houston was hobbled by his knee the second half of last season, and tweaked it in a playoff victory over the Texans. He barely played in a playoff loss to the Patriots and had surgery in February.

The Chiefs have been hoping all along to have him for the stretch run.

He began practicing a few weeks ago, and was removed from the physically unable to perform list on Wednesday. In his first comments since surgery, Houston said Thursday that he's ready to "dominate."

DOLPHINS

Mitchell off IR

DAVIE, Fla. -- Miami Dolphins defensive tackle Earl Mitchell, sidelined since Week 1 because of a calf injury, has been activated from injured reserve.

Mitchell, who has 33 career starts, is expected to play Sunday at San Diego.

Receivers Jarvis Landry (shoulder) and Kenny Stills (calf) joined the injury report Thursday and missed practice, and their status is day to day. The injuries could mean increased roles against the Chargers for rookies Jakeem Grant and Leonte Carroo.

VIKINGS

'Fire lit' under Walsh

EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. -- Minnesota Vikings kicker Blair Walsh has been tight-lipped in recent days about the struggles that prompted the team to bring in free agents for tryouts this week.

Special teams coordinator Mike Priefer has been with Walsh for all five of his seasons in the league, so if anyone knows how the kicker is dealing with the criticism, Priefer might be the guy.

"It kind of lit a fire under him," Priefer said on Thursday. "He was a little bit ... got ticked off in a good way, I think. Because he's a competitive young man. When you bring in guys that are potentially going to take your job, guys that want your job. He's a competitive guy and that's the way you want him to react."

After Walsh missed his third extra point, had a field goal blocked and errantly had a kickoff reach the end zone when it was supposed to land inside the 10-yard line in an ugly overtime loss to Detroit on Sunday, the Vikings brought in six kickers on Tuesday to look at as possible replacements. They ultimately decided not to sign any of the free agents this week, but it did send a clear message to Walsh that he needs to be more consistent.

When asked how he thinks Walsh will respond, Coach Mike Zimmer said: "I wish I could say I have an idea, but I don't. But I do know this kid is pretty confident in his abilities and he wants to prove a lot of people wrong. That's part of it, too."

Priefer said he expects Walsh will pull himself out of the funk. Priefer said Walsh hit all eight of his tries in practice on Thursday, perhaps a little more focused after the tryouts earlier in the week.

"If he didn't react that way I would be really worried and then we probably would be looking for another guy," Priefer said. "He got, I don't want to say angry, but he got a little fired up in a very respectful way. Just like he is, he always is. I expect him to go out and kick well for us this weekend and the rest of the year."

Sports on 11/11/2016

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