NFL notebook: Raiders fire GM McKenzie

[December 11, 2018]  Reggie McKenzie is done as Raiders general manager, reportedly eschewing the opportunity to maintain his role through the end of the regular season in Oakland.

The team said in a statement: "We are grateful for everything Reggie has done for this organization as a player, executive and member of the Raider family. ... The Raiders will immediately begin a search for a new front office executive and will have no further comment until that process is complete."

Coach Jon Gruden, in the first year of a 10-year, $100 million contract, and McKenzie reportedly have differed greatly in player evaluation and their vision for the roster going forward.

ESPN and NFL Network reported that McKenzie held a meeting with the Raiders' scouting department on Monday morning to inform them he was fired and would not accept the offer to stay in the role until January.

--Journeyman quarterback Josh Johnson unseated Mark Sanchez for the starting job with the Washington Redskins.

Johnson will start this week against the Jacksonville Jaguars as the reeling Redskins look to avoid a fifth consecutive loss.

"We'll get Josh ready to go," said coach Jay Gruden, who worked with Johnson in 2008 with Tampa Bay and in 2013 with Cincinnati. "Fortunately he's been around me for a while and can handle the terminology, and he did a good job moving around."

--Buffalo Bills running back LeSean McCoy is day-to-day with a hamstring injury, and linebacker Matt Milano had surgery to repair a broken fibula, coach Sean McDermott announced Monday.

McCoy was scheduled to undergo an MRI after getting hurt Sunday early in the Bills' loss to the New York Jets, but he appears to have a chance to play in Week 15.

--Miami Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill is sore from the ankle injury he sustained just before halftime Sunday but appears to be OK, coach Adam Gase said.

Tannehill missed two plays after being sacked against the New England Patriots but returned in the second half.

--Arizona Cardinals defensive tackle Robert Nkemdiche is headed to injured reserve with a knee injury that will require surgery, coach Steve Wilks announced.

Oakland Raiders general manager Reggie McKenzie looks on prior to a game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

Wilks declined to offer more details on Nkemdiche's injury, and it is unclear how serious the surgery is.

--Redskins tight end Jordan Reed has a toe sprain and might not play again this season.

Jay Gruden said there is "a level of concern" about Reed's injury, which could keep him out a few weeks, with three games remaining in the regular season.

--Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Tyreek Hill avoided serious injury on Sunday and is considered day-to-day, ESPN reported. Also, coach Andy Reid suggested safety Eric Berry (heel) could make his season debut on Thursday against the Los Angeles Chargers but added that the situation is very fluid.

Hill fought through a heel injury in the Chiefs' win over the Baltimore Ravens, totaling eight catches for 139 yards, including a game-saving, 48-yard gain on fourth-and-9 to set up the tying touchdown in regulation.

--Leonard Fournette's sideline spat with fans during Jacksonville's Thursday night loss to the Tennessee Titans in Nashville came after a fan yelled a racial slur at Fournette, Jaguars coach Doug Marrone said.

A video released Monday morning by TMZ showed Fournette yelling at a fan, and Marrone said he asked Fournette about the exchange later Monday. Fournette told him a fan used a racial slur, Marrone said.

Asked if there were witnesses to support Fournette's claim, Marrone replied, "I trust the player."

--Field Level Media

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