Former Auburn football star Quentin Groves, who played defensive end for the Tigers from 2004-07 and shares the program record for sacks, has died. He was 32.
Groves played five games as a linebacker for the Browns during the 2013 season, compiling four tackles and two sacks.
“We are saddened to hear the passing of former Brown Quentin Groves,” the Browns said in a statement via Twitter. “Our thoughts are with his friends and family during this difficult time.”
Auburn spokesman Kirk Sampson said Saturday that Groves died in his sleep while visiting Trinidad, his wife’s native country. Sampson said he didn’t know the cause of death.
Groves had said in 2008 that he was diagnosed with Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome, which causes a rapid heartbeat.
Groves, from Greenville, Miss., was an All-Southeastern Conference performer for Auburn. He recorded 26 sacks and was a second-round draft pick by the Jacksonville Jaguars. He signed with seven NFL teams from 2008-2014.
Groves met his wife, Teska Baptiste, at Auburn when he played football and she ran track. The school said he is survived by his wife and two children.
122 not in the cards
David Harris’ impressive streak appears to be coming to an end.
The New York Jets linebacker was listed Saturday as doubtful to play against the Arizona Cardinals on Monday night because of a hamstring injury, putting his streak of 121 consecutive games played in jeopardy.
Harris did not practice all week after getting hurt in New York’s 31-13 loss at Pittsburgh last Sunday. He hasn’t missed a game since the 2008 season, his second in the NFL, when he had to sit out five games with a groin injury.
“It means a lot to me,” Harris said Friday of his reputation for being durable. “I just try to be there for my teammates. I don’t like missing time with these guys.”
Harris’ streak is the seventh-longest among active players, and is tops for NFL linebackers. The only other defensive player with a longer active streak is Dallas cornerback Brandon Carr, who has appeared in 133 games in a row.
Giants quarterback Eli Manning leads all active players with 188 consecutive games played.
Coach Todd Bowles said earlier in the week that Erin Henderson, Bruce Carter and first-rounder Darron Lee could all be used in various packages at inside linebacker if Harris can’t play. Harris said he would be making the trip with the team to Arizona, meaning he could still be a game-time decision.
Knee hampers safety
Jacksonville Jaguars free safety Tashaun Gipson is now questionable to play at Chicago on Sunday.
The Jaguars (1-3) updated their injury report Saturday, making Gipson questionable because of a knee injury. He did not practice Wednesday, was limited Thursday and participated fully in a walkthrough Friday. After seeing Gipson work in a more fast-paced practice Saturday, Jacksonville decided to change his playing status.
Gipson has 10 tackles and an interception this season. If he can’t play against the Bears (1-4), Peyton Thompson would replace him in the starting lineup. A second-year player who has spent time with Atlanta, Washington and Chicago, Thompson has yet to start an NFL game.
MVP back after sitting
Cam Newton has been cleared from the NFL’s concussion program and can play Sunday when Carolina visits New Orleans.
The team said Saturday in a short statement that Newton had passed the league’s concussion protocol. Previously, Panthers coach Ron Rivera said the quarterback and 2015 league MVP was expected to start against the Saints “barring a setback.”
Newton participated fully in practice Friday, but still had to meet with an independent doctor before being cleared to play.
Newton hasn’t spoken to reporters since suffering a concussion on Oct. 2 against the Falcons.
The Panthers are 1-4 and have lost three straight games.
Starting tight end out
The Washington Redskins will be without tight end Jordan Reed for their NFC East showdown with the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday.
The team announced Saturday that Reed was downgraded from questionable to out because of a concussion. Reed reported symptoms Tuesday, was diagnosed with the sixth documented concussion of his pro and college career, and did not practice this week.
Reed is Washington’s top offensive target with 33 catches for 316 yards and two touchdowns in five games this season. Vernon Davis and Niles Paul figure to see more action with Reed out against Philadelphia.
The Redskins said linebacker Su’a Cravens has also been downgraded to out with a concussion. Cornerbacks Bashaud Breeland (ankle) and Dashaun Phillips (hamstring) are questionable.