NFL Notes: Clock Error, Dolphins, Falcons, & Jaguars

Clock Error

The NFL released a statement (per Mike Garafolo) regarding the Steelers losing 18 seconds at the start of their final drive in Monday night’s win over the Chargers.

“With 2:56 remaining in the fourth quarter, San Diego kicked off to Pittsburgh. The kick resulted in a touchback. By rule, the game clock does not start if the receiving team possesses the ball in the end zone and does not carry it into the field of play.

“Because of an error by the clock operator, the game clock was incorrectly started before the Steelers’ first play from scrimmage following the touchback. That first down snap came with 2:38 left to play instead of 2:56, a difference of 18 seconds.

“The official game time is kept on the stadium scoreboard, but it is the responsibility of the side judge to supervise the timing of the game. Had the side judge or any of the other six on-field officials noticed the timing error, they could have corrected it.

“The game clock is not subject to instant replay review unless there is a timing issue on the last play of the first half or the last play of the game.

“The performance of the clock operator and game officials will be reviewed per the standard procedure for reviewing every play of every game.”

Dolphins

Dolphins VP Mike Tannebaum denied a report from this past weekend that he wanted to hire Dan Quinn as the Dolphins head coach, but owner Stephen Ross elected to stick with Joe Philbin.

“That’s totally not true. I took the job after meeting with (owner) Steve Ross a couple of times,” Tannenbaum said, via TheTicketMiami.com. “I knew that Coach Philbin was on the precipice of being announced a long term extension which I knew about and supported at the time. I was offered the job under one set of circumstances which is to work with Dennis Hickey and Joe Philbin.”

Falcons

• According to Ed Werder, Falcons HC Dan Quinn appears to be “encouraged” about WR Julio Jones‘ hamstring.
• However, a source tells Werder that with a limited amount of time before their Week 6 game, “Gonna be close. Not sure he can go.”

Jaguars

An orthopedic surgeon, Brian Schulz, tells Ryan O’Halloran of the Florida Times-Union that Jaguars QB Blake Bortles can play through his sprained throwing shoulder, but it will be painful.

“On the [grading] scale, it’s the least severe, but it’s pretty painful,” Schulz said. “He’s going to be quite tender. It may affect his throwing, but players can bounce back from this injury pretty quickly. It depends on how he responds to the treatment. It’s definitely possible he can play this weekend.”