Just when they finally patched things up, Brandon Marshall and Josh McDaniels are back to square one, and another reconciliation appears farfetched.
McDaniels announced Friday that he's benching Marshall, his Pro Bowl wide receiver, for the team's pivotal season finale against the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday.
"Our word for the week has been accountability. And we're looking to put the 45 guys on the field on Sunday that want to play together, want to help us try to win and qualify for the playoffs," McDaniels said. "And anybody that showed any indifference to that, we'll play without them.
Marshall suggested he couldn't have played anyway after pulling his right hamstring at practice this week.
McDaniels insinuated on the podium that Marshall was exaggerating the extent of his injury and was unaccountable to the team. The receiver responded by noting McDaniels never played in the NFL and hinting he might be getting called out by his coach because the Broncos' season is unraveling.
Since a sizzling 6-0 start, the Broncos have gone 2-7.
BROWNS: Wide receiver-kick returner Josh Cribbs said he is still confident he'll have a new contract soon, despite a recent shake-up in the front office that has delayed negotiations while giving full authority to new team president Mike Holmgren. Cribbs is still playing on a six-year, $6.77 million deal that has three years remaining.
CHARGERS: Coach Norv Turner said backup quarterback Billy Volek will get some playing time in Sunday's meaningless regular-season finale against the Redskins.
