FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — Rex Ryan insists the New York Jets are anything but a “toxic” bunch, no matter what people might be saying to the contrary.

The coach emphatically denied an SB Nation report, quoting anonymous players and management sources, that he twice wanted to fire offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg during the Jets’ 2-10 season and that there is discord among the coaches and players.

“To me I think it’s a completely bogus deal,” Ryan said during his news conference Friday.

The report said Ryan and Mornhinweg have had friction all season, and the Jets’ run-heavy approach – they rushed 49 times – in a loss to Miami on Monday night was Mornhinweg’s way of “sticking it” to Ryan.

“One hundred percent I would deny that I’m looking to fire Marty or anybody,” Ryan said. “Maybe there’s a perception, when we challenge each other all the time. Coaches, we’ve got to get the best out of our guys.”

CARDINALS: Two starters, running back Andre Ellington and right guard Paul Fanaika, were ruled out of Sunday’s game against Kansas City.

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Ellington sustained a hip pointer in last Sunday’s loss at Atlanta. He already had been dealing with soreness in the other hip and, most significantly, a partially torn tendon in his foot.

VIKINGS: Running back Jerick McKinnon was ruled out for the second straight game, and linebacker Anthony Barr has been listed as doubtful to play against the New York Jets.

McKinnon has a lower back problem. Barr hurt his left knee Nov. 16 at Chicago. He played through the injury until it became too painful at halftime Sunday against Carolina.

BUCCANEERS: Health issues forced offensive coordinator Jeff Tedford and the team to part ways.

Tedford did not work since the third preseason game, then dealt with an undisclosed illness. In his place, quarterbacks coach Marcus Arroyo called plays for the Bucs (2-10).

DOLPHINS: Cornerback Cortland Finnegan is doubtful Sunday against Baltimore because of an ankle injury that has forced him to miss the past three games.

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Finnegan was limited in practice this week. Safety Jimmy Wilson was added to the injury list as probable with a hamstring injury, which could further deplete an already thin secondary.

STEELERS: Jarvis Jones, a second-year linebacker expects to play Sunday against Cincinnati.

Jones missed the last nine games while recovering from a wrist injury. He practiced all week and believes the team will take him off the injured reserve/return list sometime this weekend.

PANTHERS: Running back DeAngelo Williams will miss Sunday’s game against New Orleans with a broken bone in his hand.

It will be the seventh game this season Williams, 31, will miss due to injuries.

RAIDERS: Authorities are beefing up security for San Francisco’s visit in hope of preventing trouble that has plagued the matchup in years past.

The Raiders announced there will be more uniformed and undercover police and private security officers patrolling parking lots, tailgate areas and the stadium at Sunday’s game at O.co Coliseum in Oakland.

TITANS: Receiver Kendall Wright said his injured right hand is broken, though it will not keep him out of the rest of the season.


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