CINCINNATI — The Cincinnati Bengals defended linebacker Vontaze Burfict on Wednesday for his actions during a loss to New England, which drew a $75,000 fine from the league, according to a person familiar with the situation.

Burfict was fined for stepping on Patriots running back LeGarrette Blount after Blount scored a touchdown near the end of New England’s 35-17 victory Sunday, according to the person, who spoke on condition of anonymity because fines for this week have not been announced by the league.

Coach Marvin Lewis disagreed with the linebacker’s punishment.

“I don’t think he did anything wrong,” Lewis said. “We were not in the wrong here, in my opinion. It’s unfortunate.”

Burfict has a history of violating player safety rules. His hit to receiver Antonio Brown’s head gave Brown a concussion and moved the Pittsburgh Steelers in range for their winning field goal in the final minute of their 18-16 victory over the Bengals in the first round of the playoffs last season.

JETS: New York will start Geno Smith at quarterback Sunday against the Baltimore Ravens.

The owner, Woody Johnson, said it was Coach Todd Bowles’ decision and he is “behind the coach 100 percent.”

• Rookie linebacker Darron Lee, a first-round draft pick, has a sprained ankle and his availability is uncertain for Sunday’s game.

THE NFL will require the athletic trainer in the press box to stay in contact with on-field doctors to help determine if a player has a concussion.

The requirement is an enhancement made to prevent confusion that occurred in the opener when Cam Newton of Carolina was allowed to return after getting hit in the head.

BILLS: Guard Richie Incognito said Jonathan Martin reached out to him several times in the aftermath of the bullying scandal that sabotaged Miami’s 2013 season, but Incognito has no interest in talking.

The two were teammates in the Dolphins’ offensive line and at the center of the scandal.

• Running back LeSean McCoy didn’t finish practice after hurting one of his hamstrings.

Coach Rex Ryan didn’t know the severity of the injury by saying the team’s top offensive threat was still being evaluated by trainers. Ryan also wouldn’t speculate on McCoy’s playing status for Sunday, when Buffalo (4-2) plays at Miami (2-4).

COWBOYS: Receiver Dez Bryant, who missed the past three games with a hairline fracture in his right knee, had his much anticipated return to practice aborted because of a cut finger on his right hand.

Bryant said he injured himself slicing carrots while making soup at home. He was at practice with tape on his hands but didn’t do much. Bryant said the cut was extremely minor and he’ll be ready to go for the Oct. 30 matchup against Philadelphia following this week’s bye.

FALCONS: Atlanta released safety Dashon Goldson and signed defensive lineman Cliff Matthews.

Matthews, who played for the Falcons from 2011-14, was released Sept. 3 by Tampa Bay. The Falcons needed more depth on their defensive line after placing defensive end Derrick Shelby on injured reserve with a torn Achilles tendon Tuesday, ending his season.

GIANTS: Receiver Odell Beckham Jr. missed practice with a hip injury.

Coach Ben McAdoo said he’s taking a day-to-day approach as Beckham deals with a hip pointer sustained in Sunday’s 27-23 victory against Baltimore.

CHIEFS: Linebacker Justin Houston, a four-time Pro Bowl selection, returned to practice for the first time since having surgery in February to repair a poorly functioning ACL in his left knee.

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