LONDON — The NFL placed Josh Brown on paid leave Friday, hours after Coach Ben McAdoo struggled to answer questions about how the New York Giants might discipline the kicker for abusing his wife.

In a letter to the 14-year veteran, NFL senior vice president of labor policy Adolpho Birch said Brown was being placed on the league’s “exempt list” while the NFL investigates whether he should be suspended as punishment for several alleged acts of spousal abuse. Birch said the move “does not represent a finding that you have violated the personal conduct policy,” but does pave the way toward potential further sanctions.

Being placed on Commissioner Roger Goodell’s “exempt” list means Brown cannot attend practices or Giants games but can go to Giants headquarters for meetings and workouts. It also means Brown continues to be paid and his presence won’t be counted on the Giants’ 53-man roster. Brown could appeal the decision.

The action on Brown came hours after McAdoo had trouble explaining the Giants’ intentions toward Brown, their kicker since 2013. The questions about how much the Giants knew about Brown’s off-field troubles have overshadowed preparations for Sunday’s game in London against the Los Angeles Rams.

When a reporter asked McAdoo about his comments in August suggesting he would show no tolerance for players abusive of their family members, McAdoo said his comments then were more nuanced.

“When did I say zero tolerance?” he said, adding: “I do not support domestic violence, if that’s what you’re asking. I do not condone it.”

McAdoo described Brown as a “man of faith” who was trying to improve his behavior and the organization was supporting him in this. When asked to explain how the Giants provided this or monitored his off-field behavior, McAdoo said he couldn’t detail any specific acts of support.

• Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. was fined $24,309 by the NFL for taking off his helmet during a celebration last Sunday against Baltimore.

BILLS: Running back LeSean McCoy is questionable and will be a game-time decision for Sunday’s game against Miami.

McCoy returned to practice on a limited basis Friday after sitting out Thursday. He revealed he suffered the injury in Buffalo’s Wednesday practice session.

“We’re confident in the guys that we have behind him but not ruling Shady out at all,” Bills Coach Rex Ryan said. “He looked pretty good. So we’ll be smart with him, but he looked pretty good.”

JETS: Defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson is questionable to play against the Ravens on Sunday because of an ailing right ankle.

Wilkerson didn’t practice Friday after being limited Thursday. Coach Todd Bowles said Wilkerson didn’t have a setback, but was “more sore than normal” and could be a game-time decision.

WASHINGTON: First-round draft pick Josh Doctson was put on injured reserve with an injured left Achilles tendon.

The wide receiver has missed the past four games after making just one catch in each of the team’s first two.

• Tight end Vernon Davis drew a $12,154 fine for taking a jump shot with the football at the crossbar as if it were a basketball after a touchdown.

49ERS: Running back Carlos Hyde will miss Sunday’s game against Tampa Bay because of a shoulder injury he sustained last week in Buffalo. Hyde leads the team with 429 rushing yards.

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