CINCINNATI — AJ McCarron was getting his son ready to trick or treat when his agent called with shocking news: The Bengals were trading the quarterback to the Cleveland Browns.

Then came another jolt: The trade fell through because paperwork wasn’t filed with the NFL office in time.

McCarron was still processing the whirlwind events Wednesday, a day after the paperwork snafu meant he’d stay in Cincinnati as Andy Dalton’s backup. The AFC North rivals agreed to the trade shortly before the 4 p.m. deadline. The Bengals said they filed their paperwork on the deal, holding up their end of the bargain.

“All you have to do is notify the league office you’re making a deal and that’s an easy thing,” Coach Marvin Lewis said.

McCarron doesn’t understand how the trade was botched.

“There’s no telling,” McCarron said. “I’m lost like everybody else.”

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BROWNS: Suspended wide receiver Josh Gordon was conditionally reinstated by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell.

Gordon, who hasn’t played since 2014, can immediately join the team for meetings and engage in workouts.

RAVENS: Quarterback Joe Flacco recovered from the concussion he sustained last week and expects to start Sunday against Tennessee.

VIKINGS: General Manager Rick Spielman said the organization hasn’t determined whether to activate quarterback Teddy Bridgewater from the physically unable to perform list next week. Spielman told reporters that Bridgewater will be evaluated again following practice Monday.

JETS: Cornerback Buster Skrine has cleared the concussion protocol and will be available to play Thursday against Buffalo.


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