NFL-National Football League roundup

Dec 23 (The Sports Xchange) - New York Giants coach Tom Coughlin has defended Odell Beckham Jr. over his one-game suspension for multiple on-field confrontations against Carolina Panthers cornerback Josh Norman, taking issue with criticism aimed at the wide receiver. "It's not fair. It's just not," Coughlin told reporters at the team's practice facility in East Rutherford, New Jersey. "If you are naive enough to think that way, you better do some soul searching. "Beckham was wrong and we said that was wrong from day one, but there were factors involved, starting in pre-game ... there were attempts to provoke him and he was provoked." Coughlin said the Giants had discussions with the league with the role some of the Panthers played, including bringing a bat onto the field before the game. Beckham had three personal fouls called against him during the Giants' 38-35 loss to the Panthers at MetLife Stadium on Sunday. His suspension by the NFL is for "multiple violations of safety-related playing rules." - - - The Giants re-signed safety Brandon Meriweather. He had been released a week ago when defensive tackle Barry Cofield joined the team. - - - Panthers cornerback Norman was fined a combined $26,044 after a series of physical confrontations with Beckham Jr. Norman was fined $8,681 for a face-mask incident and $17,363 for striking Beckham in the head and neck area during Sunday's game. The competitive banter between Beckham and Norman escalated to the point of multiple physical confrontations. - - - The Denver Broncos announced that Brock Osweiler will start for the sixth straight game at quarterback as Peyton Manning's injured left foot requires more time to heal. Manning was not expected to practice Wednesday or be part of the active roster for Monday night's game against the Cincinnati Bengals so he can focus on recovering from a torn plantar fascia. - - - Houston Texans quarterback Brian Hoyer returned to practice on a limited basis Wednesday, but he remains under the NFL concussion protocol. Hoyer's playing status is still in doubt for Sunday's game against the Tennessee Titans. - - - Cincinnati Bengals tight end Tyler Eifert remains in concussion protocol and may miss Monday night's game against the Denver Broncos. NFL Media's Rand Getlin reported Eifert will not play, but the Cincinnati Enquirer reported the Bengals have not ruled out the Pro Bowl tight end for the game at Denver. - - - Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Tamba Hali broke his thumb in last Sunday's game against the Baltimore Ravens, head coach Andy Reid confirmed. Hali underwent surgery on Tuesday and his status is undetermined for this Sunday's game against the Cleveland Browns at Arrowhead Stadium. - - - The Cleveland Browns placed wide receiver Andrew Hawkins on injured reserve with a concussion and signed linebacker Jayson DiManche to the active roster from the practice squad. Hawkins started all eight games he played this season and recorded 27 receptions for 276 yards. - - - The Tennessee Titans signed quarterback Alex Tanney off the Indianapolis Colts' practice squad. Interim head coach Mike Mularkey said Marcus Mariota would definitely be held out of this Sunday's game against the Houston Texans, but would not say that the rookie quarterback's season is over. Zach Mettenberger will get the start against the Texans. - - - (Editing by Mark Lamport-Stokes)