Chiefs defend treatment of QB Alex Smith

The Kansas City Chiefs defended their treatment of Alex Smith after he twice had his head slam into the turf in Indianapolis, saying Monday that their quarterback passed concussion tests on the sideline and in the locker room after both of the hits.

Chiefs trainer Rick Burkholder also said team physicians and an independent neurologist do not believe that Smith sustained a concussion.

After 12 seasons with the Texans, Johnson played for the Colts last season before joining the Titans this season.

Carolina head coach Ron Rivera said he’s involved in ongoing discussions with the NFL and the Players Association about ways to make sure league MVP Cam Newton is given the same protection in the pocket as smaller quarterbacks.

Newton blasted NFL officiating following Sunday’s game against the Cardinals after taking a shot to his lower right leg from defensive tackle Calais Campbell as he was releasing the ball.

Rivera reiterated what he said in September after his QB took four helmet-to-helmet hits in a loss to the Denver Broncos — that Newton doesn’t get the calls because of his 6-foot-5, 245-pound frame.

The Browns acquired linebacker Jamie Collins from New England one day before the NFL’s trade deadline.

A second-round draft pick in 2013, Collins has been one of the Patriots’ better defensive players for just more than three seasons, but his rookie contract ends after this season.

Pittsburgh quarterback Ben Roethlisberger practiced in a limited capacity, two weeks after undergoing surgery to repair the meniscus in his left knee.