JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Coach Mike Mularkey is taking the blame for keeping veteran cornerback Rashean Mathis on the sideline in Buffalo.
Mularkey says he "just made a mistake" by sticking with second-year player Kevin Rutland in a 34-18 loss to the Bills on Sunday.
Rutland got beat for a 51-yard gain on Buffalo's opening drive, which ended with a touchdown, and looked lost on Stevie Johnson's 13-yard TD reception early in the third.
Mathis watched both plays from the sideline, believing he could have made a difference.
Mathis says he "could have a right to act up." But he's taking the high road, saying he feels he's "in a position to help my team win."
Mularkey, meanwhile, says Mathis will play more beginning Sunday against the New York Jets.
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