NFL COVID-19 tracker, Week 18: Justin Fields amongst 75-plus gamers on COVID checklist; Diontae Johnson activated


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Robin Alam/Icon Sportswire by way of Getty Photos

The continuing COVID-19 pandemic continues to interrupt the NFL season. There have been 521 gamers positioned on the reserve/COVID-19 checklist from Dec. 1-27, in line with NFL Community’s Tom Pelissero, and 476 of these got here on or after Dec. 13. (For context, 428 gamers went on COVID reserve all of final season, Sept. 1 to Tremendous Bowl LV).

However for the reason that NFL and NFLPA adopted new COVID protocols on Dec. 28 — lowering the mandated quarantine for constructive gamers from 10 to 5 days — the variety of gamers on COVID reserve has been declining, going from greater than 230 final week to fewer than 85 as of Thursday afternoon.

That is to not say each group will keep away from COVID disruptions because the NFL enters the ultimate week of the common season after which gears up for the playoffs. On Monday, a number of Eagles starters have been amongst 12 gamers positioned on the reserve/COVID-19 checklist. On Tuesday, the Bengals added 4 gamers, together with Professional Bowl edge rusher Trey Hendrickson. However below the brand new guidelines, all of those gamers will be capable of return for his or her group’s recreation this weekend (if wholesome).

Among the greatest names to go on COVID reserve this week got here Wednesday, when the Bengals added Professional Bowl operating again Joe Mixon, the Steelers added veteran cornerback Joe Haden and the Cowboys added rookie phenom Micah Parsons. Mixon shall be out Sunday vs. the Browns, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter, as will Parsons for Saturday night time’s recreation towards the Eagles, in line with head coach Mike McCarthy Haden’s standing is unknown for Pittsburgh’s showdown with the Ravens, however the Steelers might actually use him again because it tries to make the postseason with a win over its rival and some exterior assist.

The Cowboys and Steelers every misplaced two extra starters to COVID on Thursday, with cornerback Anthony Brown and Tyron Smith happening the checklist for Dallas and vast receiver Diontae Johnson and rookie middle Kendrick Inexperienced doing so for Pittsburgh however Johnson was rapidly faraway from the checklist on Friday. Elsewhere, quarterback Justin Fields was presupposed to return to the beginning lineup after a two-game harm absence, however he landed on COVID reserve Thursday, possible ending his rookie marketing campaign.

Here is an up to date have a look at every group’s present COVID-19 state of affairs as we head into Week 18, particularly which gamers are on COVID reserve:

(Notice: This checklist doesn’t embody gamers on follow squad or injured reserve.)





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