Mathieu not cleared

The Kansas City Chiefs remained without All-Pro safety Tyrann Mathieu after his positive test for covid-19 as the two-time defending AFC champions began preparing Monday for their season opener against the Cleveland Browns. Chiefs Coach Andy Reid said that Mathieu, who was vaccinated against the virus, remained in the league’s protocol, which means he had yet to return two negative tests taken 24 hours apart. That is the requirement for vaccinated players who are asymptomatic to return to their teams under the NFL rules released in July. “We just have to wait that out and see where he’s at,” Reid said. “I’ll know more as we go on.” Mathieu is coming off his second straight All-Pro season, and possibly the best of his career, picking off a career-high 6 passes with 62 tackles and 3 for loss. One of those interceptions came in a divisional playoff win over the Browns in January.

Ravens, Andrews reach deal

The Baltimore Ravens agreed to a four-year, $56 million contract extension Monday with tight end Mark Andrews. The move keeps Andrews under contract through the 2025 season. “Mark is exactly the type of player we wish to keep as a Raven long term,” General Manager Eric DeCosta said in a statement. “He’s competitive, passionate, talented and a leader. We are so excited to have him in Baltimore for the next five years. Congratulations to Mark and his family — and happy birthday.” Andrews turned 26 on Monday. Andrews was a Pro Bowler in 2019, when he caught 64 passes for 852 yards and 10 touchdowns. He led the team in receptions that season and tied for the lead in 2020 with 58. Since 2019, Andrews’ 17 receiving touchdowns are the most among tight ends in the NFL. He’s entering his fourth season. Andrews is the first tight end in Ravens history to have multiple seasons of at least 700 yards receiving and seven touchdown catches.