Team facilities closING mon., tue. amid spike

Team facilities will be closed to all in-person activities Monday and Tuesday, the NFL said Friday in a leaguewide memo. The ban does not apply to teams playing Monday or Tuesday.

The NFL cited the spike in coronavirus cases around the country as well as the “understanding that a number of players and staff celebrated the Thanksgiving holiday with out-of-town guests” as reasons for closing facilities.

All activities will be conducted virtually except essential medical treatment and rehab, according to the memo.

TheNFLPlayers Association also instructed players to alert teams if they had guests over the past several days for the purposes of additional testing when facilities reopen.

MORE COVID NEWS

The Vikings likely will be without Pro Bowl receiver Adam Thielen, who has been on the COVID list since Monday, against the Panthers, a source told ESPN.

† Broncos kick returner Diontae Spencer reportedly tested positive for the coronavirus and the team canceled practice Friday, saying another player and two staff members tested positive.

† Raiders starting linebacker Cory Littleton, who returned to practice this week after missing two games following a positive test, is set to play on Sunday against the Falcons.

Injury news

Jets coach Adam Gase said quarterback Sam Darnold will start against the Dolphins after his injured right shoulder progressed throughout the week.

† Falcons running back Todd Gurley will miss the game against the Raiders because of a knee injury.

† Panthers coach Matt Rhule says he expects quarterback Teddy Bridgewater, who has been dealing with a knee injury, to return to the starting lineup against the Vikings.

† Niners wide receiver Deebo Samuel will play against the Rams after missing the last three games with a hamstring injury.

Texans release receiver Stills

The Texans released veteran receiver Kenny Stills, who had only 11 catches on 19 targets and one touchdown this season.