Titans back to waiting after game vs. Steelers postponed
NASHVILLE, TENN. » The Tennessee Titans find themselves back in a waiting mode, hoping the NFL allows them back inside their headquarters by Tuesday.
Their game against the Pittsburgh Steelers is now postponed until later in the season because of the league’s first COVID-19 outbreak.
The NFL postponed Sunday’s game in Nashville after one additional Titans player and one personnel member tested positive for COVID-19. The announcement Thursday morning came a day after the league said it hoped to play the game either Monday or Tuesday. The NFL said a new game date will be announced “shortly.”
Coach Mike Vrabel informed his Titans of the newest positive tests and the NFL’s decision to postpone the game at a team meeting Thursday morning. That puts Tennessee — and Pittsburgh — on a bye week several weeks ahead of schedule.
Vrabel said they hope to be allowed back inside their building Monday or Tuesday.
“I told them to try to mentally recover from an emotional few days, so that we can proceed with our season, build on a 3-0 start,” Vrabel said.
The Steelers had been scheduled to practice Thursday and now their next opponent will be the Eagles on Oct. 11. Tomlin called it the nature of the environment in 2020.
“We’re just adjusting accordingly,” Tomlin said. “But there’s disappointment, no question. We’ve worked extremely hard at the beginning portion of this week in preparation for what we
thought was an opportunity versus an undefeated team in their venue and so you lean in on those opportunities.”
Ravens Humphrey signs 5-year extension
OWINGS MILLS, MD. » Ravens All-Pro cornerback Marlon Humphrey has signed a fiveyear extension that will keep him with the team through the 2026 season.
Since being drafted by Baltimore with the 16th overall pick in 2017, the former Alabama standout has 150 tackles, eight interceptions, four forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries in 49 games. He was selected to the Pro Bowl and was a first-team All-Pro in 2019 after picking off three passes and returning two fumbles for scores.
The 24-year-old Humphrey is a key figure in a defense that last year ranked fourth in the league in fewest yards allowed.
“The thing with Marlon, he’s one of those players who could play in any era,” Ravens defensive coordinator Don Martindale said.
Vikings back at practice after pause
The Minnesota Vikings reopened their headquarters for team activities, following another morning of zero positive COVID-19 test results four days after playing a Titans team that experienced the NFL’s first outbreak.
Minnesota plays at Houston Sunday, a game between two of the NFL’s six 0-3 teams that remains on track for now. Vikings coaches took their strategizing for the Texans home Tuesday, which is already a day off for the players unless they need injury treatment. Then instead of taking the field to install the game plan for the week on Wednesday, players discussed it virtually with the coaches via video conference.
“You just roll with it and react to what you’re being told to do and get the work done still and do the best you can,” quarterback Kirk Cousins said. “It’s similar to how we approached much of the offseason program and training camp. I think it’s been handled well, and we’ll keep at it.”
NFL issues new procedures
NEW YORK » The NFL is tightening up the league’s procedures for how teams go back to work following positive COVID-19 results after the Tennessee Titans’ outbreak postponed their game with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
The league sent a memo to all 32 teams and it was obtained by The Associated Press. It details new procedures to follow for any club dealing with an outbreak or exposure to COVID-19 or teams exposed to a club with an active outbreak.
Dr. Allen Sills, the NFL’s chief medical officer, and Jeff Miller, the league’s executive vice president of communications, public affairs and policy, wrote that daily testing does not protect anyone during this pandemic and any activity after testing increases the potential for infection.
They noted the Titans’ outbreak this week included both players and non-players while potentially exposing Minnesota during their game last weekend.
“To that end, it is essential to wear a face covering, maintain physical distancing at all times and practice healthy hand hygiene,” according to the memo. “There is one simple rule to remember: act as if every person you come in contact with has a COVID infection and take appropriate precautions.”
Teams will have to add a second daily test, including on game days. All meetings will be virtual, and both players and staff will have to wear face coverings and gloves at practice with only quarterbacks allowed to keep their throwing hands uncovered.