Goodell warns of possible forfeits for COVID violations
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell is warning teams of penalties including potential forfeits of games for violations of COVID-19 protocols that force changes in the schedule.
In a memo sent Monday after a conference call involving NFL and club executives, Goodell reiterated the need to adhere fully to all of the league’s health and safety guidelines.
“Protocol violations that result in virus spread requiring adjustments to the schedule or otherwise impacting other teams will result in additional financial and competitive discipline, including the adjustment or loss of draft choices or even the forfeit of a game,” Goodell wrote in the memo.
“Simply put, compliance is mandatory. Now is the time to recommit ourselves to our protocols and best practices for the duration of the season.”
The NFL was forced to reschedule Sunday’s game between the Steelers and Titans when Tennessee had the league’s first coronavirus outbreak, which has affected 20 organization members, including 10 players. That game was moved to Week 7, causing adjustments that also impacted the Baltimore Ravens.
New England’s game at Kansas City was moved from Sunday to Monday night after Patriots quarterback Cam Newton tested positive, as did a Chiefs practice squad player.
Goodell noted that violators of the protocols have been disciplined. Several coaches have been fined $100,000 and their clubs fined $250,000 for improper use of face coverings. The Las Vegas Raiders were fined $50,000 for allowing an unauthorized team employee into the locker room following a game. Monday, the Raiders had 10 players docked a total of $175,000 for appearing at a function where face coverings were not used.
“Complacency is our shared opponent,” Goodell wrote. “The consequences of rescheduling or even missing games are obvious. Our fans will be deprived of games. Competitive inequities will be introduced into our season. Players will not be paid for games not played and clubs will similarly suffer financial consequences.”
Chargers’ Ekeler out at least three games with hamstring injury
LOS ANGELES » Add Austin Ekeler’s name to the long list of Los Angeles Chargers sidelined because of an injury.
The Chargers running back will be out for at least the next three games because of a hamstring injury he suffered during Sunday’s 38-31 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Ekeler was injured during the first quarter. He came into the game leading the AFC with 378 scrimmage yards.
Coach Anthony Lynn said on Monday that Ekeler is getting a second opinion on the severity of the injury.
It is likely Ekeler would be placed on injured reserve to free up a roster spot. One of the rule adjustments made because of the coronavirus pandemic is that players placed on IR are not lost for the season, but have to spend a minimum of three games on there.
Ekeler is averaging 5.1 yards per carry, but he is just as valuable in the passing game. He had three 100yard receiving games last season and was 7 yards shy of 1,000.
The Chargers rushed for only 46 yards and averaged 2 yards per carry against the Buccaneers, who have the league’s top rushing defense. Justin Jackson and Joshua Kelley are expected to be the main running backs in Ekeler’s absence.
Jets’ Darnold says shoulder improving, unsure if he’ll play
NEW YORK » Sam Darnold and the New York Jets will need to wait a few more days before they know if he has a shot at playing Sunday.
The quarterback has a sprained right shoulder that could limit him at practice — if he’s able to throw at all — when the team begins its on-field preparations for Kyler Murray and the Arizona Cardinals.
“I feel good,” Darnold said during a video call Monday. “Right now, just kind of taking it day by day. You know, it keeps getting better each day. So, I’m excited to see where my progress is come Wednesday. And we’ll see what we do there.”
Darnold sprained the AC joint in his throwing shoulder last Thursday night when he was sacked late in the first quarter by Denver’s Alexander Johnson. The third-year quarterback stayed in for one more play and handed the ball off before heading to the locker room to be examined.
He appeared to have avoided serious injur y when he came back into the game during the Jets’ next offensive series. But it’s unclear whether he’ll be healthy enough to play against the Cardinals.
Browns Chubb out ‘several weeks’ with knee injury
CLEVELAND » Cleveland Browns star running back Nick Chubb will miss “several weeks” with a sprained ligament in his right knee, a major blow to a Cleveland team off to its best start since 2001.
Chubb got hurt in the first quarter of Sunday’s 4938 win over the Cowboys, moving the Browns to 3-1 for the first time in 19 years.
Browns first-year coach Kevin Stefanski said Chubb will be placed on injured reserve. Unlike previous seasons, teams can put players on the injured list and bring them back after a minimum of three games.
Stefanski expressed relief that Chubb’s injury was not more serious. He said the Pro Bowler does not need surgery, but would not speculate on how long he will be out.
“He’s disappointed,” Stefanski said. “But I can promise you he’s going to attack the rehab.”