Haskins fined, in line to start for Washington if needed

Dwayne Haskins was handed a hefty fine Wednesday for partying with several people not wearing a mask but will start at quarterback for Washington on Sunday against Carolina if Alex Smith isn’t healthy enough to go.

The organization fined Haskins $40,000 for violating COVID-19 protocols, according to a person with knowledge of the situation. The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity.

“I know my team needs me, and I need to step up to the plate and I can’t be selfish, and I need to stop getting in my own way,” Haskins said. “I’ll do everything in my power to make the most of my second chance.”

Haskins apologized to teammates, took the first-team snaps in practice, and is in line to play against the Panthers if needed with the NFC East title potentially at stake — as long as he doesn’t test positive for the coronavirus this week. He apologized publicly Tuesday for his actions after photos showing him without a mask around several other people surfaced on social media.

The 2019 first-round pick said he was at a private birthday party event for his girlfriend. “There were more than 10 people who weren’t wearing masks and that’s a violation regardless of where I was at, but I did not attend a strip club,” Haskins said.

Panthers likely without McCaffrey

CHARLOTTE,N.C.» The Panthers are expected to be without running back Christian McCaffrey and top pass rusher Brian Burns for Sunday’s game against Washington.

Panthers coach Matt Rhule said both players are doubtful after missing practice Wednesday. Cornerback Troy Pride (hip) is also doubtful and left tackle Russell Okung (calf) missed practice.

Burns, who leads Carolina with eight sacks, injured his knee last week in the fourth quarter against Green Bay. Rhule had been targeting this week for McCaffrey’s potential return from a thigh injury.

New York considers allowing some fans at Bills playoff game

ALBANY, N.Y. » The New York health commissioner is considering whether to allow 6,700 fans to attend a rare Buffalo Bills home playoff game if all attendees are tested beforehand.

But nothing has been finalized yet, according to Gov. Andrew Cuomo and a spokesperson for the Bills. The playoffs begin the weekend of Jan. 9, but the date of the game isn’t set.

“The devil is often in the details,” Cuomo said. “We would like to do it.”

Cuomo believes New York would be the nation’s first state to try such a plan, which would include contact tracing after the game.