League reducing quarantine times
The NFL is reducing quarantine time for players who test positive for COVID-19 and are asymptomatic, including unvaccinated players, to five days from 10, according to two people familiar with the protocols.
Both people spoke to the Associated Press on condition of anonymity Tuesday because the revised protocols haven’t been sent to teams yet.
The league and the NFL Players Association revised the protocols after the CDC changed its guidelines for those who are asymptomatic, recommending a five-day quarantine period and masking over the second five days.
Quarterback Carson Wentz could miss Sunday’s key game against Las Vegas after the Colts placed their starting quarterback on the reserve/COVID-19 list. It was not immediately clear whether Wentz tested positive for the virus or was deemed a close contact to someone else who had tested positive.
The Tennessee Titans, who can clinch the AFC South with either a win or a Colts’ loss, added two more in linebacker Jayon Brown and practice squad receiver Cody Hollister, who has played three of the past four games including one start.
That brings the Titans’ total to nine, not counting a 10th player out for the season on injured reserve.
The timing couldn’t be worse for the Colts, who have rebounded from a 1-4 start to win eight of their past 10. They can clinch one of the seven AFC playoff spots with a win over the Raiders.
Wentz’s backup is rookie Sam Ehlinger, who has played in three games but has not thrown a pass. He was a sixth-round draft pick out of Texas.
Jags to interview Dallas assistants
The Jacksonville Jaguars lined up eight interviews for their head coaching vacancy Tuesday, including five coordinators who are headed to the playoffs.
The Jaguars requested permission to interview: both Dallas coordinators, Kellen Moore and Dan Quinn; both Tampa Bay coordinators, Byron Leftwich and Todd Bowles; and Green Bay offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett. They also requested a sit-down with Indianapolis defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus on the first day teams with vacancies can start the hiring process.
Jacksonville also plans to interview two former NFL head coaches, Jim Caldwell (Detroit, Indianapolis) and Doug Pederson (Philadelphia).
Also, the Jaguars announced Tuesday that Trent Baalke will return as general manager.