Lions’ Bevell, four aides out for game over virus protocol
Detroit interim coach Darrell Bevell is the NFL’S first head coach to miss a game because of COVID-19 protocols even though he has not tested positive for the virus.
The Lions (5-9) also will be without defensive coordinator Cory Undlin, defensive line coach Bo Davis, defensive backs coach Steve Gregory and linebackers coach Ty Mckenzie against Tampa Bay (9-5) on Saturday.
Bevell, 50, said he had not tested positive for COVID-19 but was affected by contact tracing.
Wide receivers coach Robert Prince will be Detroit’s third head coach this season at Ford Field against the Buccaneers, who are a win away from clinching a postseason berth. Bevell was 1-2 after Matt Patricia was fired last month.
The Lions will lean on two men to call plays for the first time in the NFL. Quarterbacks coach Sean Ryan will replace Bevell, who also serves as offensive coordinator. Evan Rothstein, who helps the team with research and analysis, will calls plays on defense.
■ Cardinals: Linebacker Dennis Gardeck (knee) will be sidelined for the rest of the regular season, coach Kliff Kingsbury said. The 26-year-old ranks second on the team in sacks this season with seven. Also, running back Chase Edmonds (knee, ankle), wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (groin) and tight end Dan Arnold (back) are questionable for Saturday.
■ Bills: Jake Kumerow was cut, opening the possibility of the return of fellow wide receiver John Brown (ankle, injured reserve), who has been sidelined the past four games. Kumerow, 28, caught a 22-yard TD pass in Week 15 for his lone catch in six games, becoming the 13th Buffalo player to catch a TD pass this season — matching an NFL record.
■ Chargers: Tight end Hunter Henry was placed on the reserve/ COVID-19 list, and the status of wide receiver Keenan Allen (hamstring) is expected to be a game-time decision Sunday.
■ Bengals: Quarterback Brandon Allen (knee) will be active Sunday after being sidelined in Week 15, but coach Zac Taylor did not say the 28-year-old will start.
■ Giants: Offensive coordinator Jason Garrett will be back calling plays Sunday after missing one game following a positive COVID-19 test, coach Joe Judge said.
■ Vikings: Linebacker Eric Kendricks (calf), running back Alexander Mattison (concussion) and tight end Kyle Rudolph (foot) were ruled out for Friday.
■ 49ers: Tight end George Kittle (foot) was activated from IR, and wide receiver Deebo Samuel (hamstring) was ruled out for a third straight game.
■ Saints: Marquez Callaway (knee) was activated from IR, and fellow wide receiver Tre’quan Smith was placed on IR.
■ Ravens: Wide receiver Marquise Brown (knee) was added to the injury report and missed practice.
■ Browns: Starting left offensive tackle Jedrick Wills was placed on the reserve/covid-19 list.
TV schedule
Week 16 games in the Las Vegas market:
Friday
■ Minnesota at New Orleans, 1:30 p.m., KVVU-5, NFLN
Saturday
■ Tampa Bay at Detroit, 10 a.m., NFLN
■ Miami at Raiders, 5:15 p.m., NFLN
Sunday
■ Atlanta at Kansas City, 10 a.m., KVVU-5
■ Indianapolis at Pittsburgh, 10 a.m., KLAS-8
■ L.A. Rams at Seattle, 1:25 p.m., KVVU-5
■ Tennessee at Green Bay, 5:20 p.m., KSNV-3
Monday
■ Buffalo at New England, 5:15 p.m., ESPN