Five Kings players are ‘unfit’ to participate

The Kings announced Saturday that five players were “unfit to participate” in a training camp intrasquad scrimmage, creating sudden roster questions with the start of the regular season less than a week away.

Forward Gabriel Vilardi, defensemen Kurtis MacDermid and Sean Walker, and goalies Cal Petersen and Matthew Villalta were all absent during the team’s “black and white” scrimmage at Staples Center.

The team did not disclose any further information about the players’ status.

“We’re gonna have to be prepared for that throughout the season, whether it’s now, three months from now, four months from now,” coach Todd McLellan said of the absences. “That can pop up at any time.”

McLellan wasn’t sure when the missing players might be able to return and reiterated the “unfit to play” line when asked directly if their absence was related to COVID-19 protocols. He expects Thursday’s season opener to proceed as scheduled.

— Jack Harris

The New Orleans Saints activated running back

Alvin Kamara (COVID-19 protocols) and wide receiver

Michael Thomas (ankle) for the team’s playoff game Sunday. ... The Cleveland Browns activated safety

Ronnie Harrison, tight end

Harrison Bryant and linebacker Malcolm Smith from the COVID-19 list and they can play Sunday. ... Southeastern Conference men’s basketball games on Tuesday featuring Tennessee at South Carolina and Vanderbilt at No. 13 Missouri have been postponed because of COVID-19 issues.