NFL’s widening outbreak of COVID adds Beckham
Los Angeles Rams receiver Odell Beckham Jr. was added to the COVID-19 reserve list Tuesday as the NFL reported 28 more positive tests among players in the league’s worst two-day outbreak since the pandemic started.
There were 37 positive tests among players Monday, and the Chiefs placed one key player in the health and safety protocols each day with a crucial AFC West matchup against the Chargers looming Thursday.
Beckham was among nine Rams players to go on the COVID-19 list Tuesday, pushing that club’s total to 13. Cleveland is now dealing with its second major outbreak of the season. Receiver Jarvis Landry was among eight Cleveland players added to the list, putting its total at 11. The Browns host the Raiders on Saturday.
“We’ll get our work in,” Cleveland head coach Kevin Stefanski said. “That’s what we do. We’ve done it before.”
Safety Jordan Fuller, the Rams’ leading tackler, and fellow defensive backs Terrell Burgess and Juju Hughes went on the list, along with tight end Brycen Hopkins, tackle Alaric Jackson, injured nose tackle Sebastian Joseph-Day and practice-squad members Jonah Williams and Tyler Hall. Only Beckham and Fuller have played regularly in a major role for L.A. this season.
The Rams are home against Seattle on Sunday after beating NFC West-leading Arizona on Monday night. Cornerback Jalen Ramsey missed the 30-23 victory over the Cardinals after being placed in the protocols hours before kickoff. Beckham had a TD catch in the win.
Two-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle Chris Jones of the Chiefs was placed in the COVID-19 protocol a day after receiver Josh Gordon tested positive. Head coach Andy Reid wasn’t sure whether either player will be available against the Chargers.
The league’s worst outbreak comes just as it was distributing a memo, a copy of which was obtained by the Associated Press, that set a deadline of Dec. 27 for coaches, front-office staff and team personnel to receive a booster shot in order to still be considered fully vaccinated. The mandate doesn’t apply to players because discussions with the NFL Players Association are ongoing.
“I’ve done it,” Reid said of receiving the booster shot. “I always let the guys know where I’m at with it. It’s not because I’m old, but because with the numbers out there, the booster seems to be helping.”
Landry was joined on Cleveland’s list by tight end Austin Hooper, a Stanford alum, and starting offensive linemen Wyatt Teller and Jedrick Wills Jr. Defensive end Takk McKinley was also placed on the list with backup guard Drew Forbes, who is on injured reserve, as well as receiver/returner JoJo Natson and tight end Ross Travis from the practice squad.
The Vikings placed wide receiver/punt returner Dede Westbrook on the COVID-19 list. They play at Chicago on Monday night. The Bears added nose tackle Eddie Goldman and cornerback Artie Burns to their protocols. Minnesota defensive end Danielle Hunter was moved to the COVID-19 list from injured reserve.