Bevell can’t coach Lions vs. Bucs
Keeping an eye on the world of sports during the pandemic:
Lions interim coach Darrell Bevell is the NFL’s first head coach to miss a game because of COVID-19 protocols even though he hasn’t tested positive for the coronavirus.
“It’s kind of the times that we’re living in right now,” Bevell lamented.
The Lions (5-9) will also be without defensive coordinator Cory Undlin, defensive line coach Bo Davis, defensive backs coach Steve Gregory and linebackers coach Ty McKenzie against the Buccaneers (9-5) on Saturday.
Wide receivers coach Robert Prince will be the Lions’ third head coach this season at Ford Field against the Bucs, who are a win away from clinching a postseason berth. Bevell was 1-2 after Matt Patricia was fired last month.
In another key game this weekend, the Browns may have to try and secure a playoff spot — their first since 2002 — on Sunday in New York without starting rookie left tackle Jedrick Wills, who was placed on the COVID-19 list Thursday.
It’s the latest issue on the Browns’ line, which is already missing starting right guard Wyatt Teller (ankle) and lost the versatile Chris Hubbard after he suffered a season-ending knee injury against the Giants. Rookie Nick Harris is filling in for Teller.
Browns coach Kevin Stefanski said “there’s a possibility” when asked if Wills will play this week against the Jets.
The Browns (10-4) can clinch a postseason berth with a win and losses by either the Ravens, Colts or Dolphins.
The Lions closed their training facility Tuesday because one player and one coach tested positive for the coronavirus. They resumed on-field preparations Wednesday and Thursday to face the Bucs.
While the NFL has adjusted its schedule to help teams overcome COVID-19 outbreaks, the Lions’ request to have the game played later than Saturday was denied by the league perhaps because the team is out of postseason contention.