Anti-vaxxer Beasley out as close contact
Receivers Cole Beasley and Gabriel Davis are among four Bills players who must spend at least five days away from the team facility in Orchard Park, New York, after having close contact with a trainer who tested positive for COVID-19.
The two other players affected were defensive tackles Star Lotulelei and Vernon Butler, general manager Brandon Beane said Tuesday. Beane said none of the four players has tested positive.
Beasley has been an outspoken critic against vaccinations and the NFL’s COVID policies. In June, he posted a statement on social media threatening to retire after the NFL and NFL Players Association announced new rules for vaccinated and unvaccinated players.
†The Titans ramped up precautions at their team headquarters with their
COVID-19 outbreak growing to four, and coach Mike Vrabel said he received a monoclonal antibody treatment under doctor’s advice. Vrabel remains in quarantine at his home, having missed two days of practices while taking part in meetings via Zoom.
Meanwhile, linebacker Nick Dzubnar and running back Jeremy McNichols were added to the reserve/COVID-19 list, joining defensive lineman Anthony Rush, who went on the list Monday.
†Patriots coach Bill Belichick said he expects quarterback Cam Newton to return to the field Thursday for the second day of joint practices with the Giants after he
missed a second day of practice because of a misunderstanding of COVID-19 testing rules.
Newton is under an NFL-mandated fiveday re-entry process for unvaccinated players after traveling to a team-approved, outof-town medical appointment last weekend.
Jaguars lose RB Etienne for season
Jaguars rookie running back Travis Etienne is out for the season after injuring his left foot during the team’s preseason game Monday against the Saints.
The Jaguars said Etienne, a first-round draft pick from Clemson, has a Lisfranc injury. He was put on injured reserve and is expected to have surgery as soon as the swelling goes down.
Losing Etienne is a significant setback for the Jaguars, who planned to use him to create mismatches in the slot and as a thirddown back.
Panthers WR Anderson gets extension
Multiple outlets reported the Panthers agreed to terms with receiver Robby Anderson on a three-year, $37.5 million extension that includes $20.5 million in guaranteed money.
Anderson, who was scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent after the season, caught 95 passes for 1,096 yards and three touchdowns in his first season with the Panthers in 2020.
Branch, Vermeil named Hall finalists
Longtime receiver Cliff Branch, who died in 2019, and longtime coach Dick Vermeil were named finalists for the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2022.
Branch (senior category) and Vermeil (coach category) were selected by a five-person committee of Hall voters. They’ll need 80% of the vote from the entire 49-member selection committee to be inducted.
Browns WR Davis given two-game ban
The NFL suspended Browns receiver Davion Davis for the first two regular-season games without pay for violating its policy on substance abuse. He will be eligible to return to the active roster Sept. 20.