Ex-Vikings linebacker Blair dies

MINNEAPOLIS — Matt Blair, one of the great linebackers in Minnesota Vikings history and a six-time Pro Bowler who played in two Super Bowls, has died. He was 70.

His death was announced by the team. Blair, who had been suffering from dementia, died Thursday after an extended period in hospice care, according to the Star Tribune.

Drafted in the second round out of Iowa State in1974, Blair played all 12 of his NFL seasons for the Vikings, from 1974 to1985.

Washington quarterback Dwayne Haskins was fined by the team for breaking COVID-19 protocols, according to a person with knowledge of the decision. ESPN reported Haskins was fined $4,833 for making a reservation for a family friend at the team hotel last weekend when Washington visited the New York Giants, which is against the rules.

Seattle Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll underwent arthroscopic knee surgery during the team’s bye last week, then pushed himself too much at work this week to the point he was using a golf cart and a cane to get around at practice the past couple of days.

The San Francisco 49ers will be without starting safeties Jaquiski Tartt and Jimmie Ward for Sunday’s game against the New England Patriots.

Sam Darnold is set to return as the New York Jets’ starting quarterback Sunday against the Buffalo Bills as long as he has no further complications with his injured shoulder.

The Arizona Cardinals traded a sixth- round pick in the 2021draft to the New York Giants for linebacker Markus Golden.