Texans elevate 3 to active roster
The Texans elevated three players to the active roster on Saturday ahead of the regular-season finale against the Titans. Defensive end Michael Dwumfour, who has recorded four tackles and a half sack in two games, was elevated as a COVID-19 replacement, and wide receiver Jalen Camp and linebacker Connor Strachan were standard practice squad elevations. Starting safety Justin
Reid was not activated from the COVID-19 reserve in Saturday’s transactions. He was sidelined Monday after testing positive and did not practice all week. While he would be eligible to play under the NFL’s updated five-day return policy, coach David Culley said Friday it’s “probably unlikely” he will play against the Titans.
Camp started as Houston’s third receiver last week against the 49ers. He has not recorded a target or reception in two games and 43 total offensive snaps. Strachan, who made his NFL debut at Jacksonville, has totaled three tackles in two games.
If Reid indeed does not return against the Titans, it could mean the former 2018 third-round pick has played his final game in a Texans uniform. The fouryear veteran is in the final year of his rookie contract, and, after Reid tested positive, he posted what almost appeared to be a farewell message on his Instagram account on Tuesday.
“It’s up in the air if I’ll play the season finale this year,” Reid said. “Just wanna say THANK YOU to all he incredible fans for an amazing journey this year. It’s been a hell (of ) a ride to play for you guys the past 4 years. I love you Houston!”
Brooks Kubena Ward placed on reserve list: Cleveland Pro Bowl cornerback Denzel Ward has been placed on the COVID-19 reserve list and will miss Sunday’s season finale against Cincinnati.
Ward was already questionable with a groin injury suffered in Monday’s loss at Pittsburgh. The fourth-year corner had three interceptions, including a 99-yard return for a touchdown that set the tone in Cleveland’s 41-16 win over the Bengals on Nov. 17.
The Browns will finish a disappointing season without Ward and linebacker Malcolm Smith, also placed on the COVID-19 list.
The Browns did activate running back D’Ernest Johnson off the COVID-19 list, and the timing is good since Nick Chubb (ribs/ chest) and Kareem Hunt (ankle) are dealing with injuries and may sit out. 49ers add reinforcements: The San Francisco 49ers activated safety Jimmie Ward and cornerbacks Dontae Johnson and K’Waun Williams from the COVID-19 list. All three players tested positive earlier in the week but have been cleared to play.
San Francisco also activated cornerback Emmanuel Moseley from injured reserve after he missed the previous four games with an ankle injury.
COLLEGE FOOTBALL Longhorns sign defensive back
Defensive back Larry Turner-Gooden of South Central Los Angeles and Bishop Alemany High School in Mission Hills, Calif., has signed with the University of Texas.
Turner-Gooden signed with the Longhorns on Dec. 15 but announced his decision Saturday at the 2022 All-American Bowl. He is the 29th member of the 2022 class of recruits. Chizik returns to Tar Heels: North Carolina coach Mack Brown announced the hiring of Gene Chizik as assistant head coach for defense and Charlton Warren as co-defensive coordinator and defensive backs coach on Saturday.
Brown moved quickly in making the hires after announcing the decision to part ways with former co-defensive coordinator Jay Bateman and outside linebackers coach Jovan DeWitt.
Chizik and Warren served on Larry Fedora’s UNC staff during the 2015 and 2016 seasons.
NHL Sharks to part ways with Kane
The San Jose Sharks have placed forward Evander Kane on unconditional waivers with the intent to terminate the remainder of his $49 million, seven-year contract.
The Sharks said Saturday that they made the move because Kane violated COVID-19 protocols in the AHL where he is currently playing for the Barracuda. The team said it would have no further comment. Oilers place five in protocols: The Edmonton Oilers placed five more players into the NHL’s COVID-19 protocols Saturday.
Forwards Kailer Yamamoto and Brendan Perlini, goaltender Ilya Konovalov and defensemen Evan Bouchard and Slater Koekkoek were added to the list. Star center Connor McDavid, defenseman Tyson Barrie and center Derek Ryan were already in protocols.