League tightens virus protocols
The NFL has updated its protocols in reaction to an increase in COVID-19 cases around the league, and it’s pushing booster shots as the best protection against the coronavirus.
As part of its protocol changes, the NFL is requiring masks regardless of vaccination status and remote or outdoor meetings. It also is stopping in-person meals and prohibiting outside visitors while on team travel.
The news came as the Los Angeles Rams put linebacker Von Miller and eight more players on the reserve/COVID-19 list Thursday, giving them a whopping 25 players on the list.
And the Cleveland Browns’ situation went from bad to worse when quarterback Case Keenum, the former UH standout who was expected to start after Baker Mayfield was put on the COVID list, tested positive himself Thursday. That could leave the Browns without their top two quarterbacks for Saturday’s key game between the Browns (7-6) and Raiders (6-7).
The Bears are missing offensive coordinator Bill Lazor, defensive coordinator Sean Desai and special teams coordinator Chris Tabor because of COVID-19 protocols as the team prepares for Monday night’s home game against the Minnesota Vikings. They’re participating remotely in meetings this week, and their status for the game is uncertain.
Elsewhere, Seattle might be without one of its stars as receiver Tyler Lockett was put on the COVID-19 list Thursday along with running back Alex Collins.
And Miami rookie receiver Jaylen Waddle’s sensational season could be on hold as the Episcopal High product was placed in the coronavirus protocol. The sixth overall draft pick already has set a franchise record for receptions by a rookie with 86.
Hockenson out for the season
Detroit Lions tight end T.J. Hockenson has had season-ending thumb surgery, according to a person familiar with the situation. He had 61 receptions for 583 yards and four touchdowns this season.
He earned Pro Bowl recognition last season after he set career highs with 67 receptions, 723 yards receiving and six touchdowns.
Jackson misses another practice
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson missed practice Thursday as the team prepares for Sunday’s game against Green Bay.
Jackson also missed practice Wednesday because of the ankle injury that knocked him out of last weekend’s loss at Cleveland.
Late receiver had stage 2 CTE
Researchers diagnosed former NFL receiver Vincent Jackson, who was found dead in a Florida hotel room in February, as suffering from stage 2 chronic traumatic encephalopathy.
Jackson played 12 seasons with the San Diego Chargers and Tampa Bay Buccaneers before retiring in 2018.
Jackson, a three-time Pro Bowl selection, was 38 when he died.
5-time Pro Bowl center dies at 79
Len Hauss, a five-time Pro Bowl center for Washington who started every game over the last 13 seasons of his 14-year NFL career, died at 79 at a Jesup, Ga., hospital after an extended illness.
He was the center for Washington’s team that reached the Super Bowl at the end of the 1972 season before losing to the Miami Dolphins 14-7.