RAIDERS’ DEFENSE COMES OFF COVID

The Las Vegas Raiders activated seven players off the COVID-19 list after they missed practice this week as “high risk” close contacts to a teammate who had tested positive.

Safety Johnathan Abram, defensive tackle Maliek Collins, defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins, cornerback Isaiah Johnson, defensive end Arden Key and defensive tackle Kendal Vickers all were activated Saturday and are on target to play tonight against the Chiefs.

Defensive end David Irving was also activated from the practice squad COVID-19 list and activated from the practice squad.

Those players still need to get negative tests back today before they can be cleared to play.

“I don’t know how we can beat these guys with a full lineup at practice, let alone three-quarters of your lineup not here all week,” defensive coordinator Paul Guenther said Thursday. “We’re playing the world champs. What don’t they have? They have a great quarterback, great receivers, great tight ends, the line is physical. And they’re coming off a bye, so it’s a daunting task. I know one thing, we’re going to show up at 5:20 and we’re going to give 100 percent, because that’s what we do. We’ll get these guys ready to play.”

Notable

Doctors discovered six more rib fractures for Saints quarterback Drew Brees, according to ESPN. Brees, who was placed on injured reserve, has a total of 11 fractures.

The Bengals placed running back Joe Mixon on injured reserve with a foot injury. The announcement means backup Giovani Bernard will start for the fourth straight game.

Titans outside linebacker Jadeveon Clowney has gone on injured reserve as he deals with a knee issue. Tennessee also announced safety Kenny Vaccaro has been ruled out for today’s game due to a concussion.

The Browns will have starting right tackle Jack Conklin and kicker Cody Parkey against Philadelphia today after both were activated from the COVID-19 list.