Some teams show unity during pregame events, while others skip them

NFL teams opening their seasons in empty stadiums knelt, locked arms, raised fists in protest or stayed off the field entirely Sunday for the “Star-Spangled Banner” and the unofficial Black anthem “Lift Every Voice and Sing” as the once-reluctant league brought racial injustice to the forefront.

While fans were absent everywhere but Jacksonville because of the coronavirus pandemic, the Minnesota Vikings hosted the family of George Floyd, who died in May after a white Minneapolis police officer pressed his knee into the handcuffed Black man’s neck for nearly eight minutes — a killing that sparked national protests.

Vikings players locked arms in the end zone about a half-hour before their game against Green Bay for “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” which was played before each game as part of the NFL’s social awakening.

About 10 of Floyd’s relatives were then shown on the stadium video board from their perch in the upper concourse near the Gjallarhorn. The symbol of Norse mythology, from which the Vikings took their name, had been sounded before every game since 2007, but it remained silent.

“We hope in silencing the Gjallarhorn today we can continue to call attention to these silenced voices and collectively work toward a better, more just society,” the team said.

The Packers remained in their locker room for the two songs, following the lead of the Miami Dolphins, who said in a video last week that they would stay off the field for the national anthem rather than participate in “empty gestures” designed to placate the league’s fans.

The Jaguars, Bills and Jets also remained in their locker rooms for the pregame ceremonies.

INJURY UPDATES: The Titans will be without cornerback Adoree’ Jackson and linebacker Vic Beasley Jr. tonight at Denver, and the 49ers have placed starting receiver Deebo Samuel (broken foot) on injured reserve.