Saints, Patriots fined for violations as virus disrupts league

The NFL fined the Saints $500,000 and stripped them of a 2021 seventh-round draft pick for violating COVID-19 protocols, several news outlets reported Sunday. The Patriots were fined $350,000 for similar violations.

New Orleans was fined as a repeat offender. Coach Sean Payton previously was docked $150,000 and the team $250,000 because the head coach failed to properly wear a face covering during a game against the Raiders.

The more recent issue with the Saints came after a Week 9 win over Tampa Bay when the team’s celebrations included players not wearing masks while in proximity to one another. The celebrations were captured on video by some players and posted to social media. The Saints are expected to appeal the discipline.

Meanwhile, the pandemic caused disruptions around the NFL all week. The Broncos were without their four quarterbacks when they hosted the Saints on Sunday. The Ravens have 20 players on the COVID19 list. Baltimore already had disciplined an unidentified staff member for violating COVID-19 protocols, and the outbreak — the worst on any team this season — left the Ravens with three defensive linemen and one quarterback available for Tuesday night’s game at Pittsburgh.

That game originally was scheduled for Thanksgiving night, then moved to Sunday and moved again to Tuesday.

The Broncos elevated rookie receiver Kendall Hinton from the practice squad Sunday morning, hours before he was expected to start at quarterback. Denver also placed starter Drew Lock, backup Brett Rypien and practice squad veteran Blake Bortles on the reserve/covid-19 list Sunday. The three were deemed high-risk close contacts with No. 3 QB Jeff Driskel, who tested positive for the virus on Thanksgiving Day.