NFL COVID Schedule Changes
With the Washington Football Team, the Cleveland Browns and the Los Angeles Rams all having more than 20 players on the reserve/COVID-19 list, the NFL is making some schedule changes to Week 15.
Players on the list include Odell Beckham Jr., Jalen Ramsey, Baker Mayfield and Tyler Heinicke.
Travis Kelce FTW
It’s the tight end for Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, as Travis Kelce had 10 receptions for 191 yards and two touchdowns, including the game-winner in OT, as the Chiefs beat the Chargers, 34-28, on Thursday Night Football.
So-Fi Stadium was Kelce’s world, as he caught a 7-yard touchdown pass with 1:16 left in regulation to tie the game. Then, in overtime, on first-and-10, Kelce delivered again, as he eluded tackles on his way to the end zone for a walk off. Game. Set. Match.
After starting the season 3-4, Kansas City has now won sevenstraight games to improve to 10-4, while the Chargers fall to 8-6 and currently sit at No. 5 in the AFC playoff race. Chargers’ QB Justin Herbert finished the night 22-of-38 for 236 yards, two touchdowns and an interception, while also running a TD in himself. But the Chargers couldn’t capitalize on three red zone opportunities and that was that.
Donald Parham Jr.
After a very scary injury on Thursday night, the Los Angeles Chargers said tight end Donald Parham Jr. has been diagnosed with a concussion and will be released from Harbor-UCLA Medical Center on Friday.
While attempting to catch a pass early in the game, Parham’s head slammed on the ground, and it looked as if he lost consciousness. He was removed on a stretcher and taken to the hospital. The Chargers said Friday that Parham was alert and resting comfortably.
Sean Payton
New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton has tested positive for COVID-19 and will not be at Sunday’s game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Payton is fully vaccinated and previously had COVID in March 2020. Payton was not at Saints practice on Wednesday due to illness, but he had tested negative, so he was back at practice on Thursday.
Per NFL protocols, Payton will be out 10 days unless he is able to meet the requirements for a fully vaccinated person to return. The Saints expect him back for their Dec. 27 game against the Miami Dolphins.
Lamar Jackson
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson is questionable for Sunday’s game against the Green Bay Packers with a sprained right ankle. Jackson did not participate in practice all week.
“I’d say he has a chance,” Ravens head coach John Harbaugh said Friday. “It’s just one of those things where it’s an ankle sprain where if he starts feeling good and we’ll check him out prior to pregame…”
Should Jackson miss Sunday’s game, it will be the first time in his career that he’s missed a game due to injury. Tyler Huntley will start under center if Jackson is out.