The NFL was hit with 37 positive COVID-19 tests on Monday and that pace doesn’t seem to be slowing down on Tuesday, as the Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns dealt with significant outbreaks.
Rams coach Sean McVay said the team has shut down its training complex in Thousand Oaks for at least two days under the NFL’s intensive protocols after seven players, including Odell Beckham Jr., were added to the reserve/COVID-19 list Tuesday. Jalen Ramsey and Tyler Higbee missed the Rams’ 30-23 victory at Arizona after being placed in the protocols hours before kickoff Monday night, though Higbee was activated Tuesday.
“I am very surprised, because you feel like you’re behind it when everybody is vaccinated and you’re moving in the right direction,” McVay said Tuesday before the latest round of moves had been announced. “Without a doubt, we have never experienced anything of this magnitude as it relates to COVID. This is definitely something that’s been eye-opening.”
Editor’s Note: The COVID-19 situation, in the NFL and around the world, is constantly evolving. Readers in Canada can consult the country’s public health website for the latest.
The Browns, meanwhile, are dealing with a major outbreak for the second consecutive season as eight players, including top wide receiver Jarvis Landry, were placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list.
On Monday, the NFL sent a memo telling teams that front-office staff and other personnel must get a COVID-19 booster by Dec. 27. The requirement comes as the league tries to combat an uptick in positive cases around the league.
All players added to the reserve/COVID-19 list must produce two negative tests 24 hours apart (if vaccinated) or prove they are asymptomatic after 10 days of isolation.
— With files from the Associated Press
Full list of players added to reserve/COVID list Tuesday
Baltimore Ravens: Trystan Colon
Carolina Panthers: Christian McCaffrey
Chicago Bears: Artie Burns, Eddie Goldman, Sam Kamara
Cleveland Browns: Jarvis Landry, Austin Hooper, Drew Forbes, Wyatt Teller, Jedrick Wills, Takkarist McKinley, JoJo Natson, Ross Travis, Case Keenum
Kansas City Chiefs: Chris Jones
Los Angeles Rams: Odell Beckham, Terrell Burgess, Jordan Fuller, Tyler Hall, JuJu Hughes, Brycen Hopkins, Alaric Jackson, Sebastian Joseph-Day, Jonah Williams
Minnesota Vikings: Dede Westbrook, Trishton Jackson, AJ Rose
Tennessee Titans: Dez Fitzpatrick
Washington Football Team: Kyle Allen, Kendall Fuller, Tim Settle, James Smith-Williams, Casey Toohill, Jonathan Allen, Tim Settle, Montez Sweat, Khaleke Hudson, Darryl Roberts, James Smith-Williams, Casey Toohill, David Mayo, William Bradley-King, Temmarick Hemmingway, Milo Eifler, Darrick Forrest, Matt Ioannidis, Cornelius Lucas, Sammis Reyes, Cam Sims, Troy Apke, Kamren Curl
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