The COVID-19 pandemic has wreaked havoc on the NFL once again, with outbreaks forcing the league to postpone multiple games in Week 15. The Los Angeles Rams, Cleveland Browns, and Washington Football Team got a spate of positive tests the past few days, with the NFL opting to move their weekend games to next week.
3 NFL games rescheduled after COVID-19 outbreak
Saturday's scheduled showdown between the Cleveland Browns and the Las Vegas Raiders has now been moved to Monday. The league also announced on Friday that Sunday's games between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Washington Football Team, and the Los Angeles Rams and the Seattle Seahawks will be moved to Tuesday.
The NFL released a statement regarding the matter, saying that they made these schedule changes based on medical advice and after discussion with the NFLPA. They acknowledged that a new, highly transmissible form of the virus resulted in a substantial increase in cases across the NFL.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell further explained Friday's changes to the league schedule in a memo he sent to all 32 teams, saying "The emergence of the Omicron variant is precisely the kind of change that warrants a flexible response."
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COVID-19 ravages Cleveland, LA Rams and Washington
The Browns have been hit hard with the coronavirus with more than 20 players currently placed on their reserve/COVID-19 list. Among those who tested positive since their game last week were quarterbacks Baker Mayfield and Case Keenum, running back Kareem Hunt, linebackers Mack Wilson Sr. and Tony Fields II, and starting defensive end Jadeveon Clowney.
Cleveland's coaching staff was not spared with coach Kevin Stefanski, offensive assistant coach T.C. McCartney, and acting running backs coach Ryan Cordell all testing positive as well. They are in a race against time to be fit for Monday's game against the Raiders which is scheduled to kick off at 5 p.m. ET on NFL Network.
The Los Angeles Rams have also seen a significant amount of positive COVID-19 cases since it last took the field on Monday against the Arizona Cardinals. They placed nine players on the reserve/COVID-19 list on Thursday, including star linebacker Von Miller. The good news for the Rams is that some of their players are already being activated from the COVID-19 list ahead of their clash with the Seahawks.
Among those players were star wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr., running back Darrell Henderson and cornerback Jalen Ramsey. They are now available to play in Tuesday's game against Seattle which is scheduled to start at 7 p.m. ET on FOX.
Washington also has been struck by the COVID-19 pandemic with more than 20 of its players placed in the league's health and safety protocols. Among those who tested positive for Washington were quarterbacks Taylor Heinicke and Kyle Allen. With their playoff lives hanging in the balance, Washington might turn to unheralded Garrett Gilbert to be their starting QB against Philadelphia on Tuesday.
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