The heads of most NFL fans must be spinning at the moment, thanks to a whirlwind of news coming out of the league. A tumultuous tenure as an NFL coach ended for Urban Meyer in the overnight hours, in the wake of a story that he had kicked former kicker Josh Lambo during training camp. The story was just the latest in a slew of incidents during Meyer’s stint as a head coach.
Of course, the league is dealing with a COVID outbreak as well, as a number of teams are approaching Week 15 with critical players sidelined due to positive tests. For example, the Cleveland Browns might kick off a pivotal Saturday game against the Las Vegas Raiders with the following players and coaches sidelined:
- Quarterback Baker Mayfield
- Guard Drew Forbes
- Tight end Austin Hooper
- Wide receiver Jarvis Landry
- Right guard Wyatt Teller
- Left tackle Jedrick Wills Jr.
- Defensive end Takkarist McKinley
- Cornerback Troy Hill
- Safety John Johnson III
- Defensive tackle Malik McDowell
- Defensive end Ifeadi Odenigbo
- Head coach Kevin Stefanski
COVID is even overshadowing what could be an incredible game tonight between the Los Angeles Chargers and the Kansas City Chiefs. With the Chiefs holding a one-game lead in the division, and Los Angeles having won the previous meeting between the two teams, tonight’s game will be huge in crowning an AFC West division winner.
But both teams are dealing with absences. For Kansas City, linebacker Willie Gay Jr. and Chris Jones were both placed on the COVID reserve list. Gay has already been ruled out while Jones still could play with negative tests. They are also dealing with the absence of cornerback L’jarius Sneed following the death of his brother.
Then for the Chargers, they will be without left tackle Rashawn Slater, following his positive test earlier this week.
Yet, with the game still set to kick off later tonight, how might the Chargers construct a plan for Justin Herbert?
