The Latest on the effects of the coronavirus outbreak on football in the United States
Detroit Lions defensive end Everson Griffen was placed on the COVID-19 list a day before he was expected to play a key role against Green Bay.
The Lions announced Griffen is on the list created for players who either test positive for the coronavirus or have been in close contact with an infected person. The team says no other players were affected by the league’s coronavirus protocols going into its home game against the Packers on Sunday.
Detroit elevated defensive end Kareem Martin and offensive tackle Dan Skipper from the practice squad Saturday. Safety Bobby Price was also elevated from the practice squad as a COVID-19 replacement.
The Lions acquired Griffen from Dallas in October and he has 2 1/2 sacks and three passes defended in five games.
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Miami Dolphins leading rusher Myles Gaskin went the COVID-19 list Saturday, a blow to the playoff-contending team on the eve of its game against Kansas City.
Running backs Matt Breida (COVID-19 list) and Salvon Ahmed (shoulder) were already sidelined. DeAndre Washington and Patrick Laird are expected to get the bulk of the carries against the Chiefs.
Miami elevated running back Elijah McGuire for the game, along with tight end Chris Myarick and defensive end Tyshun Render.
The Dolphins rank last in the NFL with an average of 3.7 yards per carry.
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California’s game at Washington State was canceled less than two hours before kickoff on Saturday because of a case of COVID-19 on the Cal team, the Pac-12 said.
It’s the third Washington State game that has been postponed or canceled because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Cal was not able to field enough scholarship players to meet the minimum threshold in order to play the game, the Pac-12 said. The Golden Bears had one player test positive and then additional players were sidelined because of contact tracing.
The case was confirmed via a PCR test on Saturday, the league said. The game was declared a no contest.
Cal (1-3) and Washington State (1-2) are struggling to qualify for postseason play. Neither team has an opponent set for next weekend.
