Raiders entire starting defense is now on COVID-19 list
The Las Vegas Raiders have a showdown coming with the Kansas City Chiefs, but their entire defense is on the COVID-19 list.
This isn’t how Jon Gruden was hoping to get ready for the rematch with the Kansas City Chiefs.
On Wednesday afternoon, news broke from NFL insider Ian Rapoport that almost the entire Las Vegas defensive starting unit is going on the COVID-19 list as close contacts. This after the news of edge rusher Clelin Ferrell being put on the list earlier due to a positive test.
This is wild: Nearly the entire #Raiders starting defense is going on the COVID-19 list because of high-risk close contacts, but all are eligible to play in the game if they continue to test negatively, sources tell me and @TomPelissero.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 18, 2020
As Rapoport mentions, any of the close contacts could still play in the game on Sunday night against Patrick Mahomes and Co. However, while they are on the list, they must continue to test negative. A positive test with any symptoms present would mean being out for the contest.
Additionally, the bigger immediate concern might be the lack of practice time. Obviously, playing against Mahomes, Travis Kelce, Tyreek Hill, Sammy Watkins and Clyde Edwards-Helaire is already enough of a burden with a normal week. Now, the players placed on the COVID-19 list are not allowed to practice until cleared.
This is a massive game for the Raiders, who are 6-3 and currently occupying one of the three AFC wild card spots. If they beat the Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium, they would move within one game of the defending champs in the AFC West with a season sweep in their back pocket.
However, this news now puts into question how many starters will be able to suit up for the Raiders come Sunday.