Injuries, Virus Dominate NFL Weekend

Week 11 of the NFL season is in the books as the league heads into Thanksgiving week. The narrative all season has been COVID-19 and its disruptions to team facilities, practice schedules and games. 

This week is no exception, and a couple of devastating injuries will also impact the final six weeks of the season.

COVID-19 Continues

For the second time in a month, the Baltimore Ravens have been hit hard by the coronavirus. The first time around, it impacted the defense with cornerback Marlon Humphrey testing positive. This time the adjustment will come on the offense, as running backs Mark Ingram and J.K. Dobbins both tested positive on Monday.

The news is harsh as the Ravens not only have a short week with a Thursday night game, but they also face undefeated rivals Pittsburgh on the road. The Steelers (10-0) look to sweep the Ravens (6-4) and make it even harder for Baltimore to make the playoffs. 

Gus Edwards is the only healthy running back on the roster with a carry this season for Baltimore, and untested Justice Hill or practice squad player Ty'Son Williams could see action.

Another team impacted on Monday was the Minnesota Vikings, as wide receiver Adam Thielen was placed on the COVID-19 list. Thielen had two touchdown catches on Sunday to go with 123 receiving yards. The Vikings fell to 4-6 with a home loss to Dallas and are desperate for a win this week against Carolina.

New Protocols

As a result of additional positive tests, the NFL sent out a memo to all 32 teams on Monday with new procedures and protocols. Starting with Week 12 games, all players must wear a mask or a double-layered gaiter on the sideline until they are ready to sub into the game. 

All play-callers also must wear a face mask or double-layered gaiter in addition to their face shield. The NFL is also limiting post-game interactions and requiring face masks for all players and coaches on their way to the locker rooms.

Burrow Out For Season

The top pick of the 2020 draft, Cincinnati quarterback Joe Burrow, suffered a devastating knee injury against Washington Sunday. The leader for Offensive Rookie of the Year was carted off the field and later tweeted, "See ya next year." 

On Monday, it was reported that he tore his ACL and MCL while also suffering structural damage to the knee.

The Bengals did not clarify the recovery and rehab process on Monday, but players who have suffered similar injuries have missed nine to 12 months of action. In 10 games this season, Burrow threw for 2,688 yards and was on pace to break Andrew Luck's rookie passing record. 

As a result of Burrow's injury, Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (-1000) is now the Rookie of the Year favorite, jumping up from +150 odds last week and +2000 at the start of the season. 

Jones Goes Down

All-Pro Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones left the team's game against New Orleans in the first half with a hamstring injury. He caught two passes for 39 yards before the injury and has 45 catches for 677 yards and three scores on the season. 

The Falcons are 3-7 on the season, and Jones' status for Sunday's game against the Raiders is unknown.