UNDATED (AP) — The Tennessee Titans’ COVID-19 outbreak is nearing an end even with two starting offensive linemen still on the reserve list. Not everyone around the NFL may be as healthy to kick off this season with COVID-19 proving to be an issue hovering over another season.
The Titans’ outbreak reached at least 14 with 10 of those players and five starters. Several other NFL teams may be without some players and starters for season openers. Miami and Carolina each put offensive linemen on the reserve list Monday with the Jets and Chiefs both monitoring players for possible returns.
Elsewhere in the NFL:
— The Chiefs remained without All-Pro safety Tyrann Mathieu after his positive test for COVID-19 as the two-time defending AFC champions began preparing Monday for their season opener against Cleveland. Chiefs coach Andy Reid said that Mathieu remained in the league’s protocol. He was vaccinated, so that means Mathieu has yet to return two negative tests taken 24 hours apart.
— Panthers starting right guard John Miller has been placed on the COVID-19 reserve list and will miss Carolina’s season opener on Sunday against the Jets. Panthers coach Matt Rhule said Miller will be out 10 days, which according to league rules would indicate that he was an unvaccinated player who tested positive.
— Jets wide receiver Jamison Crowder is recovering from symptoms of COVID-19 and his status for the opening game at Carolina remains uncertain. Coach Robert Saleh said Monday that Crowder is vaccinated against the virus, but the receiver’s availability for the season opener will depend on how he feels and tests.
— The Ravens agreed to a four-year, $56 million contract extension with tight end Mark Andrews, locking him up through 2025. Andrews was a Pro Bowler in 2019, when he caught 64 passes for 852 yards and 10 touchdowns. Andrews’ 17 receiving touchdowns since 2019 are the most among tight ends in the NFL.
— San Francisco rookie quarterback Trey Lance showed signs of progress in returning from a finger injury, but there are still questions about whether he will be able to play in the season opener. Lance no longer needed a splint on the index finger on his throwing hand after suffering a small chip fracture in the exhibition finale on Aug. 29. But during the open portion of practice for reporters, Lance didn’t make any throws.
— Receiver Curtis Samuel took part in Washington’s Labor Day practice and looks like a candidate to play in the season opener against the Chargers after missing training camp. Samuel spent time on the NFL’s COVID-19 list and has been hampered by a groin injury since offseason workouts.
