COVID threat plays a factor in bye weeks

A a r o n R o d g e r s a n d h i s Green Bay Packers teammates won't get a chance to celebrate their fast start by leaving town during their week off.

T h e P a c k e r s ( 4 - 0 ) a n d Detroit Lions (1-3) don't play this week and therefore are the first NFL teams to get a taste of how different off weeks will be amid a pandemic. Players and coaches aren't allowed to l eave the city where the team is located during the off week, as they must provide daily specimens for COVID19 testing.

“Totally sucks,” the 36-yearold Rodgers said after t he Packers' Monday night victory over the Atlanta Falcons. “That's all I can say about that."

Pl a y e r s o f t e n have us e d these off weeks to visit their hometowns, take their families on a quick trip or return to their alma maters to watch college football games from the sidelines. They won't get those chances this year.

More positive test results hit Titans camp

T e n n e s s e e w i l l n o t b e returning to the team's facili t y Wedne s d a y a f t e r t wo more players tested positive amid the NFL's first COVID1 9 outbreak, a nd t he New England Patriots now have c anceled practi c e t hrough Thursday amid reports that a third player has tested positive for the coronavirus.

JETS: Starting quarterback Sam Darnold will sit out against the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday with his sprained right shoulder. Coach Adam Gase said Wednesday that veteran Joe Flacco will get the start at home in Darnold's place.