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NFL injury updates, latest league news from Monday, Dec. 27

Monday saw a new record number of players placed on the COVID-19 list.

NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reported 106 players were placed on various teams' reserve/COVID-19 lists.

The breakdown of players placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list is as follows: 74 active-roster players were placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list and 22 went on the practice squad COVID-19 list. Ten additional players landed on the list over the weekend due to positive tests, but were not officially registered until Monday's transaction wire.

Notable players to be placed on COVID lists included: Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans, who has also been dealing with a hamstring injury, Patriots pass rusher Matt Judon, Titans wide receiver Julio Jones, Ravens safety Tony Jefferson, Texans running back David Johnson Panthers defenders Shaq Thompson and Brian Burns and Colts offensive tackle Braden Smith .

Per league data, 165 players were placed on the list during the week of Dec. 13-18 and 205 players were put on the list the week of Dec. 20-25. Per NFL Research, the total number of players placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list is 521 in December, including 476 since Dec. 13.

Updated COVID-19 protocols state that fully vaccinated, asymptomatic players can go off the COVID-19 list provided they produce two negative tests within 24 hours.

Injuries/COVID-19

Roster/coaching moves

  • The Baltimore Ravens released offensive tackle Adrian Ealy.
  • The Carolina Panthers released kicker Alex Kessman.
  • The Jacksonville Jaguars claimed former Rams running back Mekhi Sargent and linebacker Jamir Jones off waivers.
  • The New Orleans Saints activated 14 players as COVID-19 replacements for Monday night's game, including quarterback Blake Bortles, guard Forrest Lamp and defensive tackle Ethan Westbrooks.
  • The Pittsburgh Steelers announced that offensive line coach Adrian Klemm has been granted permission to leave the team and accept a similar position with the University of Oregon football team. Assistant OL coach Chris Morgan will handle Klemm's duties for the rest of the season.
  • The Tennessee Titans signed offensive lineman Cedric Ogbuehi to the practice squad and released defensive back Nate Brooks.