Seahawks-Cardinals moved to Sunday night after Raiders COVID-19 scare
Oct 22, 2020, 12:44 PM | Updated: 2:21 pm
Arizona Cardinals' Kyler Murray (1) and DeAndre Hopkins (10) celebrate a touchdown scored on a carry by Murray in the second half of an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys in Arlington, Texas, Monday, Oct. 19, 2020. (AP Photo/Ron Jenkins)
(AP Photo/Ron Jenkins)
The Arizona Cardinals will be featured in back-to-back primetime billings due to coronavirus concerns in the Las Vegas Raiders organization.
The Cardinals and Seattle Seahawks have been moved from 1:05 p.m. to 5:20 p.m. and will play on NBC, while the NFL has moved up the Raiders’ game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to Sunday afternoon.
“These decisions were made out of an abundance of caution to ensure that a game would be available for fans on Sunday Night Football,” the league said in a statement Thursday. “We expect the Buccaneers-Raiders game to be played on Sunday afternoon.
“Scheduling decisions are made to ensure the health and safety of players, coaches and game day personnel and in consultation with medical experts.”
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The Las Vegas Raiders sent all five starting offensive linemen home as part of coronavirus contact tracing after right tackle Trent Brown was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list with a positive test.
The Raiders held practice on Wednesday without their starting five as they prepare for Sunday’s home game against Tampa Bay. Safety Johnathan Abram also was held out because of contract tracing.
“I guess they were around Trent,” coach Jon Gruden said. “I can’t get into things any more than that. Hopefully we’ll get some players back tomorrow or for Sunday.”
Gruden says the team is listening to the league about how to handle the situation.
The Raiders had the week off last week and returned to practice on Monday. Brown took part in that practice but has since tested positive.
Gruden had the coronavirus in July before the start of training camp.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
