BBNFL: COVID-19 running through the league

On a weekend that’s supposed to be full of joy and football, it’s tough to say we really got either. Let’s look at how some of our former ‘Cats–or at least the ones not on the Covid-19 list–did over the holiday weekend.

COVID-19 ravaging the NFL

We’re starting to get towards the point of watching replacement players play on Sundays, and this isn’t even the league in a lockout right now. Like most of the country, COVID-19 has been hitting record highs over the past few weeks. In turn, this has forced franchises to turn to almost anyone willing to throw on pads.

96 players tested positive for COVID-19 today across the NFL (74 active roster, 22 practice squad), and another 10 came up positive over the weekend. So 106 names on today’s COVID-19 add list. pic.twitter.com/OnYPRSxPKr

— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) December 27, 2021

Some former Wildcats fell victim over the past few days to being put on the list and being forced to miss games. Just over the past week, four more ‘Cats were forced to sit out. Josh Allen, Jamin Davis and Lonnie Johnson Jr. were all put on the COVID-19 list before this weekend’s games and were unable to perform.

Baker Mayfield is off the COVID-19 list but won't be cleared until Saturday, when Cleveland takes on Green Bay.

Meanwhile, Colts guard Quenton Nelson and Jacksonville pass rusher Josh Allen go on the COVID-19 list.https://t.co/xZrJUm8oKg

— AP NFL (@AP_NFL) December 24, 2021

The #Texans put six more players on the COVID list, including DB Lonnie Johnson, DL Jordan Jenkins and OL Tytus Howard. They now have 22 active players on the list as they prepare to face the #Chargers.

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) December 23, 2021

Phil Hoskins didn’t see any time on the field against the Buccaneers but got even worse news the next day.

The #Panthers add four active players to their COVID-19 reserve list: Edge Brian Burns, linebacker Shaq Thompson, defensive end Marquis Haynes Sr., and defensive tackle Phil Hoskins on the list. DT Daviyon Nixon and C Matt Paradis (on IR) also on it.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 27, 2021

Kelvin Joseph finally getting a chance

It’s been a tough run for the second-round pick in his first year in the NFL. Kelvin missed the first seven weeks of the season due to injury and has been stuck as a special teamer since coming back to the field. He had never played more than 11 snaps on defense in a game before Sunday night. Against the Football Team, Joseph played 95% of snaps on defense for the Cowboys and didn’t look particularly awful.

#Cowboys rookie CB Kelvin Joseph played 57 snaps in Week 16.

He "allowed" -2 receiving yards on five targets with one pass deflection, according to @PFF pic.twitter.com/slF4WP1NT9

— Marcus Mosher (@Marcus_Mosher) December 27, 2021

In his first career start, Joseph had three tackles, one for loss and two pass deflections while playing the entire game across Trevon Diggs. Nobody is particularly surprised by what we saw from Kelvin Joseph the other night, but it’s refreshing to see him making plays again.

Other notable performances

• Corey Peters (ARI) had three tackles on 54% of snaps
• Brandin Echols (NYJ) had five tackles on 96% of snaps
• Bud Dupree (TEN) had four tackles and a QB hit on 63% of snaps
• Benny Snell Jr. (PIT) had five rushes for 20 yards