The reality of players opting out of the 2020 NFL season has been a continued development. That said, how is it affecting the AFC West so far?
The 2020 offseason would appear to be one of seemingly daily developments and ever-changing protocols. Playing in the midst of a pandemic while trying to conduct business, this paradigm is to be expected. As far as the AFC West is concerned, there’s been some player movement of note.
The Raiders, who haven’t been in the news with regards to player opt-outs, have so far not been affected. An exception could be running back Devontae Booker, who signed with the team this past offseason. He was placed on the COVID-19 list, which means Booker could’ve tested positive or might’ve come in contact with an individual who has it. The clarification came recently thanks to Raiders beat writer Jerry McDonald on his Twitter account.
Since Gruden spoke to the media under the belief they had no one on the COVID-19 list, running back Devontae Booker was named in NFL transactions. Being on the list can mean testing positive or simply being in contact with someone that has the virus.
— Jerry McDonald (@Jerrymcd) July 30, 2020
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AFC West Roundup
As far as the running back position goes, the Raiders moved quickly and signed former Bengals and Patriots running back, Jeremy Hill. The Super Bowl champion, Kansas City Chiefs have had two contributors opt out. Offensive guard Laurent Duvernay-Tardif was the first NFL player to forgo the 2020 season. His reason was due to having been an orderly in the offseason. He’s only the fourth medical school graduate to play in the NFL. Running back Damien Williams announced on July 29 he would not participate, his mother was recently diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer.Â
The Denver Broncos lost journeyman nose tackle, Kyle Peko. As for the Los Angeles Chargers, as of the time of this publication, there has been no opt-outs or anything relating to COVID. Other than Booker, it seems the Raiders and Chargers are heading into the season full strength.
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*Top Photo: Sam Wasson/Getty Images
