The harsh reality that we’re all still living in a pandemic is hitting hard this week. In the NFL world, the league is experiencing positive COVID cases across the country. As far as the Las Vegas Raiders are concerned, they’re facing a Cleveland Browns team that has been decimated by this development. That poses the question: Are the Raiders putting themselves at risk by playing this Saturday?
The Browns have been one of the hardest hit teams, with so many positive cases this week. In particular, their offense has been wiped out. Things have gotten so bad that they’re down to their third-string quarterback, Nick Mullens. Pandemic aside, the last time Mullens faced the Raiders, he obliterated the team by throwing three touchdowns and accumulating a near flawless passer rating of 151.9. We can all recall Jon Gruden and Paul Guenther going at it on the sidelines.
Are the Raiders in danger?
However, back to the seriousness of the issue at hand. No fan wants to see their team forfeit or have their game cancelled. Nevertheless, this goes beyond that. Personal health is of the utmost importance in this day and age. If the Raiders play on Saturday, the strong possibility exists that they could have their own rash of positive cases as soon as next week.
The NFLPA is also taking this matter very seriously. The players’ union is concerned about player safety as well as the integrity of the game.
Also, the NFLPA is currently pushing aggressively for a postponement of the Raiders-Browns game on Saturday. Some in the union believe the entire season should shut down for a week. The union is concerned about player safety and game integrity.
— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) December 16, 2021
Putting aside your own personal opinions on the pandemic, the fact is, COVID is no joke. Players on both sides are putting themselves and their families at risk. This is bigger than a game.
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*Top Photo: Heidi Fang/Las Vegas Review-Journal