Raiders return seven players from COVID list
The Las Vegas Raiders will be closer to full strength just in time for a big matchup on Sunday.
On Saturday, the Raiders (6-3) activated seven players from the reserve/COVID-19 list — all defensive players. Las Vegas faces the visiting and AFC West-leading Kansas City Chiefs (8-1) on Sunday night.
The Raiders activated safety Johnathan Abram, cornerback Isaiah Johnson, defensive tackles Maliek Collins, Johnathan Hankins and Kendal Vickers, and defensive end Arden Key from the COVID list on Saturday.
All six of those players were placed on the list on Wednesday after they were determined to have been in close contact with defensive end Clelin Ferrell, another Raiders defensive end who tested positive for the virus early in the week.
Las Vegas also added defensive end David Irving to the active roster; he was on the practice squad reserve/COVID-19 list.
In additional roster maneuvering, the Raiders activated linebacker Javin White and defensive end Chris Smith off the practice squad.
The Raiders also added to the reserve/COVID list as well, with running back Theo Riddick slotted there on Saturday.
Las Vegas has battled with the NFL’s COVID regulations all season. The franchise has reportedly been fined more than a combined $600,000 and docked a sixth-round draft pick for repeated violations of the league’s healthy and safety protocols.
Coach Jon Gruden was fined $100,000 early in the 2020 season for not adhering to the league’s rules on wearing a mask on the sidelines during games.
Raiders owner Mark Davis said his team would appeal the punitive measures from the NFL.
“The fines are draconian,” Davis told ESPN. “But we will appeal them. Outside the organization, people have the wrong impression about the Raiders.”
–Field Level Media
