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NFL news: Buffalo Bills suffer latest COVID-19 outbreak

Buffalo Bills became latest NFL team with a COVID-19 outbreak
Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports

The Buffalo Bills have become the latest team to suffer a COVID-19 outbreak, placing multiple players on the Reserve/COVID-19 list before their Week 7 game.

Buffalo, who had a game rescheduled this season due to the Tennessee Titans’ outbreak, announced Saturday that they will be without multiple offensive weapons due to COVID-19.

Related: 2022 NFL Power Rankings – Outlook for all 32 teams entering summer

Buffalo Bills place four players on Reserve/COVID-19 list

Bills tight end Dawson Knox tested positive for the coronavirus on Saturday, immediately landing him on the Reserve/COVID-19 list. Unfortunately for Buffalo, due to enhanced safety protocols, he won’t be the only tight end sidelined in Week 7.

NFL Week 7: Schedule and game-by-game predictions

Following the COVID-19 outbreaks from the Titans and New England Patriots, the league enhanced its protocols to meet CDC guidelines.

Any players that contact tracing determines were in close contact with someone who tests positive is required to quarantine for five days. In the Bills’ case, that means tight end Lee Smith, Tommy Sweeney and Nate Becker were deemed to be high risk.

Buffalo placed all three tight ends on the Reserve/COVID-19 list, ruling them out for Sunday’s game. The Las Vegas Raiders took the same steps earlier this week with their offensive line, but four starters will be allowed to return if they receive their fifth consecutive negative test on Sunday morning.

Knox and Smith won’t be allowed to return until the middle of next week, in the best-case scenario. As a result, Buffalo is extremely thin at tight end. Tyler Kroft, who was with his wife for the birth of their child, will step in as the starter in Week 7.

Meanwhile, the Bills have added wide receiver Duke Williams, offensive lineman Jordan Devey, linebacker Andre Smith and cornerback Dane Jackson to their active roster.

NFL odds: Lines and point spreads for Week 7

Fortunately, the Bills are still scheduled to play on Sunday against the New York Jets. The team is scheduled to fly out tonight and kick-off remains on track for 1 PM EST. If any additional players test positive Sunday morning, then the game could be postponed.

Related: Predicting fantasy football sleepers and breakouts for 2021.

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