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Even after the NFL announced rule changes pertaining to COVID protocols, reducing the number of days of isolation from ten to five in given circumstances, many players who are vital to their teams will still miss out due to COVID in Week 17. With this being the penultimate game week of the regular season, most teams are in a make-or-break situation and missing key players due to COVID jeopardizes even the best-laid plans.
Some teams have had lucky breaks, such as the Indianapolis Colts and the New England Patriots, who have Carson Wentz and Matthew Judon back just in time, respectively. Now, we will turn our attention to the teams and players who are not so fortunate as we look at the players who will be out due to COVID in Week 17.
COVID wrecks havoc in Week 17
#1 - Kirk Cousins, QB, Minnesota Vikings
Kirk Cousins had promised to keep plexiglass around him to protect other members of his team were he to get COVID because he is unvaccinated and now has a chance to follow through on that promise. He is definitely ruled out for Week 17 due to COVID.
It places the Minnesota Vikings in an impossible situation. They have now lost their starting quarterback to COVID, just when they needed him the most. Their playoff destiny is not fully in their hands, but they needed to win against the Green Bay Packers this week to boost their chances. Without Cousins, it becomes that much more difficult.
#2 - Antonio Gibson, RB, Washington Football Team
Antonio Gibson was also placed on the COVID list this week by the Washington Football Team. Unlike Cousins, however, Gibson was vaccinated, meaning that he can return before the minimum five-day isolation period if he can return two negative COVID tests. But given that their game against the Philadelphia Eagles is on Sunday, it is impossible for him to play this week.
It's a huge blow to the Washington Football Team since Gibson is the starting running back. The Washington Football Team are currently 6-9 and still retain some hope of making the playoffs. But this week is vital, and if they do not win this game, they will be all but eliminated from postseason contention. In addition to Gibson, they have also placed left guard Ereck Flowers on the COVID list.
Players missing due to COVID in Week 17
#3 - Bradley Chubb, LB, Denver Broncos
Much like the Minnesota Vikings and the Washington Football Team, COVID is hampering the Denver Broncos at a pivotal moment. The 7-8 Denver Broncos take on the 8-7 Los Angeles Chargers, knowing a win can put them right back in the playoff mix.
Unfortunately, they will have to make do without Bradley Chubb. He is someone the Denver Broncos have had to deal without for most of the time recently, due to a variety of injuries. But his presence on the defense still matters, and the 2020 Pro Bowler missing due to COVID significantly weakens the unit.
#4 - Shaquill Griffin, CB, Jacksonville Jaguars
Unlike other teams vying for the playoffs, the Jacksonville Jaguars do not need to worry about missing out on the postseason because that ship has long sailed. But their remaining games are as critical as anyone else's for two reasons. They can play kingmakers, beginning with their game against the New England Patriots. Additionally, now is the time for the players to lead the team in the absence of a permanent head coach.
Shaquill Griffin, a Pro Bowler in 2019, is a defensive team captain, and his absence due to COVID will significantly alter the landscape. It will make their team lack an authority figure on the field, and that will make it relatively easier for the Patriots, who need to win this game to maintain their glide to the playoffs.
#5 - Julio Jones, WR, Tennessee Titans
Julio Jones was not activated off the COVID list and, therefore, stands to miss the game against the Miami Dolphins. It's going to be a big miss for the Titans, and that means that A.J. Brown should be the primary target for Tennessee.
The Titans are 10-5 but are not out of the woods yet and face a resurgent Dolphins team. With the Colts pushing them all the way, the Titans need to keep winning to ensure they top their division. Furthermore, the Titans want to secure the top spot in the AFC, and COVID issues, such as Jones, are complicating matters.
Ultimately, though, every team has to go through some sort of inconvenience as the pandemic rages and players who are COVID-vaccine-hesitant stand to cost their teams more, in terms of mandated isolation days. But critical players missing will always be noticed, especially when it is this close to the end of the regular season with postseason qualification riding on these games.
