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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.
