NFL, NHL make schedule changes due to COVID-19 outbreaks

NFL and NHL fans will have to keep a close eye on the leagues’ upcoming schedules.

COVID-19 outbreaks are forcing the postponement of games in both leagues.

The NHL has postponed all games for the Colorado Avalanche and Florida Panthers through at least Christmas, The Associated Press reported.

The Calgary Flames are also not playing through Dec. 23.

Training facilities for the Flames, Panthers and Avalanche have also been closed, the AP reported.

In all, three games have been postponed for the Panthers and Avalanche and six games have been postponed for the Flames.

The Saturday game between the Montreal Canadians and Boston Bruins has also been postponed, but Sunday’s game between the Bruins and the Ottawa Senators is still on, for now.

The NFL is also changing this weekend’s schedule due to COVID-19.

Sources told the AP that the Las Vegas Raiders game in Cleveland against the Browns has been moved from Saturday to Monday.

The Browns would have been without up to 16 players if the game was held Saturday, the AP reported.

ESPN reported the game will be played at 5 p.m. EST on Monday.

Raiders at Browns now will be played Monday night at 5 pm ET, per sources.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 17, 2021

The NFL and NFL Players Association were discussing possibly changing the day of the game, NBC Sports reported. The Raiders were told to wait to travel to Cleveland, NBC Sports reported.

Raiders are supposed to board buses to go to the airport at 11:15 am PT/ 2:15 ET, and some players have said that they are being told at this time to stand down, per source. https://t.co/5OwUwFDLcM
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 17, 2021

If the reports stand, there will be a doubleheader football game with the Raiders at Browns at 5 p.m. and the Minnesota Vikings at Chicago Bears at 8:20 p.m. EST, ESPN reported.

Monday night doubleheader:

🏈Raiders at Browns, 5 pm
🏈Vikings at Bears, 8:20 pm
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 17, 2021

The game between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Washington Football Team has been moved to 7 p.m. EST Tuesday.

ESPN reported that there were also discussions to move the Seattle Seahawks at Los Angeles Rams game to Tuesday.

NFL now discussing switching Seahawks at Rams to Tuesday, per sources.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 17, 2021

Recently the NFL updated its protocols, including requiring masks for everyone regardless of vaccination status and holding either remote or outdoor meetings, the AP reported.

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