COVID-19: Yep, again

The GIST: Move over, “unprecedented” times. In sadly very precedented news, leagues, games and players continue to be impacted by COVID-19.

On-field impact: On Friday, the NFL rescheduled three pivotal weekend matchups to tonight and tomorrow due to outbreaks on multiple teams.

• Meanwhile, the NHL postponed all cross-border contests through December 23rd and will announce a final decision regarding player participation at the upcoming Beijing Winter Olympics in the “coming days.” Dun dun dun.

• And in the NBA, five new game postponements were announced yesterday, with multiple stars (including Brooklyn Net Kevin Durant and Atlanta Hawk Trae Young) joining the league’s growing health and safety protocols list.

• Also of note, unvaccinated Kyrie Irving was signed as a “part-time player” on Friday to help alleviate the Nets virus-related roster issues and then entered COVID-19 protocols on Saturday. *pretends to be shocked*

The bigger picture: With a constant barrage of news and mind-numbing case numbers, it’s easy to lose sight of the human toll of COVID-19. Most players are thankfully asymptomatic or experiencing mild symptoms, but that’s not the case for all athletes (or the general public).

• With uncertainty in the air and more news certain to break this week, it’s an important reminder to take care of yourself and your people — both physically and mentally.