BUCCANEERS

Follow Josh VanDyke on Twitter51 Rockford takes on Grand Haven for Division 1 softball semifinal at JenisonMUSKEGON – Saturday marked the end of the road for four Muskegon-area softball teams, as Grand Haven and Ravenna both fell short in narrow contests and Hart and Grant struggled at the plate in their regional semifinal matchups. Below is a look at how each team performed in their respective regional brackets. DIVISION 1Regional 2 at JenisonSEMIFINALSRockford 3, Grand Haven 1 (9 inn.) Skyler Covelli finished with two hits to lead the Grand Haven offense, while Savannah Collins added one hit and one RBI and Emily Walcott, Kendall Pahl and Veda Vargas each added one hit. Maddie Kilbourne added two hits, Emma Herremans had a triple and Kara Postema and Ellie Solem each added one hit.

Softball teams throughout the Grand Rapids area took a big step in the state tournament this weekend. The win sends the Buccaneers to Saturday’s Jenison regional where the Rams will play Rockford in the 10 a.m. semifinals. The Crusaders have advanced to the Sparta regional on Saturday and will play Catholic Central at noon. Wayland will host a regional Saturday, taking on Vicksburg at 10 a.m.DIVISION 3At West CatholicCalvin Christian captured the West Catholic regional with a 10-0 win against Covenant Christian. The Squires, who beat West Catholic 9-2 in the semis, will play Ithaca in the Ravenna regional semifinal Saturday at noon.

Follow Josh VanDyke on Twitter48 Division one boys volleyball district championships at Grand HavenGRAND HAVEN – Tucker Kooi was the first member of the Grand Haven boys volleyball team to sprint over to the district championship trophy Wednesday night. The Buccaneers swept Reeths-Puffer (25-18, 25-16, 25-13) to advance to the district championship match, where they faced a scrappy Mona Shores squad. Grand Haven advances to face Sparta in the state quarterfinals on Monday from Hudsonville High School. They played really hard and kept a lot of balls alive that a lot of teams don’t usually get to. “We’ve never really played (volleyball) with each other before the past couple of years.

In a stunning move, Bruce Arians is hanging his whistle up. The 69-year-old is retiring from coaching the Buccaneers, as first reported by Peter King, and will be replaced by defensive coordinator Todd Bowles. Arians will move to the front office as a “senior consultant for football.” In a phone call with NBC, Arians said it was important to him to leave the franchise in good hands for the next steward, and that Tom Brady’s return was a major factor in his decision to walk away.

The league has suspended all COVID protocols and restrictions.

Follow Josh VanDyke on Twitter30 Mona Shores battles Grand Haven, move to district championship with 46-39 winMUSKEGON – The Mona Shores girls basketball team could have panicked when they found themselves down 19-16 at halftime to an inspired Grand Haven squad during Wednesday night’s Division 1 district semifinals at Reeths-Puffer High School. Mona Shores advances to face OK Green Conference rival Reeths-Puffer, 56-37 winners over Kenowa Hills, in Friday’s district championship game at 7 p.m.MORE: Images from Mona Shores-Grand Haven game“We just made some shots,” said Mona Shores head coach Mike Phillips of his team’s second-half effort. “It just felt like there was a lid on the rim to start the game,” said Grand Haven head coach Katie Kowalczyk-Fulmer. “That group has been the face of Grand Haven girls basketball the last three years with girls like Zoe Spoelman, Molly Long, Caydee Constant, and Alyssa Hatzel. I think that will kind of refocus the kids going into tomorrow’s practice.

The two teams now enter a first-place tie in the OK Red Confernece standings with only three league games left on the schedule. It was just really a great basketball game. He’s finally healthy again, got that brace off of his hand and tape off of his wrist and he played a phenomenal game tonight. I think the sky’s the limit.”Sorrelle even delivered a spirited pregame speech to his teammates in an effort to get his team fired up before their OK Red Conference showdown. Grand Haven (15-1, 10-1 OK Red) will travel to East Kentwood (5-11, 5-6 OK Red) on Friday, while Rockford (15-2, 10-1 OK Red) will take on Jenison (5-12, 1-10 OK Red).

Jhené Aiko performs "America the Beautiful" at Super Bowl LVI, held Feb. 13, 2022 in Los Angeles.

It’s really happening. Just when everyone thought legendary quarterback Tom Brady could play forever and outlast father time, that has proven not to be the case.

It sounds like Tom Brady’s camp is trying to put the toothpaste back in the tube. “Without getting into the accuracy or inaccuracy of what’s being reported, Tom will be the only person to express his plans with complete accuracy. As all this unfolds, the quarterback isn’t even in the United States, according to NBC Sports’ Tom E. Curran. “Tom Brady is out of the country and plans to be abroad next week as well,” Curran tweeted. “While he may intend to retire, it seems like a final, final, FINAL decision hasn’t been rendered or articulated.

Before tonight’s big games, let’s take a look at how all the Muskegon-area boys basketball teams stack up. Below is the latest edition of the MLive Muskegon high school boys basketball power rankings for the 2021-22 season, presented in reverse order. This week, they’ll host Cadillac (7-3) on Tuesday before heading to Western Michigan Christian (2-4) on Friday for a pivotal Lakes Eight Conference matchup. This week, they’ll face Grandville (6-4) and Jenison (4-7) as they attempt to start another lengthy winning streak before the postseason arrives. ---MORE MUSKEGON-AREA SPORTS COVERAGEVote for the Muskegon-area Athlete of the Week for Jan. 17-22Whitehall wrestling as good as advertised in dominant performance at GMAA tournamentMuskegon-area basketball highlights: Darius Williams records 50-point quadruple-doubleFremont boys basketball standout voted MLive Muskegon-area athlete of the weekMuskegon-area high school sports roundup for Jan. 19-20Third-quarter run helps WMC girls basketball pull away from MontagueHow a knee injury catapulted a Whitehall volleyball standout to a historic careerMuskegon Area Sports Hall of Fame announces 2022 honorary classMuskegon-area basketball highlights: Hovey scores 25 to lead Hart over MontagueMuskegon-area girls basketball power rankings for week of Jan. 17Muskegon-area boys basketball power rankings for week of Jan. 17Newaygo senior duo leaning on long-term intuition in quest for state championship

The Nordic Combined is a grueling mix of ski jumping and cross-country skiing. Originating in Norway, it has been part of the Winter Olympics since it started in 1924. VIDEOGRAPHIC

A 37-year-old mother of two has become the fastest American woman to run a marathon. Keira D’Amato, who previously took seven years off from running to get married and have kids, won the Houston Marathon on Sunday in two hours, 19 minutes and 12 seconds — breaking the previous U.S. record by 12 seconds.

If luge is one of the oldest winter sports, it's also one of the most dangerous. Competitors lie on their backs, feet forward, racing down the icy slope at around 140 km/hour. VIDEOGRAPHIC

Figure skating combines athletic and technical skills with rhythm and artistic elegance. VIDEOGRAPHIC

Before tonight’s big games, let’s take a look at how all the Muskegon-area boys basketball teams stack up. Below is the latest edition of the MLive Muskegon high school girls basketball power rankings for the 2021-22 season, presented in reverse order. They’ll face Coopersville (3-5) and Hudsonville Unity Christian (4-5) this week in a pair of OK Blue Conference matchups. They’ll face a red-hot Western Michigan Christian (4-2) squad later this week as they hope to continue to build into a conference championship contender. They’ll face Whitehall (3-7), Montague (7-2) and Muskegon Catholic (3-3) later this week.

Donna Kelce’s goal is to see son Travis Kelce and the Kansas City Chiefs play in Sunday evening’s postseason game after watching other son Jason play for the Eagles on Sunday afternoon in Tampa.

Antonio Brown released a lengthy statement on Wednesday accusing the Buccaneers of pushing him to play hurt. Now, he's set to be cut from the team.

With the Golden Globes mired in controversy and the Grammys postponed due to the omicron surge, awards season is looking different, again.

AccuWeather's Jillian Angeline gives us an update on the first big snowstorm of the year and what to expect moving forward.

Here's a look at the top stories making headlines on the "CBS Evening News with Norah O'Donnell."

Antonio Brown threw his shirt and gloves into the stands on Sunday, and may have thrown away $1 million in bonus money in the process.

Follow Josh VanDyke on TwitterSPRING LAKE – The Grand Haven girls basketball team knew they were in for a battle against a scrappy Spring Lake squad Friday night in the annual Drawbridge Classic. “I was proud of my kids,” said Grand Haven head coach Katie Kowalczyk-Fulmer. “Spring Lake played us tough, and they outplayed us for most of the game except for maybe the fourth quarter. “Credit to Spring Lake. We made a few adjustments after that Reeths-Puffer game and I think the kids played really hard and stood up to Grand Haven.

The senior leader for the Buccaneers took it upon himself to log some extra minutes in the gym between practice sessions in preparation for his next opportunity, as Grand Haven traveled to Spring Lake High School on Friday night for the annual Drawbridge Classic. “I was really pleased with the way that we came out with energy and our student section was outstanding again tonight,” said Grand Haven head coach Greg Immink. He had to earn all of his points tonight because they were expecting him to go off. “Grand Haven is a really good team, and we knew that coming in,” said George after the game. I played at Grand Haven my sophomore year, but this game feels a little different in a smaller gym.

Tom Brady needed to negotiate quite a bit (and a Bitcoin) to retrieve his last historic touchdown. Not this time.

Mackenzie Salmon 'overreacts' to the biggest storylines in the AFC after Week 14 action in the NFL.

Follow Josh VanDyke on TwitterGrand Haven's Molly Long (44) eyes down a rebound against Reeths-Puffer during a Dec. 10, 2021 game at Grand Haven High School. GRAND HAVEN – The Grand Haven girls basketball team knew it was in for a challenge Friday night when they hosted Reeths-Puffer in a non-conference matchup. After a slow start to the game, Grand Haven generated some instant offense thanks to a stifling 2-3 zone that held Reeths-Puffer scoreless for the final five minutes of the first half. “Reeths-Puffer is a pretty good team,” said Kowalczyk-Fulmer after the game. She uses her length and she’s just a good team leader.

The Buccaneers decided early in the year that the way to win was to let the greatest quarterback in NFL history throw the ball a ton. It's working.

A court acquitted a coach accused of domestic violence against Olympic judo champion Margaux Pinot, sparking outrage in France. Pinot had accused her partner and trainer Alain Schmitt of punching and attempting to strangle her during an altercation over the weekend. Ian Lee reports from London on this and other international stories making headlines.

Planning for future in gaming, Fournette discusses why he signed with Jerry Jones's esports organization and the gaming tendencies of Tom Brady (or the lack thereof).

The Dallas Mavericks are ending strict pandemic rules for most fans. Not everyone will qualify. FOX 4's Terrence Friday explains.

CARROLLTON TWP., MI -- Carrollton defeated Chesaning 58-12 in the season finale on Friday, Oct. 22 at Carrollton High School in Carrollton Township. Voltz ran 16 times for 277 yards and four touchdowns, completed 4 of 7 passes for 95 yards and a touchdown, intercepted a pass on defense and ran for a pair of 2-point conversions. RELATED: DJ Voltz uses pent-up energy to lead Carrollton past ChesaningMLive was present to document all of the action. If you would like your local high school sports news delivered free to your inbox daily, click here and sign up for one of our local high school sports newslettersREAD MORE FROM MLIVE:Saginaw-area Week 9 high school football scoreboardHigh school football scores in the Bay City area for Week 9Michigan high school football scores from Week 9 regular season finale gamesSaginaw-area ‘playoff bubble’ teams need Week 9 winsVote for MLive Saginaw Athlete of the WeekGameday Saginaw! See MLive Player of the Week, with Week 9 schedule, standings

Justin Fields and the Bears head to Tampa Bay to face Tom Brady and the Super Bowl champion Buccaneers.

The NFL’s crackdown on unsportsmanlike penalties is working the way the league intended.

A woman burned by "scalding" hot coffee in a Dunkin' drive-thru is suing the local owner of the store and two employees there who allegedly mocked her injuries.

Jairus "JD" Robinson Shares Why He Kept Giving Shan His Extra 'Survivor' Vote: 'My Only Play Was To Suck Up To The People In Power'Jairus "JD" Robinson discusses his time on 'Survivor 41.' 'Survivor 41' Episode 4 Recap: A Blindside Strikes! A castaway didn't just get voted out – they got completely blindsided! Tory Kittles: 'Sparks May Fly' In Season 2 Of The EqualizerTory Kittles discusses season two of 'The Equalizer' premiering Sunday, October 10th at 8pm ET on CBS or available to stream with Paramount+. WATCH: 'The Equalizer' Returns For Its Second Season On CBS And Paramount+ Sunday At 8pm'The Equalizer' is back for a second season on CBS and Paramount+ starting Sunday, October 10th at 8pm ET/PT.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on Oct. 14, ordered a “whole-of-government” response to elevated levels of lead in Benton Harbor's water and vowed to accelerate the replacement of the southwestern Michigan' community's lead pipes.

A suspect has been arrested on Thursday, Oct. 14, following the abduction and sexual assault of a 9-year-old girl from Farmington Hills.

Tom Brady says his heavily wrapped throwing hand is sore but he expects to play when the Buccaneers visit the Philadelphia Eagles on Thursday night.

Francis had 169 rushing yards while Owen Worthington added 60 yards on the ground. Hudsonville found a balanced attack, with 177 yards passing and 205 yards rushing. Clay Schullo had 82 yards rushing for the Bulldogs, while Kyle Beebe threw for 60 yards and a score. As a team, Fremont finished with 324 yards rushing, led by Dirheimer’s 231 yards. Five different players had more than 58 yards rushing for Kent City, including 189 yards for Mason Westbrook.

The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development is urging consumers not to drink cider from Bowen Mills in Middleville, Michigan, due to safety concerns.

Follow Josh VanDyke on Twitter55 Caledonia hosts Grand Haven football 2021MUSKEGON – If the postseason started today, 11 Muskegon-area high school football teams would be preparing for playoff openers in Week 10. PREDICTION: Grandville 34, Grand Haven 24---Muskegon Catholic Central's Joseph Waller (6) runs with the ball during the Muskegon Catholic Central and North Muskegon High School football game at Muskegon Catholic Central High School in Muskegon on Friday, Aug. 27, 2021. (Annie Barker | MLive.com)Annie Barker | abarker@mlive.comMuskegon Heights (4-1) vs Muskegon Catholic Central (4-1), 7 p.m. PREDICTION: Muskegon Catholic 37, Muskegon Heights 14---Whitehall's Brodie Fogus (18), Aidan Ray (23), Trannon Aylor (89) and Landon Peterman (20) warmup before Whitehall hosted Oakridge on Thursday, Sept. 2, 2021. (Cory Morse | MLive.com)OTHER AREA GAMESManistee 34, Mason County Central 14 (THURSDAY)Muskegon 55, Holland 14Mona Shores 42, Reeths-Puffer 18Oakridge 41, North Muskegon 21Ravenna 33, Hart 18Montague 56, Shelby 6Newaygo 22, Grant 21Howard City Tri-County 28, Fremont 6Morley Stanwood 20, Hesperia 8Holton 28, Kent City 20White Cloud 26, Lakeview 22---MORE MUSKEGON-AREA SPORTS COVERAGEVote for the Muskegon-area Athlete of the Week for Sept. 21-28Muskegon-area high school football power rankings after Week 5Muskegon-area high school football playoff picture entering Week 6Vote for the Muskegon-area high school football Player of the Week (Sept. 24)See which Muskegon-area high schools are best for athletes in 2022Reeths-Puffer volleyball standout repeats as Muskegon-area Athlete of the Week

Matthew Stafford passed for 343 yards and four touchdowns as he outdueled Tom Brady and led the Los Angeles Rams to a 34-24 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Through two quarters, Friday night’s OK Red conference matchup between Caledonia and Grand Haven felt like a heavyweight title fight. The Buccaneers moved the ball the Caledonia 41 before a fumbled snap and a holding pushed them back to their own 45. Francis weaved through the defenders for a 33-yard touchdown and tied the ball game. Again, Caledonia put together a long drive, going 80 yards in 14 plays, capped by Townsend’s first touchdown of the night. “They’re very athletic, they’re a very good football team,” Farley said.

The Dallas Cowboys are expected to open the season at Super Bowl champion Tampa Bay without right guard Zack Martin after the four-time All-Pro tested positive for COVID-19.

But that isn’t stopping Lions fans from picking the Packers to win the Super Bowl. More than 190,000 tweets with hashtags and direct keyword phrases about Super Bowl 56 (LVI) and the team most associated with those tweets were tracked in each state. #SuperBowlLVI, “Super Bowl LVI prediction,” and “Super Bowl 56 winner” etc were among the phrases considered. It’s also worth noting that there are plenty of Packers fans in Michigan, especially in the Upper Peninsula, which likely helped the vote. Other states, like New York and Tennessee are staying loyal to their teams, picking the Bills and Titans to win, respectively.

Tom Brady stepped to the podium at the South Lawn of the White House on Tuesday, and the reigning Super Bowl MVP brought some jokes.

The Stanley Cup is back in Tampa, but it issued a stern warning to Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady shortly after the Lightning's clinching victory Wednesday night.

Anabeth HyllandMona ShoresThe Sailors junior placed eighth in the 100-meter dash with in a time of 12.73 seconds. Ian HillSpring LakeThe Lakers junior finished third in the 1600-meter run with a time of 4:20.33. Caleb SmithLudingtonThe Orioles junior finished fourth in high jump with a personal-record effort of 6 feet, 2 inches. Taryn PrestonKent CityThe Eagles junior placed fifth in the 300-meter hurdles with a season-record time of 47.83 seconds. James HunterHoltonThe Red Devils junior placed third in the 110-meter hurdles with a time of 15.88 seconds.

MUSKEGON – In a rare Wednesday district softball opener, Grand Haven rolled to an 11-2 victory over host Reeths-Puffer. The Buccaneers advance to Saturday’s 10 a.m. district semifinal against Mona Shores in the tournament played at Reeths-Puffer. Grand Haven jumped on Reeths-Puffer with four first-inning runs, sparked by Regan Riemersma’s three-run home run. These girls had a focus and a desire about this short week of preparation,” Grand Haven coach John Hall said. “Playing a team four times and beating them four times is never easy.”Below are scores and updated district schedules for area squads.

EAST LANSING – Flint Beecher had hopes of playing in the Division 3 basketball state title game last year but saw their season come to an end because of the pandemic in March. They’ll now seek their ninth state title and first since 2017 when they face Iron Mountain 3 p.m. on Saturday. The Comets saw their season come to an end Thursday, but not before winning a conference, district and regional championship in 2021. And while they were unable to advance to the state title, HH coach Chad Mortimer was grateful to have the opportunity to even be in this situation during this unprecedented season. “We believe that last year we had the team to come down here and make it happen,” he said.

MUSKEGON – If anybody should know that nothing’s promised during this coronavirus pandemic, then it’s the boys basketball teams for Grand Haven and Muskegon. Big Reds coach Keith Guy’s streak of 16 straight district championships was snapped by the Bucs, who captured their first district crown since 2012. You know, he can get it done,” animated Grand Haven junior Nic Stump said. Knowing what they needed to do and knowing what it would take to win,” Grand Haven coach Greg Immink said. Grand Haven has had its moments of inconsistency, but when the Buccaneers are on, they can be a handful.

Grand Haven (10-5) and Muskegon (13-6), which defeated Reeths-Puffer 67-58, will square off at 3 p.m. Saturday at Rocket Arena. Grand Haven defeated Mona Shores 67-41. On Thursday, Grand Haven jumped on Mona Shores and essentially put the game away in the first half. Junior Bashir Neely scored 14 points for Grand Haven, while senior Landon VanBeek and junior Tucker Kooi added eight points apiece. Last year’s district finals matchup between Grand Haven and Muskegon was highly anticipated, but it never happened because of COVID.

In the matchup of the night Monday in the Muskegon-area, Grand Haven defeated Reeths-Puffer in a Division 1 first-round district matchup. Sophia Hekkema totaled 18 points, seven rebounds and four assists for Reeths-Puffer, which closes its season with a 7-8 record. Howard City Tri County 54, Grant 38Tri County (11-5) advances to face Newaygo (15-1) in Wednesday’s district semifinals. In Monday’s district opener, Alexis Strait totaled 22 points, seven steals and three assists for White Cloud. More coverage:Girls district basketball scores, updated schedules for Muskegon area (March 22)See who we’re picking to win Muskegon-area boys district basketball district titles

(AP Photo/Adam Hunger, File)Bill Belichick never was one to spent wildly in free agency. Whether by trade, free agency or re-signings, the group brings a good mix of offense, defense and special teams. In addition to keeping Von Miller, Justin Simmons and Shelby Harris, Paton filled his biggest defensive pothole by signing free agent cornerbacks Ronald Darby and Kyle Fuller. FUTURE CONSIDERATIONSThe Lions didn’t do much in free agency but nobody in Detroit should be bothered. The Lions are focused on rebuilding through the draft after sending QB Matthew Stafford to the Rams and then letting star wide receiver Kenny Golladay walk in free agency.

Eagles girls basketball coach Scott Carlson is not afraid to make that proclamation, nor are his players. The 2020-21 season is starting a couple months later than planned, but at least it’s starting. With the season beginning in earnest tonight for the Muskegon area, it’s time for the first edition of the power rankings. But, it was very difficult to slot the top 10 teams in the rankings below, as several programs return nice squads. Western Michigan ChristianThis spot is probably too low for the Warriors, who captured a district championship last season.

TAMPA, Fla. – Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs have touched down at the Super Bowl. The AFC champions arrived in Tampa on Saturday, flying into town a day before they defend their title against the hometown Buccaneers. After spending the week at home, they’ll stay Saturday night at the team hotel — as they usually do for home games. The team had no further comment Saturday after releasing a statement Friday night saying it was in the information-gathering process. Ad“We’re going to be ready to roll come Super Bowl day,” safety Tyrann Mathieu said.

Detroiter William Gholston honoring men who helped him get to the topDETROIT – The excitement for Super Bowl LV is unlike any other with masks, social distancing and other COVID precautions in place. It’s the first time the stadium won’t be full for the big game, and it’s the first time the Super Bowl will go ticketless and cashless. Bucs defensive end William Gholston believes playing when he was a student at Southeastern High School in Detroit made him who he is. AdAs a sophomore in high school, he was deemed “too tall,” needed to fill out and realize he wasn’t a wide receiver, but bust as a defender. “He donated to the high school.

DETROIT – Rob Foster worked tirelessly for months as a medical resident on the frontlines at Ascension Hospital. He’s getting rewarded for it in a big way -- Foster is headed to Super Bowl LV in Tampa as a special guest of the NFL. While he lives in Metro Detroit, Foster grew up in Tampa and rooted for the Buccaneers. “They did win the Super Bowl once in 2010,” Foster said. When his dad, a Buccaneers season-ticket holder since 1976, heard the Super Bowl was sending vaccinated health care workers to the big game, he called his ticket rep.

Aside from winning the final Super Bowl before the merger in 1970, the Kansas City Chiefs’ biggest claim to fame for over half a century was team founder Lamar Hunt coining the phrase Super Bowl. Three long-downtrodden teams — the Browns, Bills and Buccaneers — have made it to the divisional round this weekend and are certain they have as good a chance as the Chiefs, Packers, Saints, Ravens or Rams of winning Super Bowl 55. That’s heady stuff for a franchise that has never made it to the Super Bowl. I think Bills fans, including myself, didn’t think he was going to be this good this good this early. And he has proved a lot of people wrong.”No, there’s no comparing this Bills team to those of his playing days, Thomas said.

The Browns have raced to a 28-0 lead over the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Browns’ 28 points are the most by any team in the first quarter of a playoff game since the 1970 merger. So, this will be the first NFL playoff game ever pitting two quadragenarian quarterbacks. Drew Brees is trying to join Brett Favre and Tom Brady as quarterbacks to win a playoff game after turning 40. That was his third career playoff game with 150 or more rushing yards, one game shy of Hall of Famer Terrell Davis’ record.

(AP Photo/Mark Tenally)The Latest on Week 16 in the NFL (all times EST):___8 p.m.For the first time since 2014 there will be an NFL playoff team with a losing record. The winner will remain alive in the NFC East playoff race if Washington loses to Carolina. ___6:05 p.m.Washington is well on the way to blowing its first chance to clinch the NFC East. ___6 p.m.Eleven teams in the NFC are still harboring hopes of making a playoff run with Week 16 winding down. 1 seed in the NFC with a win Sunday night against the Titans and a Seattle loss or tie.

DETROIT – Detroit Lions interim coach Darrell Bevell and four assistants will be forced to sit out Saturday’s game against Tampa Bay after two individuals in the organization tested positive for COVID-19. After the Lions let go head of coach Matt Patricia, Bevell stepped in as interim coach for the team. Now the Lions will have an interim coach to replace their interim coach who has to sit out Saturday’s game against the Buccaneers due to the NFL’s COVID protocols. On game day, Bevell won’t be able to communicate with the interim coaches. NFL rules state that the coaches can’t have any contact, so the assistant coaches stepping in will be all on their own.

LAS VEGAS – The Las Vegas Raiders will be able to play four of their starting offensive linemen Sunday against Tampa Bay after they got one more day of negative tests for COVID-19. Kolton Miller, Denzelle Good, Rodney Hudson and Gabe Jackson all tested negative in results gotten back Sunday and were active for the game against the Buccaneers. The four players have tested negative every day since they had a “high risk” close contact Monday with teammate Trent Brown before he tested positive for the coronavirus. The four missed practice Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, and a walkthrough on Saturday, but will be able to play against the Buccaneers. Safety Johnathan Abram, who last had contact with Brown on Tuesday, must wait one more day before he can be cleared to return and will miss the game.

The Raiders held practice on Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2020 without their starting five as they prepare for Sundays home game against Tampa Bay. (AP Photo/Peter Joneleit, File)The Las Vegas Raiders placed four starting offensive linemen and safety Johnathan Abram on the reserve/COVID-19 list after they were determined to be close contacts with a teammate who had tested positive for the coronavirus. The person said video shows the starting offensive linemen were not following the protocols. If not, we have to have somebody step up in his place and play at a high level.”The Raiders have now had eight players placed on the COVID-19 list since the start of the season, including the seven currently on the list. Defensive tackle Maurice Hurst was put on the COVID-19 list two weeks ago before being activated on Monday.

DETROIT – Jameis Winston became the first player in NFL history to throw for 450 yards in consecutive games, leading the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to a 38-17 win over the Detroit Lions on Sunday. Winston threw three touchdowns in the first half - four overall - and a career-high 458 yards passing one week after throwing for 456 yards. The Lions looked like they were still competing for their coach, and themselves, after falling behind 21-0 in the first half. Running back Wes Hills, who was signed Saturday, ran for a second TD early in the fourth quarter to cut Tampa Bay's lead to 24-17. The Lions did not have a first down on offense without the benefit of a penalty until midway through the second quarter.