mercurynews--2020-12-27--The Latest: Japan sharply tightens ban on foreign visitors

By The Associated Press TOKYO — Japan ’ s government will temporarily ban entry of all nonresident foreign nationals as a precaution against a new and potentially more contagious coronavirus variant that has spread across Britain .
The entry ban will start Monday and last through Jan. 31 for the time being , the Foreign Ministry said in a statement late Saturday .
Japan banned entry of nonresident foreigners from Britain and South Africa last week , but is further stepping up border control after confirming the new variant in seven people over the last two days — five returnees @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two others in Tokyo .
Japan is also suspending exemptions of a 14-day quarantine for Japanese nationals and resident foreigners on a short-track program that began in November .
The entrants now must carry proof of a negative test 72 hours prior to departure for Japan and self-isolate for two weeks after arrival , the ministry said .
Japan ’ s health ministry confirmed Saturday two cases of the new variant — a man in his 30s who returned to Japan from Britain on Dec. 16 and his relative , a woman in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that country .
Both patients are hospitalized in Tokyo .
On Friday , the ministry said the new variant was detected in samples of five returnees from Britain between Dec. 18 and Dec. 21 who tested positive at airport inspection .
All but one who complained of fatigue had no symptoms .
Japan had 217,312 cases as of Saturday , up more than 3,700 from the day before , and 3,213 deaths .
Tokyo reported 949 cases , its new daily high , since the pandemic began , despite calls by experts and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ quiet ” holiday season .
— Belarus dissidents say authorities are deliberately allowing COVID-19 to flourish in the packed jail cells where they have detained thousands of opposition protesters — Vaccine deliveries roll out across the European Union as the bloc ’ s 27 nations get ready to kick off their first shots — Around 1,000 British soldiers are spending Christmas weekend trying to clear a huge backlog of truck drivers stranded at the border in southeast England — South Africa ’ s normally joyful Christmas celebrations are dampened by a spike @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the country ’ s COVID-19 variant HERE ’ S WHAT ELSE IS HAPPENING : TORONTO — Officials in Canada ’ s most populous province have confirmed the first two known Canadian cases of of a more contagious variant of COVID-19 that was first identified in the United Kingdom .
The province ’ s associate chief medical officer says that the cases are a couple from Durham Region , just east of Toronto , with no known travel history , exposure or high-risk contacts .
The new variant is believed to spread more easily @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the disease but is not believed to be more deadly .
The provincial government said in a news release that is no evidence to suggest that the vaccines approved by Health Canada will be any less effective against the new variant .
The variant was first identified in the United Kingdom but has since been detected in several other countries , including Denmark , France , Belgium , Australia and the Netherlands .
BRATISLAVA , Slovakia — Just hours after the coronavirus vaccines arrived in Slovakia , authorities in the European Union country @ @ @ @ @ @ @ evening .
Vladimir Krcmery , a 60-year-old top expert on infectious diseases , became the first person to receive a jab at the University Hospital in the city of Nitra , 75 kilometers ( 47 miles ) east of the capital of Bratislava .
“ It ’ s a great honor for me , thank you ” Krcmery said after receiving the innoculation . )
The vaccines were distributed also to three other hospitals in the cities of Kosice , Banska Bystrica and Bratislava .
Front line medical staff in hospitals treating COVID-19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the vaccine .
President Zuzana Caputova is scheduled to get vaccinated on Sunday .
Slovakia is the second EU country after Hungary that started the vaccination campaign immediately after the vaccine ’ s arrival .
The others plan to start Sunday .
The country of 5.4 million had 166,649 confirmed cases with 1,732 deaths .
SANTA FE , N.M. — New Mexico will begin providing COVID-19 vaccinations to 15,000 people who work or live at long-term care facilities , state officials announced Saturday .
Beginning Sunday , the CVS and Walgreens pharmacy chains @ @ @ @ @ @ @ doses of the Moderna vaccine at nursing homes and assisted living facilities across the state , officials said .
“ Sunday marks a monumental day in our fight with this deadly pandemic .
It signifies a step towards protecting our seniors and securing their safety , ” said Katrina Hotrum-Lopez , cabinet secretary of the Aging and Long-Term Services Department .
The statement noted that people receiving vaccinations will need two doses from the same manufacturer administered several weeks apart .
The pharmacies will send staff to facilities three times over the coming @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Illinois — The number of COVID-19 cases worldwide has topped 80 million .
Data compiled by Johns Hopkins University reported the mark Saturday morning after 472,000 cases were recorded Christmas Day .
The number of deaths related to the coronavirus pandemic across the globe stands at 1.75 million .
The U.S. is by far the leader among nations in cases of coronavirus illness , reporting nearly 18.8 million Saturday .
India follows with 10.2 million ; Brazil has counted 7.45 million .
There have been more than 330,000 deaths in the U.S. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ India .
There have likely been many more cases of the coronavirus that have not been counted for a variety of reasons , including under-reporting , asymptomatic infections and lack of cooperation with contact tracers .
BUDAPEST , Hungary — Hungarian doctors and other workers in the health sector have begun getting vaccinated with the first shipment of the Pzifer-BioNTech vaccines against COVID-19 which arrived in the country early Saturday .
The first shipment of 9,750 doses – enough to vaccinate 4,875 people , since two doses are needed per person – arrived @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the South Pest Central Hospital in Budapest .
The government said four other hospitals – two in Budapest and two others in the eastern cities of Debrecen and Nyíregyháza – would also receive vaccines from the initial shipment .
The government said more batches of the vaccine were expected in the coming weeks , with health sector workers being the first to receive vaccinations .
Hungary reported 1,198 new cases of the coronavirus on Saturday , along with 118 deaths , bringing the national totals to 315,362 cases and 8,951 deaths .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ announced 262 new infections from the coronavirus over the 24 hours ending Saturday afternoon .
There were also 46 deaths .
Since the start of the pandemic , the total number of confirmed infections is 135,114 , with 4,553 fatalities .
The numbers of new infections and deaths are quite low compared with recent trends .
Officials said Saturday , if this continues , schools might open again on January 8 , but not retail shops or restaurants .
The decision whether to end or extend the country-wide lockdown will be taken two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the day it is supposed to end , a minister said .
The government has also published a timetable of the first vaccinations , which will start at 1 p.m. Sunday , with a nurse and an elderly resident of a retirement home being the first ones to be inoculated .
BEIRUT — Lebanon ’ s health authorities are planning an increase in testing around the country amid a surge of positive cases in the holiday seasons and after the first case of the new coronavirus variant was reported here .
The health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a passenger arriving from London a few days earlier tested positive for the new variant .
Lebanon has not banned flights from the United Kingdom but asks travelers returning to test at the airport .
Pressure from the public and politicians has increased , calling for a ban on such flights .
There are fears of a spike in cases expected during the holiday season in Lebanon , where the health sector is cash-strapped and lacks resources .
PHOENIX — Arizona has reported more than 5,000 additional known COVID-19 cases for the 10th @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a pandemic-high number of virus patients in intensive care beds across the state .
The state Department of Health Services reported 6,106 additional known cases and 15 more deaths , increasing the state ’ s totals to 493,041 cases and 8,424 deaths .
Arizona has the third-worst COVID-19 diagnosis rate in the United States over the past week , behind California and Tennessee .
LONDON — Tough new coronavirus restrictions have begun in the U.K. with Scotland and Northern Ireland under tighter measures to try to halt a new variant of the virus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Measures that were relaxed for Christmas day in Wales have also been re-imposed .
The number of people under the country ’ s top level of restrictions — Tier 4 — increased by 6 million on Saturday to 24 million people , around 43 % of Britain ’ s population .
No indoor mixing of households is allowed and only essential travel permitted .
Gyms , pools , hairdressers and stores selling nonessential goods have been ordered to close .
A further 570 deaths from COVID-19 were reported in the last 24 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to 70.195 .
More than 32,700 new cases of the disease were reported on Christmas day .
MOSCOW — Russia ’ s Health Ministry has allowed a domestically designed coronavirus vaccine to be given to people older than 60 .
Until Saturday ’ s announcement by Health Minister Mikhail Murashko , the Sputnik V vaccine was cleared for use for people aged 18-60 .
Russia has been widely criticized for giving Sputnik V regulatory approval in August after it was tested only on a few dozen people and then rushing to offer it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as medical workers and teachers — within weeks of approval .
Authorities said this week that more than 300,000 people have received the vaccine even as the advanced studies among tens of thousands of people are continuing .
Sputnik V ’ s developers have said data suggests the vaccine was 91 % effective , a conclusion based on 78 coronavirus infections among nearly 23,000 participants .
That ’ s far fewer cases than Western drugmakers have accumulated during final testing before analyzing how well their vaccine candidates worked .
MADRID — Health authorities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the new variant of the coronavirus that was recently detected in the United Kingdom , causing several European countries to restrict traffic with the British island .
Health authorities for the region of Madrid said Saturday that they have confirmed four cases of the new version of the virus .
All four of the infected people are in good health , authorities said .
Regional health chief Enrique Ruiz Escudero said that the new strain had arrived when an infected person flew into Madrid ’ s airport .
VATICAN CITY — Pope @ @ @ @ @ @ @ appearances at a window from a Vatican palazzo overlooking St. Peter ’ s Square to do his part in minimizing crowding during the COVID-19 pandemic .
Dec. 26 is a holiday at the Vatican and in Italy in honor of St. Stephen , the Catholic church ’ s first martyr .
The day after Christmas would usually find thousands of people flocking to the square to catch the pope ’ s noontime appearance and admire the Vatican ’ s towering holiday tree .
Instead , on Saturday , Francis delivered his blessing and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Palace , then acknowledged that the faithful had to resort to television to follow him .
TOKYO — Tokyo has confirmed 949 new cases of the coronavirus , a new high for the Japanese capital , as the country struggles with an upsurge that is spreading nationwide .
The Tokyo Metropolitan Government said Saturday that the additional cases bring the prefectural total to 55,851 .
Japan had 3,823 new cases Friday for a national total of 213,547 , with 3,155 deaths , the health ministry said .
Japan has not been able to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the people to avoid going out for dinner and parties before and during the holiday season .
Tokyo Gov .
Yuriko Koike has ordered bars to close early and urged residents to avoid nonessential outings .
But many people have continued commuting on crowded trains and going out for dinner and drinks .
CAIRO — Egypt has reported over 1,000 new coronavirus cases , its highest total in months , as authorities appeal to people to stick to preventive measures to avoid a lockdown .
The Health Ministry on Saturday reported 1,113 new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The new numbers have brought the county ’ s official tally to more than 130,126 cases , including at least 7,309 deaths .
However , the actual numbers of cases in Egypt , the Arab world ’ s most populous county with over 100 million people , are thought to be far higher , in part due to limited testing .

By The Associated Press
TOKYO — Japan’s government will temporarily ban entry of all nonresident foreign nationals as a precaution against a new and potentially more contagious coronavirus variant that has spread across Britain.
The entry ban will start Monday and last through Jan. 31 for the time being, the Foreign Ministry said in a statement late Saturday.
Japan banned entry of nonresident foreigners from Britain and South Africa last week, but is further stepping up border control after confirming the new variant in seven people over the last two days — five returnees from Britain who tested at airports and two others in Tokyo.
Japan is also suspending exemptions of a 14-day quarantine for Japanese nationals and resident foreigners on a short-track program that began in November. The entrants now must carry proof of a negative test 72 hours prior to departure for Japan and self-isolate for two weeks after arrival, the ministry said.
Japan’s health ministry confirmed Saturday two cases of the new variant — a man in his 30s who returned to Japan from Britain on Dec. 16 and his relative, a woman in her 20s with no history of visiting that country. Both patients are hospitalized in Tokyo.
On Friday, the ministry said the new variant was detected in samples of five returnees from Britain between Dec. 18 and Dec. 21 who tested positive at airport inspection. All but one who complained of fatigue had no symptoms.
Japan had 217,312 cases as of Saturday, up more than 3,700 from the day before, and 3,213 deaths. Tokyo reported 949 cases, its new daily high, since the pandemic began, despite calls by experts and government officials for the people to spend “quiet” holiday season.
___
THE VIRUS OUTBREAK:
— Germany, Hungary give first virus shots ahead of EU rollout.
— Belarus dissidents say authorities are deliberately allowing COVID-19 to flourish in the packed jail cells where they have detained thousands of opposition protesters
— Vaccine deliveries roll out across the European Union as the bloc’s 27 nations get ready to kick off their first shots
— Around 1,000 British soldiers are spending Christmas weekend trying to clear a huge backlog of truck drivers stranded at the border in southeast England
— South Africa’ s normally joyful Christmas celebrations are dampened by a spike in new cases and deaths driven by the country’s COVID-19 variant
___
Follow AP’s coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-pandemic, https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-vaccine and https://apnews.com/UnderstandingtheOutbreak
___
HERE’S WHAT ELSE IS HAPPENING:
TORONTO — Officials in Canada’s most populous province have confirmed the first two known Canadian cases of of a more contagious variant of COVID-19 that was first identified in the United Kingdom.
The province’s associate chief medical officer says that the cases are a couple from Durham Region, just east of Toronto, with no known travel history, exposure or high-risk contacts.
The new variant is believed to spread more easily and faster than the original version of the disease but is not believed to be more deadly.
The provincial government said in a news release that is no evidence to suggest that the vaccines approved by Health Canada will be any less effective against the new variant. The variant was first identified in the United Kingdom but has since been detected in several other countries, including Denmark, France, Belgium, Australia and the Netherlands.
___
BRATISLAVA, Slovakia — Just hours after the coronavirus vaccines arrived in Slovakia, authorities in the European Union country began administering their first doses on Saturday evening.
Vladimir Krcmery, a 60-year-old top expert on infectious diseases, became the first person to receive a jab at the University Hospital in the city of Nitra, 75 kilometers (47 miles) east of the capital of Bratislava.
“It’s a great honor for me, thank you” Krcmery said after receiving the innoculation.)
The vaccines were distributed also to three other hospitals in the cities of Kosice, Banska Bystrica and Bratislava.
Front line medical staff in hospitals treating COVID-19 patients are among the first to get the vaccine. President Zuzana Caputova is scheduled to get vaccinated on Sunday.
Slovakia is the second EU country after Hungary that started the vaccination campaign immediately after the vaccine’s arrival. The others plan to start Sunday.
The country of 5.4 million had 166,649 confirmed cases with 1,732 deaths.
___
SANTA FE, N.M. — New Mexico will begin providing COVID-19 vaccinations to 15,000 people who work or live at long-term care facilities, state officials announced Saturday.
Beginning Sunday, the CVS and Walgreens pharmacy chains and Vida Pharmacy in Albuquerque will administer doses of the Moderna vaccine at nursing homes and assisted living facilities across the state, officials said.
“Sunday marks a monumental day in our fight with this deadly pandemic. It signifies a step towards protecting our seniors and securing their safety,” said Katrina Hotrum-Lopez, cabinet secretary of the Aging and Long-Term Services Department.
The statement noted that people receiving vaccinations will need two doses from the same manufacturer administered several weeks apart. The pharmacies will send staff to facilities three times over the coming months to administer the vaccines.
___
SPRINGFIELD, Illinois — The number of COVID-19 cases worldwide has topped 80 million.
Data compiled by Johns Hopkins University reported the mark Saturday morning after 472,000 cases were recorded Christmas Day. The number of deaths related to the coronavirus pandemic across the globe stands at 1.75 million.
The U.S. is by far the leader among nations in cases of coronavirus illness, reporting nearly 18.8 million Saturday. India follows with 10.2 million; Brazil has counted 7.45 million. There have been more than 330,000 deaths in the U.S., 190,000 in Brazil and 147,000 in India.
There have likely been many more cases of the coronavirus that have not been counted for a variety of reasons, including under-reporting, asymptomatic infections and lack of cooperation with contact tracers.
___
BUDAPEST, Hungary — Hungarian doctors and other workers in the health sector have begun getting vaccinated with the first shipment of the Pzifer-BioNTech vaccines against COVID-19 which arrived in the country early Saturday.
The first shipment of 9,750 doses – enough to vaccinate 4,875 people, since two doses are needed per person – arrived by truck from Austria and were taken to the South Pest Central Hospital in Budapest. The government said four other hospitals – two in Budapest and two others in the eastern cities of Debrecen and Nyíregyháza – would also receive vaccines from the initial shipment.
The government said more batches of the vaccine were expected in the coming weeks, with health sector workers being the first to receive vaccinations.
Hungary reported 1,198 new cases of the coronavirus on Saturday, along with 118 deaths, bringing the national totals to 315,362 cases and 8,951 deaths.
___
ATHENS, Greece — Greek health authorities announced 262 new infections from the coronavirus over the 24 hours ending Saturday afternoon. There were also 46 deaths.
Since the start of the pandemic, the total number of confirmed infections is 135,114, with 4,553 fatalities.
The numbers of new infections and deaths are quite low compared with recent trends. Officials said Saturday, if this continues, schools might open again on January 8, but not retail shops or restaurants. The decision whether to end or extend the country-wide lockdown will be taken two or three days before January 7, the day it is supposed to end, a minister said.
The government has also published a timetable of the first vaccinations, which will start at 1 p.m. Sunday, with a nurse and an elderly resident of a retirement home being the first ones to be inoculated.
___
BEIRUT — Lebanon’s health authorities are planning an increase in testing around the country amid a surge of positive cases in the holiday seasons and after the first case of the new coronavirus variant was reported here.
The health minister Hamad Hassan announced late Friday that a passenger arriving from London a few days earlier tested positive for the new variant.
Lebanon has not banned flights from the United Kingdom but asks travelers returning to test at the airport. Pressure from the public and politicians has increased, calling for a ban on such flights. There are fears of a spike in cases expected during the holiday season in Lebanon, where the health sector is cash-strapped and lacks resources.
___
PHOENIX — Arizona has reported more than 5,000 additional known COVID-19 cases for the 10th straight day, as the surge put a pandemic-high number of virus patients in intensive care beds across the state.
The state Department of Health Services reported 6,106 additional known cases and 15 more deaths, increasing the state’s totals to 493,041 cases and 8,424 deaths.
Arizona has the third-worst COVID-19 diagnosis rate in the United States over the past week, behind California and Tennessee.
___
LONDON — Tough new coronavirus restrictions have begun in the U.K. with Scotland and Northern Ireland under tighter measures to try to halt a new variant of the virus that is believed to spread more quickly.
Measures that were relaxed for Christmas day in Wales have also been re-imposed.
The number of people under the country’s top level of restrictions — Tier 4 — increased by 6 million on Saturday to 24 million people, around 43% of Britain’s population. No indoor mixing of households is allowed and only essential travel permitted. Gyms, pools, hairdressers and stores selling nonessential goods have been ordered to close.
A further 570 deaths from COVID-19 were reported in the last 24 hours, bringing the total death toll to 70.195. More than 32,700 new cases of the disease were reported on Christmas day.
___
MOSCOW — Russia’s Health Ministry has allowed a domestically designed coronavirus vaccine to be given to people older than 60.
Until Saturday’s announcement by Health Minister Mikhail Murashko, the Sputnik V vaccine was cleared for use for people aged 18-60.
Russia has been widely criticized for giving Sputnik V regulatory approval in August after it was tested only on a few dozen people and then rushing to offer it to people in risk groups — such as medical workers and teachers — within weeks of approval. Authorities said this week that more than 300,000 people have received the vaccine even as the advanced studies among tens of thousands of people are continuing.
Sputnik V’s developers have said data suggests the vaccine was 91% effective, a conclusion based on 78 coronavirus infections among nearly 23,000 participants. That’s far fewer cases than Western drugmakers have accumulated during final testing before analyzing how well their vaccine candidates worked.
___
MADRID — Health authorities in Spain have confirmed the first cases of the new variant of the coronavirus that was recently detected in the United Kingdom, causing several European countries to restrict traffic with the British island.
Health authorities for the region of Madrid said Saturday that they have confirmed four cases of the new version of the virus. All four of the infected people are in good health, authorities said.
Regional health chief Enrique Ruiz Escudero said that the new strain had arrived when an infected person flew into Madrid’s airport.
__
VATICAN CITY — Pope Francis says he is forgoing his public appearances at a window from a Vatican palazzo overlooking St. Peter’s Square to do his part in minimizing crowding during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Dec. 26 is a holiday at the Vatican and in Italy in honor of St. Stephen, the Catholic church’s first martyr. The day after Christmas would usually find thousands of people flocking to the square to catch the pope’s noontime appearance and admire the Vatican’s towering holiday tree.
Instead, on Saturday, Francis delivered his blessing and remarks from the library of the Apostolic Palace, then acknowledged that the faithful had to resort to television to follow him.
____
TOKYO — Tokyo has confirmed 949 new cases of the coronavirus, a new high for the Japanese capital, as the country struggles with an upsurge that is spreading nationwide.
The Tokyo Metropolitan Government said Saturday that the additional cases bring the prefectural total to 55,851. Japan had 3,823 new cases Friday for a national total of 213,547, with 3,155 deaths, the health ministry said.
Japan has not been able to slow the infections despite government requests for the people to avoid going out for dinner and parties before and during the holiday season.
Tokyo Gov. Yuriko Koike has ordered bars to close early and urged residents to avoid nonessential outings. But many people have continued commuting on crowded trains and going out for dinner and drinks.
___
CAIRO — Egypt has reported over 1,000 new coronavirus cases, its highest total in months, as authorities appeal to people to stick to preventive measures to avoid a lockdown.
The Health Ministry on Saturday reported 1,113 new cases, as well as 49 deaths.
The new numbers have brought the county’s official tally to more than 130,126 cases, including at least 7,309 deaths.
However, the actual numbers of cases in Egypt, the Arab world’s most populous county with over 100 million people, are thought to be far higher, in part due to limited testing.


mercurynews--2020-12-27--Live updates: Raiders lead Dolphins 10-6 in second quarter

Scroll down to join us for live scoring updates , news and analysis Saturday night when the Raiders face the Dolphins .
To view the live updates feed on your mobile device click here .
GAME ESSENTIALS : Raiders ( 7-7 ) vs. Dolphins ( 9-5 ) at Allegiant Stadium on Saturday at 5:15 p.m. ( PT ) .
TV : NFL Network , Joe Davis ( play-by-play ) , Kurt Warner ( analyst ) , Melissa Stark ( reporter ) .
SERIES : Raiders lead 20-18-1 .
LAST MEETING : Dolphins won 28-20 at Miami on Sept. 23 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Raiders still have a small chance to make the postseason .
They ’ ll have to beat Miami and then Denver next week , then hope the Dolphins lose next week and the Ravens lose their final two games .
… Derek Carr is set to return from a groin injury that knocked him out of the Raiders ’ Thursday night loss to the Chargers last week .
Carr could be extra motivated since his backup , Marcus Mariota , was impressive in his debut and it led to some to speculate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mariota start this week .
… In his second game as interim defensive coordinator , perhaps Rod Marinelli can devise a way to get more pressure on the quarterback ?
Or at least find a way to slow down the Dolphins offense ?
… New Pro Bowl running back Josh Jacobs could do some damage against the Dolphins ’ 19th-ranked rush defense .
• Who ’ s in , who ’ s out for Raiders vs. Dolphins : Maliek Collins will play , Takk McKinley will not • Raiders on TV : Many @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be able to watch game vs. Dolphins • Welcome to the Death Star , where the Raiders ’ 2020 season went to die • Raiders injuries : Derek Carr practices , Gruden stops short of naming him starter vs. Dolphins WHY DOLPHINS COULD WIN : Dolphins rookie quarterback Tua Tagovailoa has been effective as a dual threat as he ’ s won five of his seven starts .
The left-hander has completed 64 percent of his passes for nine touchdowns and just two interceptions for a 92.5 passer rating .
He ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Miami ’ s defense could cause some issues for the Raiders .
The Dolphins gave up a league-worse 30.9 points per game last year but are now the NFL ’ s best while permitting just 18.4 points .
Xavien Howard leads the NFL with nine interceptions as Miami ’ s pass defense has improved since giving up a league-worst 39 TD passes last year .
The Dolphins have allowed just 16 TD passes this year .
RAIDERS NEXT GAME : vs. Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High , on Sunday , Jan. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Like our Raiders Facebook page for more Raiders news , commentary and conversation .

Scroll down to join us for live scoring updates, news and analysis Saturday night when the Raiders face the Dolphins.
To view the live updates feed on your mobile device click here.
GAME ESSENTIALS: Raiders (7-7) vs. Dolphins (9-5) at Allegiant Stadium on Saturday at 5:15 p.m. (PT). TV: NFL Network, Joe Davis (play-by-play), Kurt Warner (analyst), Melissa Stark (reporter).
ODDS: Dolphins -2.5. OVER/UNDER: 49.
SERIES: Raiders lead 20-18-1. LAST MEETING: Dolphins won 28-20 at Miami on Sept. 23, 2018.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Darren Waller #83 runs a pass route against Miami Dolphins safety Eric Rowe #21 during the second quarter in an NFL football game, Saturday, Dec. 26, 2020, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Jeff Bottari)
A.P. Photo Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) scores a touchdown against the Miami Dolphins during the first half of an NFL football game, Saturday, Dec. 26, 2020, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Steve Marcus)
A general view of the Las Vegas Strip from inside Allegiant Stadium prior to in an NFL football game between the Las Vegas Raiders and the Miami Dolphins, Saturday, Dec. 26, 2020, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Jeff Bottari)
Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jakeem Grant #19 is tackled by Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Nevin Lawson #26 during the first quarter in an NFL football game, Saturday, Dec. 26, 2020, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Jeff Bottari)
Getty Images LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - DECEMBER 26: Derek Carr #4 speaks with Darren Waller #83 of the Las Vegas Raiders during the first half at Allegiant Stadium on December 26, 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jakeem Grant #19 is tackled by Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Nevin Lawson #26 during the first quarter in an NFL football game, Saturday, Dec. 26, 2020, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Jeff Bottari)
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Darren Waller (83) makes a catch over Miami Dolphins free safety Eric Rowe (21) during the first half of an NFL football game, Saturday, Dec. 26, 2020, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Steve Marcus)
(AP Photo/Steve Marcus) Players warm up before an NFL football game between the Las Vegas Raiders and the Miami Dolphins, Saturday, Dec. 26, 2020, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Steve Marcus)
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - DECEMBER 26: Josh Jacobs #28 of the Las Vegas Raiders is pursued by Andrew Van Ginkel #43 of the Miami Dolphins during the first quarter of a game at Allegiant Stadium on December 26, 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
A.P. Photo Las Vegas Raiders tight end Darren Waller (83) makes a reception against the Miami Dolphins during the first half of an NFL football game, Saturday, Dec. 26, 2020, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/David Becker)
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - DECEMBER 26: Tua Tagovailoa #1 of the Miami Dolphins looks to pass during the first quarter of a game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium on December 26, 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Darren Waller #83 reacts after catching a pass for a first down during the second quarter against the Miami Dolphins quarter of an NFL football game, Saturday, Dec. 26, 2020, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Jeff Bottari)
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Miami Dolphins during the first half of an NFL football game, Saturday, Dec. 26, 2020, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Steve Marcus)
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Hunter Renfrow #13 returns a punt during the first quarter against the Miami Dolphins in an NFL football game, Saturday, Dec. 26, 2020, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Jeff Bottari)
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Darren Waller #83 runs after catching a pass during the second quarter against the Miami Dolphins in an NFL football game, Saturday, Dec. 26, 2020, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Jeff Bottari)
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - DECEMBER 26: Salvon Ahmed #26 of the Miami Dolphins is brought down by Johnathan Hankins #90 of the Las Vegas Raiders during the first quarter of a game at Allegiant Stadium on December 26, 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - DECEMBER 26: Tua Tagovailoa #1 of the Miami Dolphins is pursued by Johnathan Abram #24 of the Las Vegas Raiders during the first half at Allegiant Stadium on December 26, 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - DECEMBER 26: Josh Jacobs #28 of the Las Vegas Raiders runs for yards during the first quarter of a game against the Miami Dolphins at Allegiant Stadium on December 26, 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Hunter Renfrow #13 returns a punt during the first quarter against the Miami Dolphins in an NFL football game, Saturday, Dec. 26, 2020, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Jeff Bottari)
Getty Images LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - DECEMBER 26: Hunter Renfrow #13 of the Las Vegas Raiders returns a punt for yards during the first quarter of a game against the Miami Dolphins at Allegiant Stadium on December 26, 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
Getty Images LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - DECEMBER 26: Empty seats are shown as players warm up before a game between the Miami Dolphins and the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium on December 26, 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada. NFL games at the stadium are being played without fans in attendance because of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - DECEMBER 26: Derek Carr #4 hands the ball to Henry Ruggs III #11 of the Las Vegas Raiders during the first half against the Miami Dolphins at Allegiant Stadium on December 26, 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Darren Waller #83 runs after catching a pass during the second quarter against the Miami Dolphins in an NFL football game, Saturday, Dec. 26, 2020, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Jeff Bottari)
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - DECEMBER 26: Tua Tagovailoa #1 of the Miami Dolphins drops back to pass during the first quarter of a game \at Allegiant Stadium on December 26, 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
WHY RAIDERS COULD WIN: The Raiders still have a small chance to make the postseason. They’ll have to beat Miami and then Denver next week, then hope the Dolphins lose next week and the Ravens lose their final two games. … Derek Carr is set to return from a groin injury that knocked him out of the Raiders’ Thursday night loss to the Chargers last week. Carr could be extra motivated since his backup, Marcus Mariota, was impressive in his debut and it led to some to speculate the team would be better off having Mariota start this week. … In his second game as interim defensive coordinator, perhaps Rod Marinelli can devise a way to get more pressure on the quarterback? Or at least find a way to slow down the Dolphins offense? … New Pro Bowl running back Josh Jacobs could do some damage against the Dolphins’ 19th-ranked rush defense.
WHY DOLPHINS COULD WIN: Dolphins rookie quarterback Tua Tagovailoa has been effective as a dual threat as he’s won five of his seven starts. The left-hander has completed 64 percent of his passes for nine touchdowns and just two interceptions for a 92.5 passer rating. He’s also run for three touchdowns. … Miami’s defense could cause some issues for the Raiders. The Dolphins gave up a league-worse 30.9 points per game last year but are now the NFL’s best while permitting just 18.4 points. Xavien Howard leads the NFL with nine interceptions as Miami’s pass defense has improved since giving up a league-worst 39 TD passes last year. The Dolphins have allowed just 16 TD passes this year.
RAIDERS NEXT GAME: vs. Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High, on Sunday, Jan. 3 at 1:30 p.m. (PT).


mercurynews--2020-12-27--49ers 20, Cardinals 12: Warner, Witherspoon key defensive stunner while Beathard, Kittle, Wilson als

49ers 20, Cardinals 12: Warner, Witherspoon key defensive stunner while Beathard, Kittle, Wilson also star

It ’ s the 49ers ’ makeshift defense , however , that really rallied and keyed a 20-12 upset of the host Arizona Cardinals .
Led by Fred Warner ’ s all-around excellence and Ahkello Witherspoon ’ s end zone interception with 4:37 remaining , the 49ers ( 6-9 ) responded from their own playoff elimination to hurt the chances of the Cardinals ( 8-7 ) .
Coordinator Robert Saleh ’ s defense came through with deceptive pressure , exceptional tackling and solid pass coverage to slow the Cardinals and dual-threat quarterback Kyler Murray .
That defensive unit , by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ injured starters Javon Kinlaw , Richard Sherman and Jimmie Ward , not to mention the early-season exits of Nick Bosa and Dee Ford .
“ We didn ’ t have many guys left in terms of who you decide to dress and play .
You lose one other guy , it ’ s tough , ” 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan said .
“ But our guys didn ’ t tap out .
They played for ( Saleh ) , they played for each other.
” Offensively , the 49ers did more than enough @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a Nov. 1 foot fracture and Beathard ’ s first start since 2018 .
Beathard threw three touchdown passes , Kittle had four timely catches for 92 yards , and , overlooked in it all , was Jeff Wilson ’ s dominance ( 183 rushing yards , 21-yard touchdown catch ) .
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Eliminated from playoff contention with last Sunday ’ s loss in Dallas , the 49ers ( 6-9 ) snapped a three-game losing streak and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ eight games .
They ’ ll close out the season against the NFC West-leading Seattle Seahawks at Arizona ’ s State Farm Stadium , where the 49ers relocated to this month because of Santa Clara County ’ s COVID-19 restrictions .
“ We ’ re not proud of our record .
We ’ d love to be better , ” Shanahan said .
“ But that doesn ’ t tell the story of who these guys are , what they ’ ve been through all year and how they give everything on game @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lows and all else you need to know : Most important , Kittle emerged unscathed in his return , the timing of which came into question because of an injury risk with no potential of a playoff berth .
His first catch since Nov. 1 was just as expected , a big gainer that went for 24 yards , with 23 yards coming after the catch .
So , business as usual ?
“ Oh gosh no .
The game was moving pretty fast , ” Kittle said .
“ I only got @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to make them most of those .
It slowed down in the second half and I got a feel for it .
I ’ m proud of our tight end room and the team itself.
” Kittle ’ s next catch also came on a Beathard bootleg , for an 18-yard gain .
Later , a 27-yard Kittle catch helped set up the 49ers ’ second touchdown .
He did have a drop , the only target he didn ’ t catch .
Beathard ’ s first career game with three touchdown passes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ last start , an October 2018 loss at Arizona .
More emotionally , this start came a year after his youngest brother , Clayton , got murdered in Nashville .
“ It means more than I can really put into words , ” Beathard said .
“ Everything I ’ ve been through the last year and it being the year anniversary of my brother passing , you can ’ t put it into words other than it ’ s God , and you couldn ’ t write a script like this .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ vibe of the locker room and practice , guys were going out there with nothing to lose.
” He was 13-of-22 for 182 yards with no interceptions , one fumble and three sacks .
Beathard ’ s first scoring strike was to Wilson for a 7-3 , first-quarter lead .
Then Beathard showed off his mobility and grit .
Beathard ’ s 17-yard , zone-read scramble in the second quarter marked the longest run by a 49ers quarterback since Colin Kaepernick ( 30 yards , 2018 at Miami ) .
Beathard also was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gain 16 yards on a reverse on their series out of halftime .
Fresh off making his first Pro Bowl , Warner showed why , repeatedly .
His best play on a 14-tackle day came in the fourth quarter , when he batted down a fourth-down pass attempt with the 49ers leading 14-12 .
Earlier , Warner forced and recovered a third-quarter fumble on the Cardinals ’ first snap after the 49ers took a 14-6 lead .
He also showed his elite coverage ability earlier in the game , and nearly made a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 45-yard completion to second-year receiver KeeSean Johnson in a speed mismatch .
“ Sometimes I ’ m asked to ( cover ) vertical and I should have had an interception on one and gave up an explosive play on one , ” Warner .
“ Just try to run to the ball , attack the ball and be a great communicator .
If I do that , I ’ ll make sure I ’ m running the show and doing what I ’ m supposed to do.
” Fellow linebacker Dre Greenlaw made @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He made a third-down tackle for loss at the 49ers ’ 39 to thwart a potential scoring drive before halftime .
Azeez Al-Shaair ’ s speed as a spy linebacker paid off when he raced in to force a Murray incompletion 5 1/2 minutes before halftime .
Cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon , starting in a second straight game , allowed Christian Kirk to catch a 38-yard , third-down lob down the sideline on the opening series .
Witherspoon responded in outstanding fashion , capped by his interception on the end zone by taking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Murray ’ s fade pass .
Two snaps before that interception , Murray raced 30 yards on fourth-and-1 to the 49ers ’ 13 ; Murray had 75 rushing yards ( eight carries ) and 247 passing yards ( 31-of-50 ) .
Witherspoon also impressed throughout the game via key tackles of Kirk , a third-down blitz to force a three-and-out and , of course , his interception that helped atone for an earlier holding penalty on DeAndre Hopkins in the end zone .
“ I was hard for him at the beginning of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He lost his job and the backup job , ” Shanahan said .
“ What was really cool was how he reacted .
He didn ’ t pout.
” Instead , Witherspoon worked harder , in the weight room and practice .
“ It hasn ’ t been easy , ” Witherspoon said .
“ but I have a deep belief if you continue to work and grind , the favor will be returned and I ’ ve been reaping the benefits these past two weeks .
Witherspoon started at left cornerback @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his 10th game this season because of a calf issue .
Witherspoon started last Sunday at Dallas in place of Jason Verrett , who missed that game with an illness but started this game .
Jeff Wilson ( 22 carries , 183 yards ) had his second 100-yard rushing game this season , and his scoring knack produced the 49ers ’ first touchdown , on a 21-yard catch-and-run in the first quarter .
It was Wilson ’ s team-leading eighth touchdown this season .
Wilson left in the closing minutes of the first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but he came back strong to help key their second-half touchdown drives .
Said Wilson : “ Our O-line and receivers , they did tremendous today .
I could just feel it .
Those guys blocked their tails off for me and I could feel it.
” Verrett appeared to relish every matchup with DeAndre Hopkins , and none more than resulted in a pass break of a potential touchdown in the final minute before halftime .
After the 49ers ’ lead was cut to 14-12 with 12:08 remaining — Kenyan Drake soared @ @ @ @ @ @ @ covered Hopkins on a 2-point conversion attempt that sailed incomplete .
Fittingly , it was Verrett covering Hopkins when Murray ’ s final , fourth-quarter pass fell incomplete near the sideline .
Murray was injured on a hit by Alex Barrett that play .
Fullback Kyle Juszczyk has four touchdown catches in the past four games , scoring twice Saturday .
His 9-yard touchdown catch put the 49ers ahead 14-6 in the third quarter , and a 1-yard scoring catch made it 20-12 .
What Juszczyk wanted to talk about first after the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ went in motion , took a snap under center and converted a third-and-1 sneak on the opening touchdown drive .
“ Honestly , it was a fun play to run .
We saw the Cowboys do it last week with Blake Bell and I was stoked when I came in install and we had it up , ” said Juszczyk , who was named this week to his fifth straight Pro Bowl and keeps building his stock as a pending free agent .
Robbie Gould had made 31 consecutive field goal attempts inside @ @ @ @ @ @ @ attempt wide right , and , more concerning , he missed a 37-yard attempt with 65 seconds remaining .
He also missed a point-after kick .
The 49ers must decide before their season finale whether to exercise Gould ’ s 2021 option , and Shanahan said this one game shouldn ’ t be a determining factor .
Kerry Hyder Jr. set a career high and raised his team-leading total to 8 1/2 sacks when he brought down Kyler Murray in the second quarter .
On the immediately preceding play , Hyder slipped out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 11-yard gain .
Right tackle Mike McGlinchey ’ s poor pass protection can be traced to many of the 49ers ’ turnovers this season , and he got beat by Haason Reddick on what was ruled as a Beathard fumble eight seconds before halftime .
Slot cornerback K ’ Waun Williams got carted to the locker room in the second quarter with an injury to his left knee/shin .
When he returned , he did so with an impact , sacking Kyler Murray on third down in the third quarter .
Williams has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his free agency , and , since camp , he ’ s sustained calf , knee , hip and ankle injuries .
QUOTE OF THE DAY “ Is Robert Saleh going to finish the game or is somebody going to hire him before the game ends ?
Think about what San Francisco is doing without some key players on defense .
No Jimmie Ward .
No Richard Sherman .
No Javon Kinlaw .
What a performance , to this point.
” — Andrew Catalon , handling play-by-play duties for the local broadcast on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 7-6 in the third quarter , at that point , after a three-and-out by Arizona .
Kinlaw ’ s knee issue caused him to miss his first game of an impressive rookie season .
He did not practice this past week in hopes of reducing his knee ’ s swelling , general manager John Lynch said in a KNBR 680-AM interview Thursday .
Knee tendinitis caused Kinlaw to withdraw from the Senior Bowl prior to the draft , and before the 49ers selected him No .
14 overall , NFL Media reported that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as “ at risk of arthritis.
” Through 14 games , he totaled 34 tackles ( tied for the 49ers ’ eighth most ) , 1 1/2 sacks , one interception he returned for a touchdown , and , four passes defensed .
Fellow defensive linemen Dion Jordan ( knee ) and Kevin Givens ( non-injury related ) also were out , so that slim rotation was down to Arik Armstead , Kerry Hyder Jr. , D.J .
Jones , Jordan Willis , Kentavius Street and Darrion Daniels .
Other inactives were Sherman @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) and wide receivers Deebo Samuel ( hamstring ) and Matt Cole .
Safety Tarvarius Moore ( knee ) and cornerback Emmanuel Moseley ( hamstring ) suited up after being listed as questionable .
The Cardinals could lose out on the NFC ’ s No .
3 wild card berth if the Chicago Bears ( 7-7 ) win their remaining two games , which is what Kittle wants , saying : “ I grew up a Bears fan and the fact we helped the Bears makes me happy .
Da Bears !
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the NFL ’ s COVID-19 reserve list , and he came in to relieve Justin Skule , who sustained a knee injury .
Seven 49ers remain on the COVID-19 reserve list : running back Austin Walter , wide receiver Trent Taylor , tight end Charlie Woerner .
Four practice squad players went on COVID-19 reserve this week : quarterback Josh Johnson , wide receiver Kevin White , tight end Chase Harrell and fullback Josh Hokit .
• Jeff Wilson , 49ers continue to burn Cardinals with same passing route • 49ers at Cardinals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ try playing spoiler in Arizona • 49ers at Cardinals injury report : George Kittle to play ; Richard Sherman , Jimmie Ward among those out

George Kittle and C.J. Beathard made triumphant comebacks Saturday.
It’s the 49ers’ makeshift defense, however, that really rallied and keyed a 20-12 upset of the host Arizona Cardinals.
Led by Fred Warner’s all-around excellence and Ahkello Witherspoon’s end zone interception with 4:37 remaining, the 49ers (6-9) responded from their own playoff elimination to hurt the chances of the Cardinals (8-7).
Coordinator Robert Saleh’s defense came through with deceptive pressure, exceptional tackling and solid pass coverage to slow the Cardinals and dual-threat quarterback Kyler Murray. That defensive unit, by the way, did all that without injured starters Javon Kinlaw, Richard Sherman and Jimmie Ward, not to mention the early-season exits of Nick Bosa and Dee Ford.
“We didn’t have many guys left in terms of who you decide to dress and play. You lose one other guy, it’s tough,” 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan said. “But our guys didn’t tap out. They played for (Saleh), they played for each other.”
Offensively, the 49ers did more than enough in Kittle’s first game since a Nov. 1 foot fracture and Beathard’s first start since 2018.
Beathard threw three touchdown passes, Kittle had four timely catches for 92 yards, and, overlooked in it all was Jeff Wilson’s dominance (183 rushing yards, 21-yard touchdown catch).
GLENDALE, ARIZONA - DECEMBER 26: Running back Jeff Wilson Jr. #30 celebrates with tight end George Kittle #85 of the San Francisco 49ers after Wilson's touchdown during the first half against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium on December 26, 2020 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images)
Getty Images GLENDALE, ARIZONA - DECEMBER 26: Linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair #51 of the San Francisco 49ers tackles quarterback Kyler Murray #1 of the Arizona Cardinals during the first half at State Farm Stadium on December 26, 2020 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images)
San Francisco 49ers quarterback C.J. Beathard (3) looks to pass against the Arizona Cardinals during the first half of an NFL football game, Saturday, Dec. 26, 2020, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
GLENDALE, ARIZONA - DECEMBER 26: Running back Jerick McKinnon #28 of the San Francisco 49ers carries the ball as linebacker Jordan Hicks #58 of the Arizona Cardinals defends during the first half at State Farm Stadium on December 26, 2020 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
San Francisco 49ers cornerback K'Waun Williams (24) leaves the game after an injury against the Arizona Cardinals during the first half of an NFL football game, Saturday, Dec. 26, 2020, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
Getty Images GLENDALE, ARIZONA - DECEMBER 26: Quarterback C.J. Beathard #3 of the San Francisco 49ers looks to pass while under pressure from linebacker Haason Reddick #43 of the Arizona Cardinals during the first half at State Farm Stadium on December 26, 2020 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, ARIZONA - DECEMBER 26: Tight end Dan Arnold #85 of the Arizona Cardinals attempts a leaping catch as safety Tarvarius Moore #33 of the San Francisco 49ers looks on during the first half at State Farm Stadium on December 26, 2020 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, ARIZONA - DECEMBER 26: Running back Jerick McKinnon #28 of the San Francisco 49ers is tackled by linebacker Jordan Hicks #58 of the Arizona Cardinals during the first half at State Farm Stadium on December 26, 2020 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, ARIZONA - DECEMBER 26: Linebacker Fred Warner #54 of the San Francisco 49ers breaks up a pass to wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald #11 of the Arizona Cardinals during the first half at State Farm Stadium on December 26, 2020 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, ARIZONA - DECEMBER 26: Quarterback C.J. Beathard #3 of the San Francisco 49ers looks to pass during the first half against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium on December 26, 2020 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, ARIZONA - DECEMBER 26: Running back Jeff Wilson Jr. #30 of the San Francisco 49ers runs the ball as cornerback Byron Murphy Jr. #33 of the Arizona Cardinals defends during the first half at State Farm Stadium on December 26, 2020 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, ARIZONA - DECEMBER 26: The San Francisco 49ers celebrate a touchdown scored by running back Jeff Wilson Jr. #30 (center) during the first half against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium on December 26, 2020 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, ARIZONA - DECEMBER 26: Wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk #11 of the San Francisco 49ers carries the ball as cornerback Byron Murphy Jr. #33 of the Arizona Cardinals gives chase during the first half at State Farm Stadium on December 26, 2020 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Arizona Cardinals middle linebacker Jordan Hicks (58) tackles San Francisco 49ers running back Jerick McKinnon during the first half of an NFL football game, Saturday, Dec. 26, 2020, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
San Francisco 49ers running back Jerick McKinnon (28) is tackled by Arizona Cardinals free safety Deionte Thompson (22) during the first half of an NFL football game, Saturday, Dec. 26, 2020, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
GLENDALE, ARIZONA - DECEMBER 26: Running back Kenyan Drake #41 of the Arizona Cardinals rushes the ball as linebacker Fred Warner #54 of the San Francisco 49ers defends during the first half at State Farm Stadium on December 26, 2020 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle (85) prior to an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Saturday, Dec. 26, 2020, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
GLENDALE, ARIZONA - DECEMBER 26: Running back Jeff Wilson Jr. #30 of the San Francisco 49ers rushes the football during the first half against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium on December 26, 2020 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
San Francisco 49ers running back Jeff Wilson (30) scores a touchdown against the Arizona Cardinals during the first half of an NFL football game, Saturday, Dec. 26, 2020, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
Arizona Cardinals running back Chase Edmonds ia up-ended after the tackle during the first half of an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers, Saturday, Dec. 26, 2020, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
San Francisco 49ers running back Jeff Wilson (30) celebrates his touchdown against the Arizona Cardinals during the first half of an NFL football game, Saturday, Dec. 26, 2020, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
San Francisco 49ers quarterback C.J. Beathard (3) looks to pass as Arizona Cardinals defensive end Zach Allen (94) defends during the first half of an NFL football game, Saturday, Dec. 26, 2020, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
A.P. Photo Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) throws during the first half of an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers, Saturday, Dec. 26, 2020, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
Arizona Cardinals kicker Mike Nugent (2) watches his field goal split the uprights as punter Andy Lee (4) looks on during the first half of an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers, Saturday, Dec. 26, 2020, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
GLENDALE, ARIZONA - DECEMBER 26: Wide receiver Christian Kirk #13 of the Arizona Cardinals makes a reception as safety Tarvarius Moore #33 of the San Francisco 49ers defends during the first half at State Farm Stadium on December 26, 2020 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Getty Images GLENDALE, ARIZONA - DECEMBER 26: Running back Kenyan Drake #41 of the Arizona Cardinals is tackled by linebacker Dre Greenlaw #57 of the San Francisco 49ers during the first half at State Farm Stadium on December 26, 2020 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images)
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Christian Kirk (13) can't makes the catch as San Francisco 49ers defensive back Tarvarius Moore (33) and cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon (23) defend during the first half of an NFL football game, Saturday, Dec. 26, 2020, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Christian Kirk (13) is hit by San Francisco 49ers cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon during the first half of an NFL football game, Saturday, Dec. 26, 2020, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
Security watches the roof open prior to an NFL football game between the San Francisco 49ers and the Arizona Cardinals, Saturday, Dec. 26, 2020, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
San Francisco 49ers players kneel during the national anthem prior to an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Saturday, Dec. 26, 2020, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
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Eliminated from playoff contention with last Sunday’s loss in Dallas, the 49ers (6-9) snapped a three-game losing streak and won for only their second time in eight games. They’ll close out the season against the NFC West-leading Seattle Seahawks at Arizona’s State Farm Stadium, where the 49ers relocated to this month because of Santa Clara County’s COVID-19 restrictions.
“We’re not proud of our record. We’d love to be better,” Shanahan said. “But that doesn’t tell the story of who these guys are, what they’ve been through all year and how they give everything on game day.”
Here are the highs, lows and all else you need to know:
KITTLE’S RETURN
Most important, Kittle emerged unscathed in his return, the timing of which came into question because of an injury risk with no potential of a playoff berth.
His first catch since Nov. 1 was just as expected, a big gainer that went for 24 yards, with 23 yards coming after the catch. But racking up the YAC didn’t mean Kittle felt back to his normal self.
“The game was moving pretty fast,” Kittle said. “I only got 28 plays so I’ve got to make them most of those. It slowed down in the second half and I got a feel for it. I’m proud of our tight end room and the team itself.”
Kittle’s next catch also came on a Beathard bootleg, for an 18-yard gain. Later, a 27-yard Kittle catch helped set up the 49ers’ second touchdown. He did have a drop, the only target he didn’t catch.
BEATHARD’S MOXIE
Beathard’s first career game with three touchdown passes came on the same field as his last start, an October 2018 loss at Arizona. More emotionally, this start came just over a year after his youngest brother, Clayton, was murdered in Nashville.
“It means more than I can really put into words,” Beathard said. “Everything I’ve been through the last year and it being the year anniversary of my brother passing, you can’t put it into words other than it’s God, and you couldn’t write a script like this.
“Going into this, feeling the vibe of the locker room and practice, guys were going out there with nothing to lose.”
He was 13-of-22 for 182 yards with no interceptions, one fumble and three sacks.
Beathard’s first scoring strike was to Wilson for a 7-3 first-quarter lead. Then Beathard showed off his mobility and grit. Beathard’s 17-yard zone-read run in the second quarter marked the longest ground gain by a 49ers quarterback since Colin Kaepernick (30 yards, 2018 at Miami). Beathard also was a lead blocker to help Brandon Aiyuk gain 16 yards on a reverse on their series out of halftime.
FRED WARNER STARS
Fresh off making his first Pro Bowl, Warner showed why, repeatedly. His best play on a 14-tackle day came in the fourth quarter, when he batted down a fourth-down pass attempt with the 49ers leading 14-12.
Earlier, Warner forced and recovered a third-quarter fumble on the Cardinals’ first snap after the 49ers took a 14-6 lead. He also showed his elite coverage ability earlier in the game, and nearly made a third-quarter interception. He did yield a 45-yard completion to second-year receiver KeeSean Johnson in a speed mismatch.
“Sometimes I’m asked to (cover) vertical and I should have had an interception on one and gave up an explosive play on one,” Warner. “Just try to run to the ball, attack the ball and be a great communicator. If I do that, I’ll make sure I’m running the show and doing what I’m supposed to do.”
Fellow linebacker Dre Greenlaw made a couple big plays, as well. He made a third-down tackle for loss at the 49ers’ 39 to thwart a potential scoring drive before halftime. Azeez Al-Shaair’s speed as a spy linebacker paid off when he raced in to force a Murray incompletion 5 1/2 minutes before halftime.
WITHERSPOON’S START
Cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon, starting in a second straight game, allowed Christian Kirk to catch a 38-yard third-down lob down the sideline on the opening series. Witherspoon responded in outstanding fashion, capped by his interception on the end zone by taking inside leverage on Kirk to pick off Murray’s fade pass.
Two snaps before that interception, Murray raced 30 yards on fourth-and-1 to the 49ers’ 13; Murray had 75 rushing yards (eight carries) and 247 passing yards (31-of-50).
Witherspoon also impressed throughout the game via key tackles of Kirk, a third-down blitz to force a three-and-out and, of course, his interception that helped atone for an earlier holding penalty on DeAndre Hopkins in the end zone.
“I was hard for him at the beginning of the year, and for good reason. He lost his job and the backup job,” Shanahan said. “What was really cool was how he reacted. He didn’t pout.”
Instead, Witherspoon worked harder, in the weight room and practice. “It hasn’t been easy,” Witherspoon said. “but I have a deep belief if you continue to work and grind, the favor will be returned and I’ve been reaping the benefits these past two weeks.”
Witherspoon started at left cornerback in place of Sherman, who missed his 10th game this season because of a calf issue. Witherspoon started last Sunday at Dallas in place of Jason Verrett, who missed that game with an illness but started this game.
TD LEADER WILSON
Jeff Wilson (22 carries, 183 yards) had his second 100-yard rushing game this season, and his scoring knack produced the 49ers’ first touchdown, on a 21-yard catch-and-run in the first quarter. It was Wilson’s team-leading eighth touchdown this season. Wilson left in the closing minutes of the first half with an apparent hand injury, but he came back strong to help key their second-half touchdown drives.
Said Wilson: “Our O-line and receivers, they did tremendous today. I could just feel it. Those guys blocked their tails off for me and I could feel it.”
VERRETT SAVES POINTS
Verrett appeared to relish every matchup with DeAndre Hopkins, and none more than resulted in a pass break of a potential touchdown in the final minute before halftime. After the 49ers’ lead was cut to 14-12 with 12:08 remaining — Kenyan Drake soared for a 1-yard TD — Verrett closely covered Hopkins on a 2-point conversion attempt that fell incomplete.
Fittingly, it was Verrett covering Hopkins when Murray’s final fourth-quarter pass fell incomplete near the sideline. Murray was injured on a hit by Alex Barrett that play.
JUSZCZYK SCORES AGAIN
Fullback Kyle Juszczyk has four touchdown catches in the past four games, scoring twice Saturday. His 9-yard touchdown catch put the 49ers ahead 14-6 in the third quarter, and a 1-yard scoring catch made it 20-12. What Juszczyk wanted to talk about first after the game, however, was how he went in motion, took a snap under center and converted a third-and-1 sneak on the opening touchdown drive.
“Honestly, it was a fun play to run. We saw the Cowboys do it last week with Blake Bell and I was stoked when I came in install and we had it up,” said Juszczyk, who was named this week to his fifth straight Pro Bowl and keeps building his stock as a pending free agent.
GOULD’S STREAK ENDS
Robbie Gould had made 31 consecutive field goal attempts inside 50 yards before he pushed a 41-yard attempt wide right, and, more concerning, he missed a 37-yard attempt with 65 seconds remaining. He also missed a point-after kick. The 49ers must decide before their season finale whether to exercise Gould’s 2021 option, and Shanahan said this one game shouldn’t be a determining factor.
SACK LEADER
Kerry Hyder Jr. set a career high and raised his team-leading total to 8 1/2 sacks for the season when he brought down Kyler Murray in the second quarter. On the immediately preceding play, Murray slipped out of Hyder’s grasp for an 11-yard gain.
McGLINCHEY’S WOES
Right tackle Mike McGlinchey’s poor pass protection can be traced to many of the 49ers’ turnovers this season, and he was beaten by Haason Reddick on a play that was ruled as a Beathard fumble eight seconds before halftime.
K’WAUN’S PAIN, GAIN
Slot cornerback K’Waun Williams was carted to the locker room in the second quarter with an injury to his left knee or shin area. When he returned, he did so with an impact, sacking Murray on third down in the third quarter.
Williams has missed seven games this season ahead of his free agency. Since training camp, he’s sustained calf, knee, hip and ankle injuries.
QUOTE OF THE DAY
“Is Robert Saleh going to finish the game or is somebody going to hire him before the game ends? Think about what San Francisco is doing without some key players on defense. No Jimmie Ward. No Richard Sherman. No Javon Kinlaw. What a performance, to this point.” — Andrew Catalon, handling play-by-play duties for the local broadcast on NBC Bay Area. The 49ers led 7-6 in the third quarter, at that point, after a three-and-out by Arizona.
KINLAW’S KNEE ISSUE
Kinlaw’s knee issue caused him to miss his first game of an impressive rookie season. He did not practice this past week in hopes of reducing his knee’s swelling, general manager John Lynch said in a KNBR 680-AM interview Thursday.
Knee tendinitis caused Kinlaw to withdraw from the Senior Bowl prior to the draft, and before the 49ers selected him No. 14 overall, NFL Media reported that multiple teams flagged Kinlaw’s knees as “at risk of arthritis.” Through 14 games, he totaled 34 tackles (tied for the 49ers’ eighth most), 1 1/2 sacks, one interception he returned for a touchdown, and, four passes defensed.
Fellow defensive linemen Dion Jordan (knee) and Kevin Givens (non-injury related) also were out, so that slim rotation was down to Arik Armstead, Kerry Hyder Jr., D.J. Jones, Jordan Willis, Kentavius Street and Darrion Daniels.
Other inactives were Sherman (calf), Ward (concussion) and wide receivers Deebo Samuel (hamstring) and Matt Cole. Safety Tarvarius Moore (knee) and cornerback Emmanuel Moseley (hamstring) suited up after being listed as questionable.
ARIZONA IMPACT
The Cardinals could lose out on the NFC’s No. 3 wild card berth if the Chicago Bears (7-7) win their remaining two games, which is what Kittle wants, saying: “I grew up a Bears fan and the fact we helped the Bears makes me happy. Da Bears!”
COVID WATCH
Guard Colton McKivitz was activated Friday off the NFL’s COVID-19 reserve list, and he came in to relieve Justin Skule, who sustained a knee injury.
Five 49ers remain on the COVID-19 reserve list, including three on the top roster: running back Austin Walter, wide receiver Trent Taylor, tight end Charlie Woerner. Two practice squad players are on COVID-19 reserve as of Saturday night: tight end Chase Harrell and fullback Josh Hokit.


mercurynews--2020-12-27--‘Desperate’ Bay Area residents brace for federal unemployment dollars to expire

When Adrianna Carranza got her $ 800 federal unemployment check Wednesday , she didn ’ t think it would be her last .
Now , unless help materializes fast , she ’ s got one month to figure out how to pay rent — and put food on the table for her 5-year-old daughter .
“ If it ’ s not with the stimulus , where am I going to find that money ?
” said Carranza , 28 , who was laid off from her Peet ’ s Coffee job at the Oakland Airport and has been receiving biweekly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ program .
“ I really got my hopes up .
A lot of people got their hopes up.
” Across the Bay Area and the nation , millions braced for federal unemployment benefits to expire Saturday as President Donald Trump refused to sign a Congress-approved coronavirus relief package .
The unemployment dollars have constituted another lifeline for Bay Area families thrown out of work during the pandemic ; many were barely making it with two or three jobs in the first place .
Since shelter-in-place orders first closed down businesses in March , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ base widen to include families who had never before sought help .
Food bank and pantry lines have ballooned as people relied on a mix of state unemployment funding and one-time stimulus checks of $ 1,200 and $ 600 — plus the weekly boost from the federal government , which for most ranged from $ 167 to $ 450 .
Now , that money will disappear , rendering Bay Area families “ just desperate ” as they face down thousands of dollars in back rent with no relief in sight , said Marie @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Services .
Federal benefits are funded through Dec. 31 , but because payments are allocated weekly , the last was expected Dec. 26 .
Nearly 750,000 Californians total are poised to lose out , the California Policy Lab projected in a recent report .
“ By the point their checks came , people owed months of rent , had taken out loans at high interest rates , owed their friends and family , ” Bernard said .
“ And now it ’ s going to stop ?
” Nationwide , an estimated 12 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ aid , according to a report from the progressive think tank The Century Foundation .
And in California , it couldn ’ t come at a worse time : Unemployment and layoffs have risen again throughout November and December after briefly dipping ; last week , California made up nearly 23 % of first-time unemployment claims in the U.S. despite constituting just 11 % of the workforce .
The state ’ s unemployment rate in November was 7.9 % , with several counties such as Los Angeles , Imperial and Colusa topping 10 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of about 6.7 % nationwide , according to the Economic Development Department and Bureau of Labor Statistics .
Not providing relief now will only draw out the state ’ s and nation ’ s economic recovery for longer , said Sylvia Allegretto , a labor economist and co-chair of the Center on Wage and Unemployment Dynamics at UC Berkeley .
“ You ’ re really going to see not just the effect on individual people , families , children — the food insecurity and homelessness and increase in poverty — you ’ ll @ @ @ @ @ @ @ line , too , ” Allegretto said .
“ What we don ’ t spend now will cost that much more in the future.
” Trump has demanded that Congress increase stimulus checks from $ 600 to $ 2,000 for eligible Americans — an abrupt proposal that blindsided lawmakers after they spent months negotiating the final package , and is opposed by many Republicans .
He ’ s also complained about some of the items in the stimulus plan or in the omnibus spending bill .
In a tweet Saturday , reportedly from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ president wrote “ I simply want to get our great people $ 2000 , rather than the measly $ 600 that is now in the bill .
Also , stop the billions of dollars in ‘ pork.
’ ” House Speaker Nancy Pelosi plans a full floor vote Monday on new legislation to codify the $ 2,000 payments .
They could also vote on another stopgap measure to fund the government past the current spending deadline of midnight that day .
While that would avert a government shutdown if the Senate also passes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it is still unclear what Trump plans to do with the larger pandemic relief and annual spending bill Congress passed Dec. 21 .
Pelosi railed against the stalemate and the fact that Trump ’ s potential veto came after weeks of negotiations .
“ House and Senate Democrats have repeatedly fought for bigger checks for the American people , which House and Senate Republicans have repeatedly rejected – first , during our negotiations when they said that they would not go above $ 600 and now , with this act of callousness on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a statement .
The looming uncertainty doesn ’ t help people like Carranza , who has started accumulating credit card debt for the first time in her life after getting laid off .
“ This is not how we want to be going into the next year , ” she said .
“ Just worried .
Like , my God — I am going into debt.
” Bloomberg ’ s Chris Strohm and Billy House contributed to this report .

When Adrianna Carranza got her $800 federal unemployment check Wednesday, she didn’t think it would be her last. Now, unless help materializes fast, she’s got one month to figure out how to pay rent — and put food on the table for her 5-year-old daughter.
“If it’s not with the stimulus, where am I going to find that money?” said Carranza, 28, who was laid off from her Peet’s Coffee job at the Oakland Airport and has been receiving biweekly help from the federal Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program. “I really got my hopes up. A lot of people got their hopes up.”
Across the Bay Area and the nation, millions braced for federal unemployment benefits to expire Saturday as President Donald Trump refused to sign a Congress-approved coronavirus relief package. The unemployment dollars have constituted another lifeline for Bay Area families thrown out of work during the pandemic; many were barely making it with two or three jobs in the first place.
Since shelter-in-place orders first closed down businesses in March, social service agencies have watched their client base widen to include families who had never before sought help. Food bank and pantry lines have ballooned as people relied on a mix of state unemployment funding and one-time stimulus checks of $1,200 and $600 — plus the weekly boost from the federal government, which for most ranged from $167 to $450.
Now, that money will disappear, rendering Bay Area families “just desperate” as they face down thousands of dollars in back rent with no relief in sight, said Marie Bernard, executive director of Sunnyvale Community Services. Federal benefits are funded through Dec. 31, but because payments are allocated weekly, the last was expected Dec. 26.
Nearly 750,000 Californians total are poised to lose out, the California Policy Lab projected in a recent report.
“By the point their checks came, people owed months of rent, had taken out loans at high interest rates, owed their friends and family,” Bernard said. “And now it’s going to stop?”
Nationwide, an estimated 12 million people will be cut off from aid, according to a report from the progressive think tank The Century Foundation. And in California, it couldn’t come at a worse time: Unemployment and layoffs have risen again throughout November and December after briefly dipping; last week, California made up nearly 23% of first-time unemployment claims in the U.S. despite constituting just 11% of the workforce.
The state’s unemployment rate in November was 7.9%, with several counties such as Los Angeles, Imperial and Colusa topping 10%, as compared to a rate of about 6.7% nationwide, according to the Economic Development Department and Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Not providing relief now will only draw out the state’s and nation’s economic recovery for longer, said Sylvia Allegretto, a labor economist and co-chair of the Center on Wage and Unemployment Dynamics at UC Berkeley.
“You’re really going to see not just the effect on individual people, families, children — the food insecurity and homelessness and increase in poverty — you’ll see the indicators on the economic bottom line, too,” Allegretto said. “What we don’t spend now will cost that much more in the future.”
Trump has demanded that Congress increase stimulus checks from $600 to $2,000 for eligible Americans — an abrupt proposal that blindsided lawmakers after they spent months negotiating the final package, and is opposed by many Republicans. He’s also complained about some of the items in the stimulus plan or in the omnibus spending bill.
In a tweet Saturday, reportedly from his Florida resort at Mar-a-Lago, the president wrote “I simply want to get our great people $2000, rather than the measly $600 that is now in the bill. Also, stop the billions of dollars in ‘pork.’ ”
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi plans a full floor vote Monday on new legislation to codify the $2,000 payments. They could also vote on another stopgap measure to fund the government past the current spending deadline of midnight that day.
While that would avert a government shutdown if the Senate also passes it and the president signs it, it is still unclear what Trump plans to do with the larger pandemic relief and annual spending bill Congress passed Dec. 21.
Pelosi railed against the stalemate and the fact that Trump’s potential veto came after weeks of negotiations. “House and Senate Democrats have repeatedly fought for bigger checks for the American people, which House and Senate Republicans have repeatedly rejected – first, during our negotiations when they said that they would not go above $600 and now, with this act of callousness on the floor,” she said in a statement.
The looming uncertainty doesn’t help people like Carranza, who has started accumulating credit card debt for the first time in her life after getting laid off.
“This is not how we want to be going into the next year,” she said. “Just worried. Like, my God — I am going into debt.”
Bloomberg’s Chris Strohm and Billy House contributed to this report.


mercurynews--2020-12-26--Who’s in, who’s out for Raiders vs. Dolphins: Maliek Collins will play, Takk McKinley will not

The week ’ s revolving door of available players for the Raiders heading in to Saturday night ’ s game against the Miami Dolphins at Allegiant Stadium includes the return of defensive tackle Maliek Collins , while Takk McKinley sits for the fifth straight week after being a waiver claim .
The Raiders will be without defensive secondary coach Jim O ’ Neil and assistant Taver Johnson for COVID-19 concerns , the team announced .
Earlier this week , it was expected O ’ Neil would be out and Johnson would coach the secondary .
Their duties will be handled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at who will play and who will not after Saturday ’ s transactions and inactivees : QB Derek Carr : Coach Jon Gruden reveres players who fight through injury and he respects Carr immensely .
That ’ s not to say that if Carr is unable to throw with his usual authority or move well enough to escape trouble that Gruden won ’ t pull the plug and go with Marcus Mariota .
The Raiders have prepared for both possibilities .
So have the Dolphins .
S Johnathan Abram : Missed a 30-27 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ concussion , didn ’ t travel to New Jersey for the Jets game and has an earlier missed game for contact tracing on the COVID-19 list .
The Raiders believed at the beginning of the season that of all the players on their defensive roster , Abram has the best potential be a difference maker .
But it ’ s been literally hit and miss .
DT Maliek Collins : Spent three games on injured reserve with a shoulder and was activated Saturday .
He ’ ll get some work inside along with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ worth $ 6 million in hopes of hitting the market again next year and getting a multi-year deal .
Barring something remarkable in the last two games , he ’ ll be doing the same thing this offseason .
CB Damon Arnette : Has played in seven games with six starts , dealing with a thumb injury that eventually needed surgery , a stint on injured reserve and then concussions in back to back games against the New York Jets and Indianapolis Colts .
That ’ s a lot of lost developmental time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the concussions , he ’ ll be watched closely .
WR Henry Ruggs III : Off the COVID-19 reserve list , Ruggs got limited practice time this week but is available should Gruden want to throw the ball downfield or run some fly sweeps or bubble screens .
The thinking was those types of plays would be a big part of Ruggs ’ rookie season .
They haven ’ t been .
CB Nevin Lawson : Missed his second game of the season against the Chargers ( missed the opener on suspension ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : Other than 60 snaps in the first game against the Chargers where Johnson made the game-clinching breakup in the end zone and 50 snaps in a blowout loss to Atlanta , Johnson has played sparingly in what ideally would have been a year of development .
Activated from a four-day stint on the COVID-19 reseve list on Wednesday .
LB Javin White : Activated from the practice squad for the fourth time , White , the McClymonds High and UNLV product , has played exactly one defensive snap and played 30 snaps @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : Activated from practice squad for the first time , has 268 career snaps for the Chargers ( 2017 ) and 49ers ( 2018 ) and every one of them have been on special teams .
Onwualu , as well as White , could be needed if linebacker Kyle Wilber , a core special teams player , has a bigger role defensively because of depth issues .
CB Rashaan Gaulden : Activated from the practice squad for the second time , Gaulden played three special teams snaps last week in a the 30-27 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Nick Kwiatkoski : Placed on COVID-19 reserve list this week , Kwiatkoski signed a three-year , $ 21 million free agent contract with more than $ 13.7 guaranteed .
He is the only one of the big ticket free agents to approach the level the Raiders expected at signing .
The analytics site Profootballfocus.com had Kwiatkoski as an AFC Pro Bowl linebacker .
LB Nicholas Morrow : Placed on the COVID-19 reserve list this week , Morrow was for a time the Raiders best defensive player after Cory Littleton went on the COVID-19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 81 ) and Abram ( 77 ) for the team lead in tackles but is second to Maxx Crosby in tackles for loss with seven .
DE Clelin Ferrell : Out with a shoulder injury for the second straight week , Ferrell also missed two games on the COVID-19 list and in his second season after being the No .
4 overall pick in the draft has two sacks and 10 quarterback hits despite playing a higher percentage of snaps per game when active of any lineman except Crosby .
DE Takk McKinley @ @ @ @ @ @ @ waiver claim from Atlanta , McKinley was initially claimed by Cincinnati and the 49ers , both of which failed him on a physical .
Gruden has talked about how much he wants to see McKinley play , but just one chance remains against Denver in the finale .
So far , the Raiders have paid McKinley just under $ 550,000 for five weeks of rehab .
He is an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season .
• Raiders on TV : Many Bay Area fans likely won ’ t be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Welcome to the Death Star , where the Raiders ’ 2020 season went to die • Raiders injuries : Derek Carr practices , Gruden stops short of naming him starter vs. Dolphins S Erik Harris : Placed on the COVID-19 list this week , Harris hasn ’ t had a good season but at least he ’ s been available .
Week 16 will be his first missed game of the season .
CB Daryl Worley : Placed on the COVID-19 list this week , Worley was Brought back to the Raiders after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 37 snaps against the Chargers , giving up three completions totaling 60 yards .
QB Nathan Peterman : Inactive for the third consecutive game after serving the first 11 games as the backup to Carr .
He held the No .
2 position until Mariota was ready to play .
OT Brandon Parker : Designated as inactive .
With Trent Brown healthy , Parker has gone back to being inactive after playing in 10 games with four starts .
Sam Young will serve as the backup swing tackle .
RB : Theo Riddick @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Devontae Booker and Jalen Richard will comprise the backfield along with fullback Alec Ingold .
DE Chris Smith : Designated as inactive .
Has played in seven games , spending most of his time on the practice squad until sticking on the 53-man roster .
CB : Amik Robertson : Designated as inactive .
A fourth-round draft pick , Robertson has played in eight game but has played no more than 14 snaps in any of them — a small amount considering the difficulties the secondary has had this season .

The week’s revolving door of available players for the Raiders heading in to Saturday night’s game against the Miami Dolphins at Allegiant Stadium includes the return of defensive tackle Maliek Collins, while Takk McKinley sits for the fifth straight week after being a waiver claim.
The Raiders will be without defensive secondary coach Jim O’Neil and assistant Taver Johnson for COVID-19 concerns, the team announced. Earlier this week, it was expected O’Neil would be out and Johnson would coach the secondary. Their duties will be handled by the defensive staff.
A look at who will play and who will not after Saturday’s transactions and inactivees:
They’re in
QB Derek Carr: Coach Jon Gruden reveres players who fight through injury and he respects Carr immensely. That’s not to say that if Carr is unable to throw with his usual authority or move well enough to escape trouble that Gruden won’t pull the plug and go with Marcus Mariota. The Raiders have prepared for both possibilities. So have the Dolphins.
S Johnathan Abram: Missed a 30-27 overtime loss to the Chargers with a concussion, didn’t travel to New Jersey for the Jets game and has an earlier missed game for contact tracing on the COVID-19 list. The Raiders believed at the beginning of the season that of all the players on their defensive roster, Abram has the best potential be a difference maker. But it’s been literally hit and miss.
DT Maliek Collins: Spent three games on injured reserve with a shoulder and was activated Saturday. He’ll get some work inside along with Johnathan Hankins. Signed a one-year contract worth $6 million in hopes of hitting the market again next year and getting a multi-year deal. Barring something remarkable in the last two games, he’ll be doing the same thing this offseason.
CB Damon Arnette: Has played in seven games with six starts, dealing with a thumb injury that eventually needed surgery, a stint on injured reserve and then concussions in back to back games against the New York Jets and Indianapolis Colts. That’s a lot of lost developmental time for a first-round draft pick. Given the concussions, he’ll be watched closely.
WR Henry Ruggs III: Off the COVID-19 reserve list, Ruggs got limited practice time this week but is available should Gruden want to throw the ball downfield or run some fly sweeps or bubble screens. The thinking was those types of plays would be a big part of Ruggs’ rookie season. They haven’t been.
CB Nevin Lawson: Missed his second game of the season against the Chargers (missed the opener on suspension) with an illness.
CB Isaiah Johnson: Other than 60 snaps in the first game against the Chargers where Johnson made the game-clinching breakup in the end zone and 50 snaps in a blowout loss to Atlanta, Johnson has played sparingly in what ideally would have been a year of development. Activated from a four-day stint on the COVID-19 reseve list on Wednesday.
LB Javin White: Activated from the practice squad for the fourth time, White, the McClymonds High and UNLV product, has played exactly one defensive snap and played 30 snaps on special teams.
LB James Onwualu: Activated from practice squad for the first time, has 268 career snaps for the Chargers (2017) and 49ers (2018) and every one of them have been on special teams. Onwualu, as well as White, could be needed if linebacker Kyle Wilber, a core special teams player, has a bigger role defensively because of depth issues.
CB Rashaan Gaulden: Activated from the practice squad for the second time, Gaulden played three special teams snaps last week in a the 30-27 overtime loss to the Chargers.
They’re out
LB Nick Kwiatkoski: Placed on COVID-19 reserve list this week, Kwiatkoski signed a three-year, $21 million free agent contract with more than $13.7 guaranteed. He is the only one of the big ticket free agents to approach the level the Raiders expected at signing. The analytics site Profootballfocus.com had Kwiatkoski as an AFC Pro Bowl linebacker.
LB Nicholas Morrow: Placed on the COVID-19 reserve list this week, Morrow was for a time the Raiders best defensive player after Cory Littleton went on the COVID-19 reserve list. He trails Kwiatkoski (81) and Abram (77) for the team lead in tackles but is second to Maxx Crosby in tackles for loss with seven.
DE Clelin Ferrell: Out with a shoulder injury for the second straight week, Ferrell also missed two games on the COVID-19 list and in his second season after being the No. 4 overall pick in the draft has two sacks and 10 quarterback hits despite playing a higher percentage of snaps per game when active of any lineman except Crosby.
DE Takk McKinley: Signed on Nov. 23 as a waiver claim from Atlanta, McKinley was initially claimed by Cincinnati and the 49ers, both of which failed him on a physical. Gruden has talked about how much he wants to see McKinley play, but just one chance remains against Denver in the finale. So far, the Raiders have paid McKinley just under $550,000 for five weeks of rehab. He is an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season.
S Erik Harris: Placed on the COVID-19 list this week, Harris hasn’t had a good season but at least he’s been available. Week 16 will be his first missed game of the season.
CB Daryl Worley: Placed on the COVID-19 list this week, Worley was Brought back to the Raiders after being cut by Buffalo and immediately played 37 snaps against the Chargers, giving up three completions totaling 60 yards.
QB Nathan Peterman: Inactive for the third consecutive game after serving the first 11 games as the backup to Carr. He held the No. 2 position until Mariota was ready to play.
OT Brandon Parker: Designated as inactive. With Trent Brown healthy, Parker has gone back to being inactive after playing in 10 games with four starts. Sam Young will serve as the backup swing tackle.
RB: Theo Riddick: Designated as inactive. Josh Jacobs, Devontae Booker and Jalen Richard will comprise the backfield along with fullback Alec Ingold.
DE Chris Smith: Designated as inactive. Has played in seven games, spending most of his time on the practice squad until sticking on the 53-man roster.
CB: Amik Robertson: Designated as inactive. A fourth-round draft pick, Robertson has played in eight game but has played no more than 14 snaps in any of them — a small amount considering the difficulties the secondary has had this season.