Drew Lock apologized on Sunday for his role in a massive violation of the NFL’s COVID-19 protocols last week — something that resulted in all four of the Denver Broncos’ quarterbacks missing their matchup with the New Orleans Saints.
Third-string quarterback Jeff Driskel was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list on Thursday. Lock, Brett Rypien and Blake Bortles were then all ruled ineligible for Sunday’s game due to contact tracing.
The team eventually brought up wide receiver Kendall Hinton from the practice squad to start — though only after the league reportedly shut down their plan to bring in offensive quality control coach Rob Calabrese to start instead.
“I sincerely apologize and I fully understand why these safety precautions are so important. Doing the right thing for a majority of the time is not good enough,” Lock wrote in a statement on Twitter, in part. “I pray for my teammates’ health, safety and success today. I look forward to getting on the field next week.”
Drew Lock: We’re taking COVID seriously
Lock also insisted that both he and the entire team are taking the coronavirus and all of the rules and precautions implemented by the NFL seriously — though clearly not seriously enough.
He said they “let our masking slip” briefly, which is what resulted in all of the quarterbacks missing the game.
“As a proud member of the Denver Broncos, I can attest that our entire team has taken the COVID-19 pandemic seriously, following all the rules to keep each other safe,” he wrote, in part. “We’re tested daily, get quick results and are confident our facility is a safe environment for everyone.
“In a controlled and socially distanced area, we let our masking slip for a limited amount of time. An honest mistake, but one I will own.”
Lock’s absence, along with everyone else’s, was clearly felt.
Hinton didn’t complete a pass in the opening half, and went 0-of-7 with an interception as they fell into a 17-0 hole almost instantly.
He finally completed a pass in the third quarter — Hinton found tight end Noah Fant for a 13-yard gain on their opening drive of the half — but then threw an interception just two plays later.
As long as Lock doesn’t test positive himself, he should be cleared to rejoin the Broncos in time for their game against the Kansas City Chiefs next week.
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