DENVER (AP) The Denver Broncos elevated rookie receiver Kendall Hinton from the practice squad Sunday morning, hours before he was expected to start at quarterback for a team that's missing its four QBs over coronavirus concerns.

The Broncos (4-6), who are hosting the New Orleans Saints (8-2) at empty Empower Field, also placed starting quarterback Drew Lock, his backup Brett Rypien and practice squad veteran Blake Bortles on the reserve/COVID-19 list Sunday. (MORE)

The NFL has fined the New Orleans Saints $500,000 and stripped them of a 2021 seventh-round draft pick for violating league COVID-19 protocols, a person with direct knowledge of the discipline told The Associated Press on Sunday.

The New England Patriots were fined $350,000 for similar violations, the person said, speaking to the AP on condition of anonymity because neither the league nor the teams have announced the fines or loss of draft pick. (MORE)

Tua Tagovailoa is inactive for the Miami Dolphins with a left thumb injury, so Ryan Fitzpatrick will start at quarterback against the winless New York Jets.

Tagovailoa was downgraded to doubtful Saturday after he hurt the thumb on his throwing hand in practice Wednesday. He was limited at practice throughout the week. Reid Sinnett was elevated from the practice squad to serve as the backup to Fitzpatrick, who'll make his first start since Oct. 18. That previous start also came against the Jets. (MORE)

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) Vanderbilt fired coach Derek Mason on Sunday after losing the first eight games of his seventh season, and offensive coordinator Todd Fitch will serve as the interim coach.

"While this was a difficult decision, but I know this change is necessary," athletic director Candice Lee said in a statement. "We wish Derek and his entire family the best." (MORE)