It was only a matter of time before someone in the NFL tested positive for COVID-19. Unfortunately, the Tennessee Titans were the first to do so.
The Titans had a total of eight positive tests. Three of those were form players; the other five were personnel. The players were starting nose tackle DaQuan Jones, long snapper Beau Brinkley and practice squad tight end Tommy Hudson.
Tennessee’s opponent last Sunday, the Minnesota Vikings, have also closed their practice facilities for precautionary reasons, making the week leading up to their next game a little different.
“Both clubs are working closely with the NFL and the NFLPA, including our infectious disease experts, to evaluate close contacts, perform additional testing and monitor developments,” said the NFL and NFLPA in a joint statement. “All decisions will be made with health and safety as our primary consideration. We will continue to share updates as more information becomes available.”
Moving Forward
Positive COVID-19 tests were almost guaranteed to happen, and with all of the traveling going on, it almost seems like a surprise it took this long. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has also been quoted as saying he expects more positive tests as the season progresses.
All of the players with positive tests will be isolated and monitored; testing will also be available to the players’ families. The NFL is contact-tracing the players who tested positive to help limit any further spread throughout the team and the league.
“Each of us has a special responsibility to keep others safe and healthy,” Goodell said in the memo obtained by ESPN. “What each of us does affects not only ourselves and our immediate families, but many others on our own club and on other clubs.”
What The Tests Mean for Week 3
The tricky part for these teams will be preparing for Week 3. As of now, there is no sign of the NFL canceling games, even though it appears team facilities will be closed until at least Saturday.
These NFL players will be working remotely while preparing to play on Sunday, but that will provide some challenges for a team sport.
The Vikings play against the Houston Texans, and the Titans play the Steelers. Both of these games are scheduled for Sunday at 1:00 PM Eastern.
The players who tested positive will be ruled out for Week 3. If they remain asymptomatic, those players are allowed to return ten days after their last positive test, or if they receive a negative test result twice within a five-day period.
Given this is the first time the NFL has reported positive COVID-19 tests, ensuring the league and the teams follow protocols will be crucial. League and team response will set the tone for the rest of the year. If the NFL wants to continue playing during a pandemic, it must show the ability to do so safely.
The NFL needs to ensure COVID-19 does not spread to the point where they have to cancel games. Their response this week will be a strong trial run.