NFL COVID-19 Update
By: Daniel Velasquez
When the NFL announced they would skip the preseason, but planned on playing a complete 16 game schedule many wondered if COVID-19 would become an issue. Despite some positive tests during training camp, The NFL had two straight weeks of zero positive tests to start the regular season. Eventually, the virus made its way into the league and started to wreak havoc as some of the league’s biggest stars have tested positive, games are being postponed and entire schedules are rearranged.
Tennessee Titans players and team personnel hit hard by Covid-19
The Tennessee Titans are the talk of the league and it is not because of their hot start as they sit atop of the AFC South at 3-0, but because of their COVID-19 outbreak. The Titans have a league leading total of 24 positive tests since Sept. 24 which consists of 13 players and 11 team personnel as of Monday morning Oct. 12.
The number of COVID-19 cases for the Titans began to ramp up the week leading up to their week four matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers, they saw eight positive tests on Tuesday, Sept. 29 and five additional cases by Friday Oct. 2. The NFL, ultimately had to reschedule the game for week seven and both teams would have a bye week 4. The NFL and NFLPA would begin to investigate the Titans COVID-19 outbreak to determine whether or not protocols were followed.
After six straight days of at least one confirmed case, Monday Oct. 5 and Tuesday marked two straight days of no positive tests for the Titans, but that streak would not last long. The next day, Oct. 8 , they received a positive test from Corey Davis and a report surfaced implicating some Titans in a workout Sept. 30 and a local high school after the team facility was closed. Thursday’s test produced two additional positive tests and resulted in their week 5 game vs the Buffalo Bills to be moved from Sunday Oct. 11 to Tuesday Oct. 13. Since the Bills were scheduled for a Thursday Night Football matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs that game would be rescheduled for Sunday Oct. 18. The Titans would turn in one positive test in four days from Oct. 9 to 12 and their game against the Bills is set to take place Tuesday.
New England Patriots star players affected by Covid
Cam Newton, who found new life in New England, tested positive for the virus Saturday October 3. The Patriots and Chiefs were set for Sunday, in what was one of the most anticipated games of the week. NFL fans were going to get two of the league's better quarterbacks in Cam Newton versus Patrick Mahomes faceoff, but it was squandered due to Newton’s positive test. The game was rescheduled for Monday and Newton was sidelined. The Patriots took extra precaution and boarded two planes for their flight to Kansas City for their game against the Chiefs, one plane had players and team personnel who were in close contact with Newton and the other for those who were not.
October 7, The NFL’s reigning defensive player of the year, Cornerback Stephon Gilmore tested positive for the virus. Gilmore was one part of the group that traveled on the plane that came into close contact with Newton. The Patriots week 5 matchup versus the Denver Broncos was moved from Sunday to Monday night barring no further positive tests. The Game was ultimately postponed again after the Patriots had another positive test for the virus Sunday morning. Both the Patriots and Broncos received a bye for week 5 and the game is scheduled for week 6 Sunday.
Positive tests have had a widespread effect on the NFL and teams. Teams that have not had one positive test are being affected. The NFL had to shuffle multiple team's schedule to accommodate for the rescheduling of the Patriots matchup against the Broncos. the teams affected were the Los Angeles Chargers, Miami Dolphins, Jacksonville Jaguars and New York Jets all had games one or more games rescheduled and their bye weeks moved. The NFL not being in bubble, it is likely that players and team personnel will continue to test positive for the virus. If the virus starts to spread uncontrollably, the league may have to rethink their approach and consider a condensed season or other tactics to stop the spread. It will definitely be something to keep an eye on in the weeks to come.