Multiple people with the Indianapolis Colts test positive for COVID-19
- by Grant Boone
- in Sports
- — Oct 18, 2020
With the Colts announcing that they had multiple members of their organization test positive for COVID-19 and closing down their facility on Friday, there's a chance for Sunday's 1 p.m. ET kickoff against the Bengals in Indianapolis to be postponed.
The NFL has allowed teams in some instances to play games after a single positive test if there is no evidence of widespread transmission of the virus.
ESPN's Adam Schefter reports "If the game could not be played Sunday, the National Football League would be presented with its toughest scheduling challenge to date".
The Jaguars worked remotely as a precaution after the practice squad positive on the eve of the contest with Detroit while more testing is conducted.
New England (2-2) already has had its matchup against Denver at Gillette Stadium postponed twice following four positive coronavirus tests by players, including quarterback Cam Newton and cornerback Stephon Gilmore.
Atlanta Falcons defensive end John Cominsky, Baltimore defensive tackle Brandon Williams and an unidentified Jaguars practice squad player were put onto the list, which means either a positive test or close contact with someone who has tested positive.
The game against the Broncos, originally scheduled for October 11 and then pushed back one day, was rescheduled for Sunday at 1 p.m. Quarterback Cam Newton and cornerback Stephon Gilmore had previously tested positive.
All NFL games for this week remain on the schedule, a league source told Dianna Russini of ESPN this Friday.
Defensive tackle Byron Cowart was the only Patriots player now still on the list after testing positive on October 11.
That is obviously good news, though it is a reminder of how false positive tests can cause complications.
-The Panthers have guard/centre Tyler Larsen on the reserve/COVID-19 list, five days after he played against Atlanta. Practice squad player Bill Murray also returned from the COVID-19 list Thursday.
Rookie defensive tackle Marlon Davidson was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list Tuesday and a second person, who is not a player, subsequently tested positive.
The Broncos haven't played since October 1. They're set to play Sunday. Of those three, only the Steelers won in their return to action.
The Tennessee Titans, seemingly the Colts' main AFC South rivals this season, were forced to close their facility for almost two weeks and had two games rescheduled due to a coronavirus outbreak of over 20 players and personnel.
The Browns, who played the Colts on Sunday, had zero positive tests Friday and their their building was open. The Falcons play at Minnesota on Sunday.
The Browns listed Beckham as questionable to face the unbeaten Steelers (4-0) at Heinz Field. The Jaguars called the decision to work remotely Saturday "a precautionary measure".