Texans, Colts, Bears and Chiefs report positive COVID-19 tests among players, staffers
The Houston Texans, Chicago Bears, Indianapolis Colts and Kansas City Chiefs are adjusting operations after players and staffers tested positive for COVID-19.
A Texans player tested positive for COVID-19 on Wednesday night, prompting the NFL team to close down its training center as a safety measure, according to The Associated Press.
The player, who was not named, is now reportedly in self-isolation and the team has begun contact tracing.
“We will follow the NFL’s intensive protocols and guidance regarding the team’s operations. The health and safety of our team, as well as our entire staff, are of highest priority,” the team said in a statement, according to ESPN.
The team is set to conduct operations virtually for the time being, the AP noted.
The Texans were scheduled to travel to Florida on Sunday for a game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, however, there is no word yet on whether or not that game will take place, ESPN reported.
Meanwhile, a Colts staffer tested positive for COVID-19 on Thursday, according to a post the team shared on Twitter.
— Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) November 5, 2020
“This morning we were informed that a member of the Colts staff has tested positive for COVID-19. The team is in the process of contact tracing and has entered the NFL’s intensive protocol. The individual has self-quarantined and is under the care of team doctors,” the tweet reads.
Thursday’s practice will be held and the team will conduct all meetings virtually for the day. The team said it is working with the NFL, medical staff and team doctors to ensure the health of the team.
Another Texans player tested positive last week. The team at the time took the precaution of shutting down its facility and implemented deep cleaning, interim coach Romeo Crennel said, according to AP.
The facility reopened on Monday.
The Bears also announced on Thursday morning that another player had tested positive. The team said the player and his close contacts have begun self-isolation.
“As a result, the club has decided to pause all in-person football activities and close Halas Hall. Today’s practice has been canceled and all meetings will be conducted virtually,” the team said, adding that it is unclear how the developments will affect Sunday’s game against the Titans.
And the Chiefs announced that its training center would be closed Thursday afternoon after a staffer tested positive.
Statement from the Chiefs. pic.twitter.com/Geuq8MVY9G
— Nate Taylor (@ByNateTaylor) November 5, 2020
–Nathaniel Weixel contributed to this report, which was updated at 12:27 p.m.
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