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Falcons shutting down facility after 1 new positive COVID-19 test

Just when one NFL outbreak seems to be contained, another one may be rearing its ugly head. The Atlanta Falcons are shutting down their facility and working remotely after one new positive COVID-19 test, the team announced on Thursday.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter initially reported that the Falcons were dealing with four positive tests. A Falcons official told him that as of now that’s not true, but they are “still working through details.”

Schefter also reported that the league is checking other Falcons tests in light of the new positive. The team placed defensive tackle Marlon Davidson on the reserve/COVID-19 list on Tuesday, but it’s not known whether he tested positive for COVID-19 or if he was just exposed to someone who tested positive.

ATLANTA, GA - OCTOBER 11:  The Atlanta Falcons take the field before the week 5 NFL game between the Atlanta Falcons and the Carolina Panthers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on October 11, 2020 in Atlanta, Georgia.  (Photo by David J. Griffin/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
The Falcons are the latest NFL team with a COVID-19 outbreak. (Photo by David J. Griffin/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

What about Sunday’s game?

The Falcons are scheduled to play the Minnesota Vikings at 1 p.m. ET on Sunday. With that game just three days away, it’s possible that it could be postponed and moved to a later date due to these positive tests. The Tennessee Titans and New England Patriots had games moved due to COVID-19 infections on their teams.

It has already been a nightmare for the NFL to reschedule multiple games due to COVID-19, and it’s not going to get any easier. Commissioner Roger Goodell said during a conference call on Tuesday that the key to making it through this season is flexibility. That’s why the league is open to adding a Week 18, and even delaying the Super Bowl. If the trend of outbreaks and delayed games continues, the NFL may have no choice but to do that.

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