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.
Falcons are working virtually today and released this announcement: pic.twitter.com/vHntMUcNQG
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 15, 2020
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.”
Falcons‘ official this morning: “Still working through details, can tell you we’re not at four confirmed.” https://t.co/6oKSiSQToZ
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 15, 2020
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.
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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