The New York Giants and Los Angeles Chargers announced on Thursday that each team has had a player test positive for COVID-19.
NFL Network reported that the Giants player was starting guard Will Hernandez, who will be put on the reserve/COVID-19 list. All but four of the team’s offensive linemen are in quarantine, per the report. “The player was immediately self-isolated, and the contact tracing process was initiated,” the team said in a statement. “All of the player’s close contacts were identified and were informed to remain home (Thursday). Those individuals will participate in meetings remotely.”
Giants assistant coaches Bret Bielema and Jerome Henderson, considered close contacts, were also sent home.
The news comes in the aftermath of a video that circulated showing quarterback Daniel Jones and running back Saquon Barkley in a Manhattan bar without masks. The video reportedly was recorded last Friday night, the day after the Giants lost to the Philadelphia Eagles.
Hernandez, 25, has played in and started all 39 games for the Giants since being drafted in the second round of the 2018 draft.
For the Chargers, the unitentified player’s close contacts have been told to stay home and participate in meetings remotely. The Chargers found out Wednesday night.
The Chargers said the training facility remains open and that the rest of the team will follow its normal practice and meeting schedule Thursday.
“We continue to operate in close consultation with the NFL, as well as our team of independent doctors and specialists, and will follow their guidance,” the team said in a statement. “As has been the case since day one of this pandemic, the health and safety of our players, staff and community continue to be our highest priority.” It’s the first positive test for either team since COVID testing began.
The Chargers (2-4) are scheduled to play the Denver Broncos (2-4) on Sunday, while the Giants (1-6) are scheduled to host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (5-2) on Monday night.
–Filed Level Media ()