Titans and Vikings suspend in-person team activities after three Tennessee players and five staffers test positive for coronavirus following Sunday's game in Minnesota
In the first major pandemic-related setback for the NFL, three Tennessee Titans players and five staffers have tested positive for COVID-19, prompting the team and their last opponent, the Minnesota Vikings, to suspend in-person club activities.
The NFL confirmed eight positive test results were returned Tuesday morning. The Minnesota Vikings, who hosted the Titans on Sunday, are also suspending team activities per NFL protocol during the coronavirus pandemic.
'This is not unexpected,' NFL commissioner Roger Goodell wrote to team executives in a memo obtained by ESPN. 'There will be players and staff who will test positive during the season.'
As of now, the NFL still plans on proceeding with Sunday's Titans game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, but the matchup could move to Monday, according to ESPN.
Tennessee Titans outside linebacker Jadeveon Clowney (99) runs through pass rushing drills during an NFL football practice in Nashville on September 9
Minnesota Vikings wide receivers Tajae Sharpe (11), Bisi Johnson (81), Alexander Hollins (15) and Quartney Davis (14) wait their turns in pass plays during a practice in August. Now the Vikings are suspending team activities after three Titans players tested positive for COVID-19
'On Tuesday morning, the Titans COVID testing results returned three new player positives and five new personnel positives. The Titans will suspend all in-person club activities starting . Likewise, the Vikings, who played the Titans on Sunday, will also suspend in-person club activities,' the NFL said in a statement.
'Both clubs are working closely with the NFL and NFLPA, including our infectious disease experts, to evaluate close contacts, perform additional testing and monitor developments. All decisions will be made with health and safety as our primary consideration.'
ESPN reported a league source said, 'we are shutting down Tennessee until Saturday.'
None of the players or personnel were identified in the reports.
The outbreak marks the first for the NFL involving players since the start of the 2020 regular season. A widespread string of false positives during training camp invites caution over any immediate reaction.
Tuesday is a scheduled off day for players other than those requiring medical treatment.
Minnesota is scheduled to visit the Houston Texans on Sunday. Both that game and the Steelers-Titans matchups are off the board at sportsbooks.
NFL Network reported the Vikings and Titans could have their schedules altered to include a bye this week. Both teams were scheduled to be off Week 7.
However, their Week 4 opponents do not align with those bye weeks. The Texans and Steelers are scheduled for Week 8 byes.
Tennessee Titans outside linebacker Vic Beasley Jr. (44) warms up with teammates during an NFL football practice in Nashville