With NFL teams opening up training camps with COVID-19 testing protocols in place, we have seen players from various teams returning with positive tests and/or being placed on the COVID-19 reserve list for potential exposure to the virus.
On Sunday night the second coach in the league tested positive, as Philadelphia Eagles head coach Doug Pederson received a second positive test:
Eagles’ HC Doug Pederson has tested positive for the coronavirus, sources told ESPN’s @Tim_McManus. Pederson convened a previously unscheduled team meeting Sunday night to share the news with his players. He did this after receiving a second positive test.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 3, 2020
Sean Payton, the New Orleans Saints head coach, was the first coach in the league to test positive for COVID-19. But that positive test came back in March. What makes this different is that it comes as teams are starting up training camp, and the fact that Pederson had two positive tests, causing him to share the news with his players.
According to ESPN’s Eagles beat reporter Tim McManus, it is believed that Pederson contracted the virus “outside the building:”
Doug Pederson, 52, is the second known head coach to test positive, along with Sean Payton. It is believed that he contracted the virus outside the building.
— Tim McManus (@Tim_McManus) August 3, 2020
In addition, it is being reported that at least one other staff member was sent home after close exposure to the head coach:
At least one other Eagles’ staff member was sent home due to close exposure to Doug Pederson, a source told @Tim_McManus. https://t.co/DPNlzerKYs
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 3, 2020
Hopefully Coach Pederson is back on the sidelines before we know it. According to ABC 6 News, Pedersonis “asymptomatic and is feeling fine:”
MORE: Pederson, 52, told the team on Sunday night after a second positive test. Pederson is asymptomatic and is feeling fine, sources told ESPN.https://t.co/94K49s5E6p
— Action News on 6abc (@6abc) August 3, 2020
The organization confirmed the news with a statement Sunday night:
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) August 3, 2020