The Week 6 matchup between the Indianapolis Colts and Cincinnati Bengals has come into jeopardy after the former was informed of several positive COVID-19 tests on Friday morning.
While the Colts work remotely away from the practice facility, the team and the league will be working to confirm the positive cases. Though they will likely make a decision regarding Sunday’s game, the matchup is reportedly still on as the league waits for more information on the tests.
Diana Russini of ESPN reported that tests have been re-administered to those who tested positive for COVID-19 and that the game is still on in the meantime.
I've communicated with sources in Indy and with the league this morning. My sense is the Colts are being very measured and conservative by closing their facility today. I'm told the game is still on for this weekend. #Colts #Bengals
— Dianna Russini (@diannaESPN) October 16, 2020
The chances of these being false positives are slim but not zero. The Colts were informed of several positive cases on Friday morning, but they will know just how severe the situation is when they get the confirmation results back.
This is the first time a Colts player has tested positive for COVID-19 since the season began.
While the game is still on for Sunday afternoon at 1:00 p.m. ET at Lucas Oil Stadium, the league will likely have to look at alternatives in case this situation does continue for the Colts.
The league could push the game to Sunday night, Monday or even Tuesday—especially with the Colts on a bye in Week 7. Fortunately, the Bengals only have a 90-minute bus ride so game day travel isn’t out of the question.
There is also the chance this game gets postponed should the Colts have several cases.
The Colts will be working remotely until they get more information on the positive results, but it appears the game is still on for Sunday until that happens.