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The first three New Orleans Saints players to land on the NFL’s COVID-19 reserve list all returned to action within a few days, presumably due to false positive test results: neither linebacker Kaden Elliss, long snapper Zach Wood, nor wide receiver Deonte Harris spent much time away from the team.
That hasn’t been the case for running back Dwayne Washington. Washington has been sequestered within the COVID-19 protocol for nine days since being sidelined on Aug. 30. Per NFL testing rules, any players displaying symptoms for COVID-19 must wait 10 days since they first appeared as well as three days after they were last detected before they can return. For players who have not shown symptoms but tested positive, the 10-day wait is sufficient.
It’s fairly complicated, but the strategy has worked so far. Of the thousands of players tested in the NFL recently, just a handful have been listed on the COVID-19 reserve. Teams have done a great job of detecting infections and preventing them from spreading further. But the challenge is only going to increase once games start being played.
Washington will not count against the 53-man roster limit for the Saints while designated on COVID-19 reserve. When he is cleared for work, though, someone may have to be waived or released if the Saints decide to add him to the depth chart.
Hopefully this is nothing serious for Washington. We should get an update on his situation in the next few days. Here’s hoping for good news.
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