The Los Angeles Chargers were already dealing with wildfires. Now Anthony Lynn's team has a COVID-19 issue to maneuver around.
NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported a Chargers player tested positive for COVID-19, and he and all close contacts were told to stay home and isolate, per sources informed of the situation.
The team confirmed the positive test.
"Late last night, we received notice a Chargers player tested positive for COVID-19," the Chargers said in a statement. "The player was immediately notified, began self-quarantine and the contact tracing process was initiated. The player's close contacts have been identified. They will remain home today and participate in meetings remotely.
"Hoag Performance Center remains open, and the team will follow its normal practice and meeting schedule. All meetings will be held virtually. 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."
"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."
Later Thursday, Los Angeles placed offensive lineman Ryan Groy on the reserve/COVID-19 list.
Coach Anthony Lynn told reporters he sent players home to give them a peace of mind after the positive test.
"To protect the team. I don't want to take chances," he said.
The positive test comes as several L.A. staffers and players, including rookie quarterback Justin Herbert, were among the thousands of people evacuated from their homes amid the Southern California wildfires this week.
It's unclear at this stage whether one of the evacuees was the player who tested positive.
The Chargers are set to face the Broncos in Denver on Sunday afternoon.
The positive test in L.A. comes on the same day the Giants are also dealing with a COVID-19 issue across the country in New York.
From sea to shining sea, the pandemic rages on.
Playing during the pandemic was always going to come with issues that need to be dealt with on a week-to-week basis. As positives spike across the country, the NFL will continue to maneuver around the cases among players and staff members as deftly as possible.
