Two more Tennessee Titans players tested positive for COVID-19 on Friday, according to a report by Adam Schefter of ESPN, bringing the outbreak in the Tennessee organization to a total of 14 positive tests in a week’s time.
One assistant coach tested positive last week, but the Titans still played their game with the Minnesota Vikings last weekend. Three players and five staff members received positive results on Tuesday, which prompted the closing of the Titan’s practice facility. Those players were identified as defensive lineman DaQuan Jones, long snapper Beau Brinkley and practice squad tight end Tommy Hudson.
One additional player tested positive on Tuesday, with results back on Wednesday and Sunday’s game with the Pittsburgh Steelers was postponed. One player and one staff member got positive test results back on Thursday and the game was called off altogether. The virus that causes COVID-19 has an average incubation time of five days, so the Titans should be nearing the end of their second wave of positive tests.
The game between the Steelers and Titans will be rescheduled, the NFL said on Thursday, with the most likely scenario being a Week 7 game, with the Steelers’ scheduled game with the Baltimore Ravens moved back to Week 8.
That situation could result in a trio of unusual schedule situations for the Steelers, but head coach Mike Tomlin downplayed those concerns on Thursday.