Covid-19: Houston Texans linebacker Jacob Martin tests positive as team close facility
Houston Texans linebacker Jacob Martin is going on the COVID-19 reserve list after testing positive; Chicago Bears and Indianapolis Colts also disrupted by positive tests, meaning team meetings will be held virtually
Thursday 5 November 2020 17:28, UK
The Houston Texans have closed their facility after linebacker Jacob Martin tested positive for Covid-19, the team announced on Thursday.
The Texans, who are scheduled to play at the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday, said they were informed of the positive test on Wednesday evening and that the unnamed individual immediately self-isolated while contact tracing had begun.
"We were informed last night that a Texans player has tested positive for COVID-19," the team said in a statement. "In consultation with the NFL and medical experts, we have made the decision to close the facility and conduct all operations virtually today.
"The player immediately self-isolated and contact tracing has begun. We will follow the NFL's intensive protocols and guidance regarding the team's operations. The health and safety of our team, as well as our entire staff, are of highest priority."
Bears, Colts also face disruption
The Chicago Bears closed their facility and are working remotely Thursday after another player tested positive for COVID-19.
Bears center Cody Whitehair tested positive, the NFL Network reported, a day after the team put backup OL Jason Spriggs and starting guard Germain Ifedi on the reserve/COVID-19 list. Spriggs tested positive while Ifedi was declared a high-risk close contact.
"This morning we were notified that another Bears player has tested positive for COVID-19. As a result, the club has decided to pause all in-person football activities and close Halas Hall," the Bears said in a statement.
"Today's practice has been cancelled and all meetings will be conducted virtually. The player who tested positive and all close contacts have been contacted and have already begun self-isolation.
"We will continue to work closely with the NFL medical experts and follow the league's intensive protocol. The health and safety of our team, players and staff are the highest priority."
The Bears (5-3) are scheduled to travel to Nashville to play the Tennessee Titans (5-2) on Sunday.
The Indianapolis Colts are also dealing with a coronavirus case in their building, with the team announcing that a staff member had tested positive.
The Colts, who host the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday, will still hold a practice on Thursday as planned, but any meetings will be held virtually.
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