Getty Eagles RT Lane Johnson thinks his team has a "slim chance" of winning the NFC East and making the playoffs.
Virus testing has been fast and furious across the NFL at the start of training camps. On Wednesday, three Eagles players landed on the Reserve/COVID-19 list.
The Eagles made the announcement around 4:12 p.m. that starting right tackle Lane Johnson, starting linebacker Nathan Gerry and reserve swing tackle Jordan Mailata had all been placed in the screening protocol. That means they either tested positive for COVID-19 or had been in recent contact with someone who had produced a positive test.
Roster Moves: #Eagles have placed LB Nathan Gerry, T Lane Johnson, and T Jordan Mailata on the Reserve/COVID-19 list.
Immediately, Johnson — one of the more vocal leaders on the team — updated his status on social media. The 30-year-old had indeed tested positive for COVID-19. The Pro Bowler declared he was asymptomatic and “feeling strong and ready to go.” However, he must sit out and quarantine until he can be re-tested and show a negative result. Here is what he wrote:
I have tested positive for COVID-19, but feel strong and ready to go.
Over the past few months, I have tested negative after all travels including before and after the OL Masterminds Summit — 18 days ago.
I have been working hard in preparation for a long, grueling season and have tried to take all the necessary precautiuons to build a safe and healthy environment during the sessions. I have and will continue to take this eriously and encourage everyone else to do so as well.
I will follow all protocols and I look forward to joining my teammates and coaches on the field soon! #FlyEaglesFly
Neither Gerry nor Mailata had updated their statuses or released statements at this time. The Eagles aren’t allowed to comment on medical updates unless the player or the NFLPA wishes to reveal that information. Stay tuned.
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NFL Protocols for Returning to Team Facilities
Since Johnson hasn’t exhibited any COVID-19 symptoms, the Eagles’ starting right tackle could return to the NovaCare Complex in 10 days and maybe even in as little as five days. He’ll just need to quarantine, not develop any symptoms and get cleared by the team’s head physician. That’s it.
According to The Athletic‘s Lindsay Jones, the NFL ruled that asymptomatic players may return to team facilities in the following two scenarios: 10 days have passed since the initial positive test, or 5 days have passed since the initial positive test and the player receives two consecutive negative PCR virus tests (at least 24 hours apart).
Return to play protocols for NFL players who have a) tested positive or b) been in close contact with someone that is positive or c) has recovered from COVID-19 or tested positive for antibodies:
The smart money is on Johnson to return in five days. He’s been following the rules and doesn’t seem at risk, plus he’s itching to get back out there.
“Ultimately, it’s a risk that we’re all willing to take to go outside your house or whatever you’re doing, going shopping,” Johnson said in late June. “Yeah, with everybody it’s going to be a risk that we’re going to have to take and see what happens.”
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Lane Johnson Tests Positive, 2 Other Eagles on COVID-19 List