Falcons-Vikings Game in Doubt After Atlanta Closes Facility Due to COVID-19

At least one Atlanta Falcons staff member tested positive for COVID-19

Falcons-Vikings Game in Doubt After Atlanta Closes Facility Due to COVID-19
Matt Ryan of the Falcons runs the offense against the Panthers.
Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

After at least one Atlanta Falcons staff member tested positive for COVID-19 on Thursday morning, the team closed down its facility and will be working remotely.

“Out of an abundance of caution following one new positive test, we have made the decision to stop all in-person work at IBM Performance Field Thursday and will conduct all operations virtually,” the team said in a statement. “This decision was made in consultation with the NFL and medical officials. The health and safety of our team is our highest priority.”

It was first reported the team had four new positive tests, but it seems as if that is not the case.

Atlanta rookie defensive tackle Marlon Davidson was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list yesterday, so it is possible other members of the team contracted the virus from him before he was shut down.

Last month another Falcons rookie, first-round draft pick A.J. Terrell out of Clemson, tested positive for the virus. He returned to action on October 8.

Thanks to today’s positive test, the status of Atlanta’s scheduled game on Sunday against the Minnesota Vikings in Minneapolis is now uncertain.

The Falcons are 0-5 and are being coached by Raheem Morris after the firing of Dan Quinn, so perhaps missing the game this week wouldn’t be the worst thing in the world for the organization.

At 1-4, a week off also might not be a terrible development for the Vikings.

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