Saints Assistant Coaches, Star Receiver Test Positive for COVID

The NFL's New Orleans Saints are facing a COVID-19 outbreak, just two days after their stunning opening week win against the Green Bay Packers. According to a number of sources, as many as seven people, including one player and several assistant coaches, tested positive for the virus on Monday.

Initial reports said that five assistant coaches - all of whom are vaccinated - tested positive, but the NFL Network later updated the report to include six coaches and a team nutritionist, all vaccinated. The story also said that one player had tested positive for COVID, but that he is currently on the team's injured list.

According to NFL.com, that injured player is star wide receiver Michael Thomas.

ESPN's Adam Schefter:

Saints have had a “handful of offensive coaches” test positive for COVID, calling into question their status for Sunday’s game vs. Carolina, per source. But as one Saints’ source said, "We’ll be just fine.”

According to the NFL's COVID rules, the Saints will begin "enhanced mitigation protocols," meaning that players or staff members, vaccinated or not, will have to undergo daily testing and will have to wear masks.

Saints Head Coach Sean Payton said during pre-season that the entire team had been vaccinated.

The Saints are still displaced because of damage to New Orleans from Hurricane Ida. They are scheduled to take on the Carolina Panthers this Sunday.