The Chicago Bears’ battle with COVID-19 will keep their offensive line coach away from the team this week.
News from team reporter Larry Mayer:
#Bears HC Matt Nagy says OL coach Juan Castillo will be away from team through Sunday; Castillo had close contact with someone who tested positive for COVID (not OL Badara Traore) and is considered high risk. Castillo has NOT tested positive.
— Larry Mayer (@LarryMayer) October 14, 2020
Offensive Line Coach Juan Castillo won’t be with the team this week because he came in close contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19.
For clarification purposes, Mayer notes that it wasn’t practice squad offensive lineman Badara Traore, who landed on the reserve/COVID-19 list last week after a positive test. And for further clarity, Castillo has not tested positive. But because he has been in close contact with someone who has and is considered high risk, Castillo being away from the team is a precautionary measure.
Castillo, 67, has ample NFL coaching experience dating back to his first stint with the Eagles in 1995. In addition to his primary gig of coaching Bears offensive linemen, Castillo also plays a key role in coordinating Chicago’s running game. Considering how the Bears look like an improved group – even despite their struggles the last two weeks – this is a notable loss. Even if it’s just for this week.
Hopefully, Castillo continues to test negative for having COVID-19 and that he, his family, and the team continue to to not have the coronavirus.