A second COVID-19 positive test among the Chicago Bears’ offensive line makes three linemen who have entered the league’s COVID protocols this week.
NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport tweets Cody Whitehair tested positive for the coronavirus. And while Whitehair might not have many high-risk close contacts because he has been away from teammates after not practicing because of a calf injury, the Bears have taken the extra step in closing the team facility.
Here’s the team’s statement announcing the closing of Halas Hall:
“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. Today’s practice has been canceled 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.”
This pushes the Bears into remote work as they prepare for Week 9’s game against the Titans. And even though Head Coach Matt Nagy is expected to speak with reporters via Zoom conference call later in the afternoon, other team interviews have been canceled.
As COVID-19 cases rise throughout the state of Illinois, it felt as if it was just a matter of time before it would impact the Bears. We’ll continue to monitor and update as the situation allows.
UPDATE: Fortunately, it looks like the rest of the day went well for the Bears:
Some very good news for the Bears today as they’ve been cleared to resume full activities at Halas Hall on Friday after Halas Hall was closed Thursday due to a positive COVID-19 test. @WGNNews pic.twitter.com/XAu4Jo3J1j
— Larry Hawley (@HawleySports) November 6, 2020