A day after the second player was placed on the NFL’s reserve/COVID-19 list since the start of the season, the Falcons were under a heightened level of protocols.
Rookie defensive tackle Marlon Davidson, who has played in three games, was placed on the list Tuesday. Earlier this season, cornerback A.J. Terrell was placed on the list and missed two games.
Dr. Allen Sills, the NFL’s chief medical officer, in consultation with medical experts, determine when a club must follow the Post Exposure COVID procedures,.
The league and the Falcons were hoping to avoid an outbreak such as the Tennessee Titans had, which caused them not to play a game for 17 days.
“Definitely, you’ve seen across the league that there have been more positive tests the last couple of weeks,” Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan said. “The protocols continue to get tweaked to try and improve them.”
The players, who are off Tuesdays, noticed the ramped up protocols Wednesday.
“We definitely had different meetings today, completely virtual,” Ryan said. “We were all in separate rooms and in our own space. Even in practice, masks on our helmets. I think we are doing everything we can to keep it at bay and do the best we can under the guidelines that we’ve been given.”
Falcons safety Ricardo Allen confirmed Ryan’s assessment of the situation.
“As much as possible, we have to keep our masks on everywhere that we go,” Allen said. “In the hot tub, it doesn’t matter. Anywhere you are in the vicinity of being around someone else, you have to have a mask on. You have to make sure that you keep your tracker on at all given times.”
The guidelines are being strictly enforced.
“I think everybody even has the new little mask thing on every helmet,” Allen said. “They make sure that they have heightened everything. They make sure that they know everyone is aware even if they catch you with your little mask down a little bit, they’ll make sure that you move it up.”
The Falcons are not permitted to comment on a player’s medical status other than to refer to roster status. Clubs may not disclose whether a player is in quarantine or tested positive for COVID-19.
Davidson became the ninth member -- seven in training camp and two in-season -- of the team placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list.
Terrell, safety Jamal Carter, fullback Keith Smith, safety Chris Cooper, rookie safety Jaylinn Hawkins, defensive tackle Tyeler Davison, quarterback Danny Etling and linebacker Foye Oluokun all served stints on the reserve/COVID-19 list. Etling later was released.
The Titans had the NFL’s first COVID-19 outbreak, with the league shutting down their facility Sept. 29. The outbreak reached a total of 24 players and personnel, according to a person who spoke on condition of anonymity to the Associated Press because neither the NFL nor the Titans commented on all the test results.
“We have to keep going along with the guidelines,” Allen said. “We don’t set the rules. We just follow them.”
Here’s a full list of the additional protocols the Falcons must follow:
--In addition to daily PCR testing, all players and Tier 1 and 2 individuals must receive a daily POC test and test negative before entering the facility and commencing daily activities. This includes PCR and POC tests on game day.
--All meetings must occur virtually unless held outdoors or in an indoor facility with masks being worn by all.
--Whenever possible, activities will take place either outdoors or in large, open spaces.
--PPE/face masks must be worn on the practice fields by players and staff at all times – no exceptions. Oakley face shields affixed to helmets are permitted to be worn during practice and/or walk-thrus.
--Players may remove helmet/mask for breaks but should be greater than 6 feet distant from each other when unprotected.
--Gloves should also be worn on field by all players except quarterbacks who may leave the throwing hand uncovered.
--Players receiving medical treatment or rehabilitation must wear a mask and face shield. Medical providers must wear the same as well as gloves.
--Rehab that involves cardio work may be done out of doors with player unmasked as long as they are by themselves or supervised by one therapist at an appropriate distance.
--The weight room will be limited to no more than 10 players at any time regardless of the size of the room. Other personnel in the weight room are limited to five total when players are present. PPE is required.
--The facility will be deep cleaned daily.
--No team or player gatherings or group football activities will be permitted away from the facility.
--Club ICOs must review close contact information provided by IQVIA with the club general manager and coach on a daily basis.
Falcons' next four games
Falcons at Vikings at 1 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 18al trial
Lions at Falcons at 1 p.m. Sunday Oct. 25
Falcons at Panthers at 8:20 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 29
Broncos at Falcons at 1 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 8
The Bow Tie Chronicles Podcasts:
Can be found on Google, iTunes and TuneIn
For more content about the Atlanta Falcons
Follow me on Twitter @DorlandoAJC
On Facebook at Atlanta Falcons News Now
Atlanta Falcons coverage on the Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Have a question? Email me at dledbetter@ajc.com
About the Author
