Marlon Humphrey was one of two players to test positive before playing in a game SundayESPN Images
Ravens CB Marlon Humphrey's positive COVID-19 diagnosis presents "unique challenges" for the team and league officials, as the NFL "grapples with a wave of COVID-19 infections," according to Jonas Shaffer of the BALTIMORE SUN. Most cases have been "identified after testing at a team facility, where masks and social distancing are typically required," but Humphrey was one of two players to "test positive before a game Sunday," with Packers RB A.J. Dillon being the other. Ravens coach John Harbaugh said that Humphrey "tested negative for COVID-19 every day last week," including "when he missed practice Wednesday with an illness." Shaffer notes Humphrey "underwent PCR testing Sunday," but the results of the molecular test -- which is "more accurate than a rapid-response test -- weren’t available until well after" the team's game against the Steelers. NFL Chief Medical Officer Dr. Allen Sills yesterday in a conference call said that the league has "worked all season to address gaps in its COVID-19 protocols." But it was only "after a cluster of outbreaks" that the NFL, in mid-October, "expanded its near-daily testing of all players to game day." Humphrey and Dillon are believed to be the "first players under the league's tightened protocols to play on the day they tested positive" (BALTIMORE SUN, 11/4).
NFL'S NEW REQUIREMENTS: Masks now will be required for all players and staff before the game, at halftime and after the game, which was previously just strongly recommended. Masks will continue to be recommended, but not required, for non-participating players during the games. Also, sideline areas will be expanded by 20 yards, to include the sidelines between both 20 yard lines, instead of between both 30s. Both changes are designed to prevent what the league deems "high-risk" close contact with a COVID-19 case. NFL Chief Football Administrative Officer Dawn Aponte said, "The high-risk close contacts are avoidable if you’re keeping physical distancing, and as important or even more important is the masks." The high-risk designation is crucial, because if the NFL determines one occurred, that player has to sit for five days whether or not he has tested positive. That is reportedly the case with the Ravens, where six players will be placed on the COVID-19 reserve list for at least five days after high-risk contact with confirmed positive Humphrey (Ben Fischer, THE DAILY).
