Falcons close facility after reported positive tests
The Atlanta Falcons have shut down their facility Thursday and are working remotely due to COVID-19 issues, the team announced.
The team has confirmed one positive test belonging to a team personnel member, not a player, a source told NFL Network's Tom Pelissero.
Another source told ESPN's Adam Schefter there were four positive tests for the virus, but an Atlanta official said the club is "not at four confirmed."
The Falcons placed rookie defensive Marlon Davidson on the reserve/COVID-19 list Thursday and the league is checking other test results, added Schefter. Davidson tested positive for the coronavirus, sources told ESPN.
So that’s one player and one personnel positive this week for Atlanta. Remember, the #Titans had a coach get a positive result Sunday, and still played Tuesday. The NFL evaluates these situations on a case by case basis. https://t.co/7KkAHApfgk
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) October 15, 2020
Atlanta had the option to return to its facility Thursday but decided to stay away as a precaution, added Pelissero. The club reportedly plans to return Friday barring any further issues.
The Falcons are scheduled to play the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday.
From @NFLprguy: No change to #Falcons-#Vikings game at this time.
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) October 15, 2020
Atlanta is the latest NFL squad forced to close its doors due to the coronavirus.
The Tennessee Titans' outbreak has been the league's worst, with the AFC South club missing nearly two weeks following more than 20 positive results between players and personnel. The Minnesota Vikings shut down their facility briefly after playing the Titans in Week 3.
The New England Patriots also closed their facility multiple times due to positive player tests, which included quarterback Cam Newton and cornerback Stephon Gilmore.
The NFL made a host of scheduling changes following Week 5 in response to the league's continued COVID-19 issues.
The Falcons' outbreak comes just days after the club fired longtime head coach Dan Quinn and general manager Thomas Dimitroff. Defensive coordinator Raheem Morris took over as interim head coach.
Atlanta remains winless through five weeks.