Titans hope to get OK for return
Keeping an eye on the world of sports during the pandemic:
Coach Mike Vrabel says the Titans stand by how they’ve followed the NFL’s protocols for the coronavirus pandemic and hope the league will allow the team back inside the building Wednesday.
The NFL’s first team to deal with a COVID-19 outbreak has had a couple of what Vrabel called “really good days” with testing, and the coach said they’re hoping for more good news early Wednesday.
“And then we’ll kind of see where we’re at with the league and hopeful to return and get back in the building,” Vrabel said.
One positive test could derail that timeline.
If allowed back inside the team’s headquarters Wednesday, that would keep the Titans on target to host Bills on Sunday in a matchup of two of the NFL’s six remaining undefeated teams. Vrabel says he’s working through a variety of schedules to be ready for when they can get back.
The NFL and its players union had people in Nashville meeting with the Titans to review how the team handled the outbreak and checking protocols. The Titans, and any other team with an outbreak or exposed to a team with an outbreak, now have new protocols to follow including all meetings held virtually and everyone must wear face coverings and gloves at practice.
Vrabel said the Titans followed the protocols that were in place and that both he and GM Jon Robinson put a lot of thought into doing just that.
“We’re going to continue to do everything that we can to make sure as we enter back in this building, that things are safe and the players are comfortable and that their health and well-being is at the forefront,” Vrabel said.
The Titans’ outbreak reached 20 cases Sunday, the team’s sixth straight day of at least one positive, with 18 returned since Sept. 29.
The players testing positive include defensive captain DaQuan Jones, DL Jeffery Simmons, WR Adam Humphries, rookie CB Kristian Fulton and long snapper Beau Brinkley.
“I think it woke us up. And we took advantage of that momentum.”
— Braves catcher Travis d’Arnaud on teammate Ronald Acuña Jr. getting hit by Sandy Alcantara’s pitch during the Braves’ victory over the Marlins in an NLDS opener Tuesday. D’Arnaud hit a tiebreaking three-run homer in the 9-5 comeback win.