Virus tests affect 3 teams’ facilities
From New England to Atlanta to Indianapolis, the focus was not on football Friday. It was on, not surprisingly, coronavirus tests.
The Patriots canceled practice Friday and later placed center James Ferentz on the reserve/COVID-19 list. He became the fifth player on the team to test positive for the virus.
With the Colts, there were four positive tests that, when retested Friday, came up negative and they reopened their facility. The Falcons returned to their facility one day after abandoning it when they had a second positive.
New England already twice had the original Week 5 matchup against Denver postponed following four positive coronavirus tests by players, including quarterback Cam Newton and cornerback Stephon Gilmore. The game is scheduled for Sunday in Foxborough, Mass., but now could be in jeopardy.
“We’re under the assumption and understanding that this game’s going to go off on time,” Broncos coach Vic Fangio said when asked about finally playing the Patriots.
The Cleveland Browns, who played the Colts on Sunday, had zero positive tests Friday morning and their building is open.
The negatives included one for star wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr., who was ill and sent home Thursday and not allowed to practice Friday. Browns coach Kevin Stefanski said Beckham is improving and that he’ll play Sunday — if cleared.
League reinstates ex-Cowboy Irving
Former Dallas Cowboys defensive lineman David Irving was conditionally reinstated by the league Friday, making him eligible to work out for teams as a free agent.
Irving, a member of the Cowboys organization from 2015-18, last appeared in a game almost two years ago to the date (Oct. 21, 2018). He played in 37 total games with Dallas, recording 56 combined tackles and 12½ sacks.
In March 2019, Irving was suspended indefinitely by the NFL for violating the league’s substance abuse policy — his third ban in a three-year span.
Odds and ends
Seven-time Pro Bowl wide receiver Julio Jones (hamstring) returned to practice as a limited participant and hopes to play Sunday when the Atlanta Falcons visit the Minnesota Vikings. … NFL leading rusher Dalvin Cook will sit out for Minnesota because of a groin injury, giving Alexander Mattison his first career start at running back. … Green Bay Packers receiver Davante Adams (hamstring) and defensive tackle Kenny Clark ( groin) will play at Tampa Bay after both players missed multiple games with injuries. … The Detroit Lions have ruled out cornerback Desmond Trufant (hamstring) at Jacksonville, which could be without Pro Bowl wide receiver DJ Chark (ankle).