Cowboys RB Elliott tests positive for coronavirus

Multiple Cowboys players recently tested positive for COVID-19, sources said Monday, but the team has declined comment, and star running back Ezekiel Elliott publicly lamented a privacy violation after being reported as one of them.

NFL Network first reported Monday morning that “several” Cowboys players tested positive. Later, it disclosed Elliott as among the positive cases while attributing the information to Elliott’s agent. Rocky Arceneaux described Elliott as “feeling good,” per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.

About an hour later, Elliott tweeted “HIPAA??” in reference to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act. According to the Department of Health Care Services, HIPAA regulations “require health care providers and organizations, as well as their business associates, to develop and follow procedures that ensure the confidentiality and security of protected health information.”

Elliott clarified that his gripe was not with his agent but rather the reporters who approached him.

HIPAA rules do not apply to media. Elliott did not dispute the positive test.

League sources indicated that multiple Cowboys players tested positive with the actual number believed to be closer to two than the “several” initially reported. But while a small number of positive cases is widely referenced in these league circles, the exact figure cannot possibly be determined without the Cowboys’ ability to provide details on the matter.

“Due to federal and local privacy laws, we are unable to provide information regarding the personal health of any of our employees,” the Cowboys said in a statement. “We are following all CDC, local and NFL guidelines to keep our facilities safe, including limiting employee access.”