Arians tests positive for COVID-19

TAMPA — With two games remaining in the regular season, the reserve/COVID19 list is suddenly getting crowded for the Tampa Bay Bucs.

Coach Bruce Arians, a three-time cancer survivor, tested positive Tuesday for COVID19. Assistant head coach Harold Goodwin will assume his duties.

Arians had a slight but persistent cough Monday during media access. “I feel good, just that cough,” he said at the time.

Arians said Tuesday afternoon that he has had only mild symptoms since testing positive.

“I have complete confidence in [Goodwin] and the rest of our coaching staff to prepare the team for this week’s game against the Jets,” he said. “I look forward to rejoining the team and being back in the facility as soon as I can test back in.”

Cornerbacks Jamel Dean — who has missed games this season because he was injured, had a concussion and was battling an undisclosed illness — and Sean Murphy-Bunting also were placed on the list, a day after receiver Mike Evans and receivers coach Kevin Garver.

Receiver Breshad Perriman, who had the winning touchdown reception in overtime against the Buffalo Bills on Dec. 12, missed two games while on the reserve/COVID19 list but will return Sunday at the N.Y. Jets.

The Bucs secondary has had its share of illness and injuries. Safety Antoine Winfield Jr. missed the NFC South-clinching 32-6 win over the Carolina Panthers with a foot injury. Linebacker Lavonte David is out for the remainder of the regular season, also with a foot injury.

Dean had 2 tackles and Murphy-Bunting 4 against the Panthers.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently changed its recommendation to a five-day isolation period for those who are asymptomatic. On Tuesday night, the league agreed to reduce quarantine time for players who test positive and are asymptomatic, including unvaccinated players, to five days from 10.

NFL players and coaches also need two negative tests in a 24-hour period to be cleared to return to work.