Tigers push onward as players recover from COVID-19
As Memphis enters a second full week of progressing through its COVID-19 outbreak, the toll isn't just physical. It's also a mental challenge searching for answers.
Coach Ryan Silverfield said Monday it's "probably about equal" how many of his players remain in quarantine because of positive COVID-19 tests or contact tracing. He added there's also a big contact tracing group that won't be back until later this week and perhaps longer.
Both were key reasons why the Tigers canceled this week's game against Texas-san Antonio. Silverfield said the team will continue modified practices Tuesday and Thursday as it works back toward full strength.
"It's hard, but we're progressing. As we get a feel for this thing, we're learning every day," Silverfield said.
With the Tigers facing another off week, Silverfield has gathered information from his athletic trainers as well as other programs. He spoke to Virginia Tech and former Memphis coach Justin Fuente, whose Hokies have yet to play this season after their Sept. 19 game with Virginia was postponed over COVID-19 issues. The week off also gives him more time to prepare for SMU on Oct. 3. But looking ahead is balanced by looking over who can practice and how somebody is recovering.
"I normally wouldn't be watching two weeks ahead on SMU, so maybe I'll be able to peek at SMU this week," Silverfield said. "But like a lot of coaches, so much of my time is being pulled away from what happens on the field (to) more checking in on our players and dealing with certain issues outside of what occurs on the white lines."
The Tigers were tested Sunday and will be tested again on Wednesday per their usual protocols. Once players are cleared from testing positive, they'll get a full cardiac workout before being allowed back in the football building.
At the same time, if they are able to face SMU, it will be 28 days between games. There will be rust, but it's part of navigating this season in a pandemic where cancellations, postponements and constant roster adjustments are as normal as game prep.
Silverfield said the players get it as much as he and his staff. Even if they're disappointed to wait another week before playing, they know getting healthy is more important than playing severely undermanned.
"They understand we don't want to line up between those white lines without our family, our brotherhood," Silverfield said. "I think when they put (it) in that perspective, a lot of our guys have had COVID, they understand the severity of this and we have guys that are in quarantine. So I think they want to be able to play with as many guys as we can get back on the field."