Titans, Patriots return to facilities
The Titans are back to work at their facility for the first time since the
NFL closed the building Sept. 29.
How the NFL’s first COVID-19 outbreak occurred isn’t a topic the team is talking about, not until the NFL and NFL Players Association speak first.
“We’ve been completely transparent with the NFL, the NFLPA throughout this entire process, and we’re going to wait for their summary before commenting further on any of those discussions,” Tennessee coach Mike Vrabel said Saturday.
The Titans and the New England Patriots had no positive COVID-19 tests Saturday, allowing both teams to return to their facilities.
The Patriots had not been at their facility the past three days since reigning NFL Defensive
Player of the Year Stephon Gilmore’s test came back positive Wednesday.
Tennessee (3-0) hadn’t been together on a field since Sept. 27 when the Titans beat the Vikings 31-30 in Minnesota. The NFL rescheduled a second Tennessee game, pushing the Bills-Titans from Sunday to Tuesday night. The Patriots also have had consecutive games moved, and they host Denver on Monday.
The Titans’ outbreak reached 23, with 21 positive tests returned since Sept. 29.
Vrabel said the Titans have been transparent with both the NFL and the NFLPA during the review about how they followed protocols. Every player and coach was made available to talk with the officials running the investigation.
As a result, the Titans have moved 30 lockers from their locker room to their indoor practice field. Vrabel said the team made adjustments to the way meals are taken, and any in-person meetings among coaches will be held at the indoor field.
Vrabel said those who tested positive are doing well and the team might even get back some players who tested positive early in this outbreak for the game against Buffalo (4-0).
Tennessee already had its game against Pittsburgh postponed, then rescheduled to Oct. 25.
BROWNS-COLTS INTRIGUING MATCHUP
The Browns might be for real. The Colts, too.
We could find out on Sunday, when Indianapolis visits Cleveland. Both teams are 3-1, winners of three in a row, and carrying questions about who they have beaten.
The Browns were pummeled by Baltimore before defeating Cincinnati, Washington and Dallas, combined record 3-8-1. Indy lost badly at Jacksonville, which since has dropped three in a row, and then defeated Minnesota, the Jets and Chicago, combined record 4-8 headed into Week 5.
This matchup could prove something, with Cleveland’s dynamic offense facing the league’s most stingy defense.
“This will be our defense’s biggest challenge. You’ve got the No. 1 offense as far as running the ball,” Colts coach Frank Reich said. “The other thing that they are No. 1 at is explosive plays in the run game. We’ve got the No. 1 defense so this is what it’s all about. We'll see how it stacks up.”
Indeed, says Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield, who won’t have leading rusher Nick Chubb (knee).
“They are a really sound defense,” Mayfield said. “They play together. They are coached well. They hustle. You can see the effort. They swarm to the ball.”