The Bills seem to have a problem developing in Buffalo.
Marcel Louis-Jacques of ESPN reported all Bills rookies were sent home after five players tested positive for COVID-19.
Bills rookies began reporting on July 21, but the Bills have had five positive tests since last Tuesday. One rookie previously registered three consecutive negative tests before testing positive on Thursday, per Louis-Jacques:
“As we were informed by medical experts as training camp opened, we expected to have positive tests for COVID,” the team said in a statement to ESPN. “With 5 since the beginning of the testing period last Tuesday, we decided to take a disciplined, proactive and preventative approach to hopefully eliminate additional cases within our team.”
The Bills' rookies first reported on July 21 to begin testing. The rookie who tested positive Thursday did so after registering three negative tests, a league source said.
The rookie who tested positive is reportedly asymptomatic, but will have to wait five days until receiving another test and being cleared to enter the team facility.
Undrafted rookie cornerback Ike Brown was previously placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list on Monday, with defensive tackle Vincent Taylor and wife receiver Duke Williams also being placed on the list on Wednesday.
Commissioner Roger Goodell issued a statement last week announcing an agreement with respect to health and safety protocols, but the specter of COVID-19 continues to loom large over the 2020 season.
Numerous players have already announced their decision to opt out of the 2020 season, and it is possible more will follow in the coming days and weeks.
In Buffalo, the Bills already know they will be playing the 2020 campaign behind closed doors. Hopefully, sending the rookies home will mitigate risks as the team looks to kick off training camp in a safe and procedural fashion.
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