Giants’ guard Will Hernandez tests positive for COVID-19

A New York Giants player has tested positive for COVID-19.

Tom Pelissero is reporting that left guard Will Hernandez is the player who tested positive and that he has been placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list. Likewise, the Giants have quarantined all but four of their offensive linemen.

The Giants say that Hernandez was not in attendance at the dinner party Giants players went to last Friday.

Pelissero also reports that the Giants players sent home are being treated as close but not “high risk” contacts. They could be eligible to return to practice as soon as Friday, assuming they have two negative tests.

Ian Rapoport adds that OLB coach Bret Bielema and DB coach Jerome Henderson were sent home as close contacts, as well.

The Giants have announced that practice in advance of Monday’s game as well as operations around their facilities will continue as normal while they conduct testing and tracing protocols.

The good news is that with the Giants’ game being Monday night, there is time for more positive tests to reveal themselves and for the team and league to adapt. The Giants’ game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers is still expected to be played as scheduled, though the fact that neither team has had their bye week yet might give the NFL some flexibility if the situation deteriorates.

Giants statement

“Late last night, we were notified that a Giants player tested positive for COVID-19. The player was immediately self-isolated, and the contact tracing process was initiated. All of the player’s close contacts were identified and were informed to remain home today. Those individuals will participate in meetings remotely. We are working closely with the NFL’s Chief Medical Officer regarding next protocol steps. Quest Diagnostics Training Center will remain open, and the rest of the team will follow their normal practice and meeting schedule.”