Giants expect to play Monday despite COVID-19 situation

New York Giants coach Joe Judge said Thursday that as of now he has no concern that Monday’s game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers could be postponed.

“We’re expecting to play Monday night,” Judge said.

Judge says he has not yet spoken to Hernandez to know what, if any, COVID-19 symptoms he is experiencing.

Judge confirmed that he was notified late Wednesday night that there was an issue.

“We’ve been fortunate that there’s really no high-risk guys within the tracer contacts,” Judge said. “There are some precautions we have to take as a team. We’re optimistic we’re gonna get all these guys back. We’re operating that we’re going to have them back right now.”

Judge would not confirm any names of players other than Hernandez, adding he can’t do so until the names are released by the league. He said optimism is “very high” that players affected will be available Monday, though Hernandez’ status is uncertain.

What we know is that outside linebackers coach Bret Bielema and defensive backs coach Jerome Henderson were sent home, and that seven players other than Hernandez also cannot return to the facility until the get two negative tests.

Judge said post-practice meetings will be virtual and that players will incorporate face shields and masks during practice at least until the Giants get through this “patch” with the positive test by Hernandez.

Judge said the Giants are planning on practicing Friday, though he isn’t sure how pre-and post-practice meetings will be conducted.