The New York Giants announced Friday morning that all of the players and coaches who were identified as having had “close contact” with COVID-19 positive guard Will Hernandez will be back with the team on Friday.
Offensive linemen Andrew Thomas, Nick Gates, Cam Fleming, Spencer Pulley, Shane Lemieux and Chad Slade (practice squad) were sent home Thursday. The other player involved is reportedly practice squad wide receiver Binjimen Victor. Assistant coaches Jerome Henderson and Bret Bielema were also sent home.
Friday’s announcement means that all have passed a pair of COVID-19 tests.
Additionally, the Giants announced that they will hold their meetings virtually and that Friday’s practice will be held at MetLife Stadium due to wet grounds at the Quest Diagnostics Training Center practice facility.
The Giants implemented additional practice protocols on Thursday that included players wearing masks during practice. They went through Thursday’s workout with just four available offensive linemen — Kevin Zeitler, Matt Peart, Kyle Murphy and Jackson Barton.
Hernandez is not expected to play Monday night vs. the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Lemieux, the Giants’ fifth-round pick, is likely to start in his place.