New York Giants have three more players test positive for COVID-19

The New York Giants appear to be facing their first truly serious COVID-19 outbreak of the 2020 NFL season. The Giants announced Friday morning that three more players have tested positive for the virus.

Placekicker Graham Gano tested positive earlier in the week and was placed on the Reserve/COVID-19 list. Punter Riley Dixon and long-snapper Casey Kreiter have also been placed on the Reserve/COVID-19 list. When Dixon and Kreiter were placed on the list there was no announcement they had tested positive. They could simply be on the list and having to quarantine due to close contact with someone who is positive.

Here is part of the Giants statement:

“The players were immediately notified to self-isolate, and the contact tracing process is underway. Because of the bye week, the office is closed today.

“Players & coaches will resume work Mon. with adjusted schedule. Giants & all teams are operating under the NFL’s intensive protocol for remainder of the season. In all matters relating to positive results & close contacts we’re working with the NFL’s Chief Medical Officer.”

Guard Will Hernandez missed two games while on the Reserve/COVID-19 list and returned Sunday against the Philadelphia Eagles.

The three Giants players who tested positive have been identified as offensive tackle Matt Peart, tight end Kaden Smith and wide receiver/punt returner Dante Pettis.

Peart has been playing part time backing up Andrew Thomas and Cameron Fleming, Smith is the No. 2 tight and end Pettis was inactive on Sunday in his first game with the Giants.

The Giants next game is Sunday, Nov. 29 against the Cincinnati Bengals. A look at the NFL’s COVID-19 treatment protocols makes it seem unlikely the three Giants players would be eligible to play in that game.