Will Hernandez testing positive for COVID-19 has forced the NY Giants’ entire offensive line to miss practice Thursday, ahead of Monday’s game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The NY Giants sent several coaches and players home to isolate Thursday, in the aftermath of left guard Will Hernandez testing positive for COVID-19 on Wednesday.
According to Dan Duggan of The Athletic, almost the entire Giants offensive line and several other players were among those not on the field for Thursday’s practice:
LT Andrew Thomas
LG Will Hernandez
C Nick Gates
RT Cam Fleming
OL Shane Lemiuex
G/C Spencer Pulley
Practice squad OL Chad Slade
Practice squad WR Binjimen Victor
Giants head coach Joe Judge said prior to Thursday’s practice that the plan was to conduct all post-practice meetings virtually this week, and that for the first time players would be required to wear masks or face shields while on the field at practice.
The good news for the Giants is that according to Judge, none of the individuals exposed to Hernandez are considered in the high-risk category when it comes to having a negative outcome from COVID-19.
It is entirely possible that Hernandez’ contacts test negative and could be able to return as early as Friday’s practice.
The Giants are scheduled to play the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Monday night at MetLife Stadium.
Matt Lombardo is the site expert for GMenHQ, and writes Between The Hash Marks each Wednesday for FanSided. Follow Matt on Twitter: @MattLombardoNFL.