The Chicago Bears have an official COVID-19 outbreak on their hands, as a second offensive lineman has tested positive for the novel coronavirus, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
#Bears OL Cody Whitehair tested positive for COVID-19, source said. Another Chicago O-lineman to test positive after Jason Spriggs. The team is already in the intensive protocol but team officials decided to do everything virtual today to be extra cautious and safe.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 5, 2020
Whitehair joins reserve tackle Jason Spriggs in the COVID-19 protocol and right guard Germain Ifedi is quarantining because of his close contact with Spriggs, and, presumably, Whitehair.
The Bears’ offensive line has come under harsh criticism because of their poor play in 2020, and it might get a lot worse.
Whitehair was already expected to miss Sunday’s game against the Tennessee Titans with a calf injury and starting right tackle Bobby Massie is sidelined with a knee injury. Spriggs, his top reserve, is out, and there’s still doubt whether Ifedi will be able to play.
With Whitehair being the second confirmed COVID-19 case on the offensive line, the concerns are only just beginning.
Charles Leno, Arlington Hambright, Alex Bars, Rashaad Coward and Lachavious Simmons appear destined for the starting lineup on Sunday, assuming there are no further outbreaks and, at this point, that there’s even a game.
According to the Chicago Tribune’s Brad Biggs, the Bears might be adding more names to the COVID-19 list today.
Stay tuned.
