LOS ANGELES — The Chargers returned to practice Friday and remain on schedule to play Sunday at Denver following offensive lineman Ryan Groy's positive test for COVID-19.
After Groy's results came back around midnight Wednesday, coach Anthony Lynn decided to cancel practice Thursday. The players who already were at the team's facility were sent home.
Groy, who also suffered a biceps injury last weekend against Jacksonville, was placed on both the COVID-19 reserve list and injured reserve. He'll miss at least three games.
Offensive lineman Trey Pipkins also was added to the COVID-19 reserve list Friday because of his close contact with Groy. Lynn said there's still a chance Pipkins could be activated and play against the Broncos.
Beyond that, the Chargers appear to have escaped their first in-season experience with COVID-19 without a more significant disruption.
"That's a credit to the guys," Lynn said. "They've done the right things for the most part with these protocols — here and away from the facility. That's why it wasn't any worse than it was."
In Denver, the Broncos are dealing with a similar situation as starting right guard Graham Glasgow tested positive, a result that led coach Vic Fangio to cancel practice Friday.
Two of Fangio's assistants also missed time recently for COVID-19-related reasons.
"We've said it since day one," Lynn said. "There's just a lot of things we're going to have to overcome. That's what we're doing — the whole NFL."
The Chargers re-entered their training center in Costa Mesa with a renewed emphasis on safety. Even on the field, players were wearing masks. All meetings were conducted virtually.
Left tackle Sam Tevi said some players experimented Friday with face shields on their helmets.
"Just felt sorry for him," Tevi said of Groy. "You don't wish that on nobody. But good thing we have our protocols that we've been following. We're back in the building and handling our business."
Groy began the season as a backup but started the last three games at right guard in place of Trai Turner, who has a groin injury and remains out.
Veteran Scott Quessenberry finished the game against the Jaguars after Groy hurt his biceps and figures to start Sunday. Lynn also mentioned Cole Toner as an option.
Pipkins has been starting at right tackle for the injured Bryan Bulaga, who is questionable for Sunday because of a back problem. Also questionable is Storm Norton, who is dealing with a knee injury. If Pipkins, Bulaga and Norton can't play against the Broncos, Tyree St. Louis will start, Lynn said.
All the uncertainly up front comes as the Chargers are about to face an AFC West division rival with a defense ranked among the NFL's top 10. The Broncos have 18 sacks through six games.
"We've been doing this the last couple years," Tevi said of the lineup shuffling. "This is nothing new. We're ready for it. We're ready to threw whoever in there and get the ball rolling."
