The Arizona Cardinals had two positive tests for the coronavirus over the weekend. As a result, linebacker Devon Kennard and cornerback Byron Murphy were placed on the COVID-19 reserve.
How long will they be on there?
Based on the protocols given to the league earlier this season, it depends on whether the players are symptomatic or asymptomatic.
The NFL last night sent to clubs COVID-19 protocols for 2020 training camp and preseason, including this detailed breakdown for handling individuals exposed to someone who tested positive: pic.twitter.com/bX7aQzMZTZ
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) July 4, 2020
If a player tests positive but is asymptomatic, he may return if it has been at least five days since the positive test and he has tested negative on two consecutive tests at least 24 hours apart. Then, it must be approved by the team doctor the league medical office.
Thus far, we do not know whether Kennard or Murphy are symptomatic or not.
It is different if they are symptomatic.
If that is the case, the player cannot return until it has been at least 10 days since the first symptoms and at least 72 hours since they last occurred. It must be approved by the league and also local regulations must be met as well.
If the positive tests happened Saturday, if Murphy or Kennard are asymptomatic, there is the smallest chance that one could be reinstated Friday or Saturday. However, being isolated from the team, they will not have been even present at practice to get mental reps or to know the game plan.
Cardinals fans should not get their hopes up about this weekend and it might not be next weekend either.
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