Eagles safety Marcus Epps tests positive for COVID-19 [UPDATE]

UPDATE: The Eagles officially placed Marcus Epps on the reserve/COVID-19 list, thus opening a roster spot.

ORIGINAL STORY BELOW.

Philadelphia Eagles safety Marcus Epps tested positive for COVID-19, according to a report from NFL insider Tom Pelissero. He adds that Epps is asymptomatic and no other Eagles players tested positive from Wednesday’s results.

The Eagles released a statement following this report:

The Eagles are currently on their bye week but players, coaches, and staff members alike are required to report to the NovaCare Complex for daily testing.

Epps will be placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list while he is isolating away from the team. Here’s hoping he ends up making a quick recovery. Let’s also hope no other players or organization members contract the virus.

The Eagles originally acquired Epps, a sixth-round pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, off waivers from the Minnesota Vikings last year. He’s played the third most defensive snaps of any Eagles safety this year in addition to contributing on special teams. With Epps potentially missing time, Will Parks and K’Von Wallace could be in line for more snaps.

This week hasn’t been a good one for the NFL in terms of testing results. The Eagles will be the 11th team to put a player on the COVID-19 list.

As a reminder, here’s the NFL’s return from COVID protocol:

Following a positive test, if the player is asymptomatic, he can return once:

• 10 days have passed since the initial positive test; OR
• Five days have passed since the initial positive test and the player receives two consecutive negative PCR virus tests at least 24 hours apart within that five-day period

Following a positive test, if the player demonstrates symptoms, he can return once:

• At least 10 days have passed since symptoms first appeared; AND
• At least 72 hours have passed since he last experienced symptoms

All players must get clearance from the club’s Head Physician in both cases.