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Philadelphia Eagles head coach Doug Pederson has tested positive for COVID-19 and the team has been informed, as first reported by ESPN’s Tim McManus.
Filed to ESPN: Eagles coach Doug Pederson has tested positive for the coronavirus, according to sources. He relayed the news to the team tonight after a second positive test confirming the news.
— Tim McManus (@Tim_McManus) August 3, 2020
No current plans to shut down NovaCare facility. Pederson will continue to lead virtually (he and staffer who was in close contact will follow protocol before returning). Duce Staley will man day-to-day at facility, as @Jeff_McLane reported.
— Tim McManus (@Tim_McManus) August 3, 2020
The staffer sent home after being in close contact with Doug Pederson is QB coach/pass game coordinator Press Taylor, sources said. He has tested negative to this point and is following protocol before returning.
— Tim McManus (@Tim_McManus) August 3, 2020
NFL protocol for those who test positive and are asymptomatic: pic.twitter.com/gxek97YNH5
— Tim McManus (@Tim_McManus) August 3, 2020
This is obviously unfortunate news, as the team was scheduled to lead an hour-long walk through tomorrow. Now Duce Staley will lead the team in his stead. The Eagles’ running backs coach also has assistant head coach in his title and has been on the organization’s coaching staff dating back to 2011.
Stay tuned to Bleeding Green Nation as this story unfolds but in the meantime let’s all wish Doug a speedy recovery and hope this is an isolated case.
Pederson is the second known NFL head coach to contract the coronavirus. Sean Payton of the New Orleans Saints tested positive earlier this year back in March.
[UPDATE 9:07 PM]
The Eagles have made it official. It’s good to hear Doug isn’t experiencing any symptoms. Hopefully he’s cleared to return soon.
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) August 3, 2020